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

Abstract

Pearsonema plica is a nematode commonly found in wild carnivores and occasionally in do mestic dogs, where infections are often overlooked. This cross-sectional study investigated its prevalence in 88 hunting dogs from five districts in Serbia between October 2021 and May 2024. Urine samples were examined via light microscopy, and molecular analyses (PCR and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene). Presence of P. plica eggs was found in 20.45% of the tested dogs. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the obtained isolates with reference sequences of P. plica. Hunting activity within two months prior to sampling and irregular or infrequent deworming were significantly associated with higher infection rates. Dogs showing urinary symptoms were more likely to test positive. This study provides the first molecularly confirmed data on P. plica infection in hunting dogs in Serbia and indicates that urinary capillariosis in dogs and the need for greater clinical awareness. However, due to the limited sample size and potential sampling bias, the results should be interpreted with caution. Further large-scale and longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the epidemiology and clinical relevance of this infection in domestic dogs.