Prevalence and Risk Factors for Pearsonema plica Infection in Hunting Dogs in Serbia

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Molecular Epidemiology
• Canine Health

Background:

• Pearsonema plica is a nematode parasite of carnivores, frequently overlooked in domestic dogs.
• Urinary capillariosis caused by P. plica can affect dogs, necessitating better understanding of its prevalence and risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of Pearsonema plica infection in hunting dogs in Serbia.
• To identify risk factors associated with P. plica infection in this population.
• To provide molecular confirmation of P. plica in Serbian hunting dogs.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 88 hunting dogs from five Serbian districts (October 2021 - May 2024).
• Urine sample analysis using light microscopy and molecular methods (PCR, 18S rRNA gene sequencing).
• Phylogenetic analysis to confirm P. plica isolates.

Main Results:

• Pearsonema plica eggs were detected in 20.45% of the dogs.
• Hunting activity and irregular deworming were significantly associated with higher infection rates.
• Dogs with urinary symptoms were more likely to be infected.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first molecularly confirmed data on P. plica in Serbian hunting dogs.
• Urinary capillariosis is present in this population, warranting greater clinical awareness.
• Further large-scale studies are needed to fully understand the epidemiology and clinical significance.