Pearsonema: bladder capillariosis in cats
6-year-old cat from a country house, a hunter, with intermittent pollakiuria and mild haematuria. The sediment of urine collected by cystocentesis shows oval, yellowish eggs with plugs at both poles. Urine culture is negative.
Which statement is correct?
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A. They are Trichuris eggs that have contaminated the urine; they are not significant
Urine was collected by cystocentesis, which rules out faecal contamination. The eggs come from worms living in the bladder mucosa.
B. They indicate a bacterial infection; treat with antibiotics for four weeks
The culture is negative and the eggs are parasitic. Antibiotics do not remove the parasite and promote resistance.
C. It is bladder capillariosis (Pearsonema): the cat is infected by eating earthworms; if there are signs, it is treated with an antiparasitic and the sediment repeated
Correct. Pearsonema plica (dogs, also cats) and P. feliscati (cats) live in the bladder. Earthworms act as intermediate hosts. Many infections are subclinical; with cystitis, fenbendazole or macrocyclic lactones have been used, confirming the eggs disappear.
D. It is typical feline idiopathic cystitis; the eggs are oxalate crystals
Oxalate crystals are transparent, envelope- or dumbbell-shaped, with no polar plugs. Idiopathic cystitis can only be diagnosed after ruling out causes like this one.
lightbulb Key takeaway
With bipolar-plugged eggs in urine, think of Pearsonema. If they appear in a free-catch sample, remember that Eucoleus or Trichuris eggs from faeces can also contaminate it: cystocentesis clarifies the origin.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.