First detection and preliminary molecular characterisation of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in French European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus)
Résumé
Background and aims
The protozoan parasites Giardia sp. and Cryptosporidium sp are responsible of morbidity and mortality of immunocompromised and immunodeficient people. Their zoonotic potential, together with the identification of reservoirs among several wild animal species underlines the need to identify potential sources of transmission. The European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) has been identified as susceptible host. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether these infectious agents circulate among hedgehogs from (peri)urban areas in France, and to what extent the presence of these pathogens in hedgehogs poses a risk to public health. In order to determine the circulation of Cryptosporidum and Giardia species, we decided to recover faecal samples from hedgehogs hosted at the Wildlife Hospital from the Veterinary College of Alfort (CHUV-FS, EnvA).
Methods
Faecal samples from 181 hedgehogs were recovered at arrival to the CHUV-FS between June 2019 and February 2020. Samples were prepared and analysed by immunofluorescence. Positive samples were further characterised by PCR and sequencing. Epidemiological data such as age (weight), origin, cause of entry (nutritional, traumatic, infectious) was compiled and statistically analysed.
Results
We confirmed that European hedgehogs from (sub)urban areas of Paris region are reservoirs of Cryptosporidium and Giardia species with zoonotic potential. We obtained an overall prevalence of 12,7% and 13,2% for Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia sp., respectively. After molecular analysis, Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia duodenalis from the AI assembly were identified. Most positive hedgehogs did not show digestive clinical signs, and only two out of 20 animals with diarrhoea were positive to Giardia.
Conclusions
The role of the European hedgehog in the spreading of zoonotic parasites and the consequences for Public Health in France deserve to be further studied. Furthermore, the control measures needed to avoid transmission between animals and to caregivers working in Wildlife Centres will be discussed.