Can the European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) Be a Sentinel for One Health Concerns?

Abstract

Erinaceus europaeus is a cosmopolitan mammalian species broadly distributed in Europe, from natural to suburban areas. Due to its ecological role and susceptibility to distinct zoonotic agents, E. europaeus could be a suitable sentinel candidate for many global problems that negatively affect human and animal health. Hedgehogs can work as bioindicators to environmental contamination and can be hosts for multiple tickborne zoonotic agents. Thus, people who directly or indirectly make physical contact with this species are exposed to a variety of threats. Moreover, it has also been studied as an indicator for antibiotic resistance, which was already confirmed for tetracyclines. Additionally, it was also reported as a reservoir for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). More recently, hedgehogs have been recently recognised as potential reservoirs of MERS-CoV-like strains. Among other animals, this species can possibly represent an intermediate reservoir for SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this review is to briefly expose the scientific attainments about hedgehog health, namely agents, diseases, and threats that significantly affect general health concerns and that contribute to achieve One Health principles.

Endoparasite Infections of the European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in Central Italy

“…The European hedgehog, Erinaceus europaeus , is a nocturnal synanthropic mammal, widely distributed in Europe [ 1 , 2 ]. In Italy, the European hedgehog is a protected wildlife species under the Bern convention (included in Appendix III of Bern convention) and national law 157/1992.…”

“…Additionally, some parasite species recorded in the hedgehog may show a zoonotic potential, such as Cryptosporidium spp. [ 2 , 18 ], while other parasites, such as Physaloptera clausa , may act as vectors for human pathogens such as Leptospira spp. [ 19 ].…”

“…The ecological and feeding habits of the European hedgehogs, along with their high population densities, synanthropic attitudes and common contacts with both wild and domestic animals, implicate the potential involvement of this species in the maintenance and spread of parasites with zoonotic potential or also infecting other wild and domestic animal species, such as Eucoleus aerophilus [ 2 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Despite this and the popularity of the hedgehog, few studies have explored the endoparasite fauna of the hedgehog in Italy [ 1 , 23 , 24 , 25 ], compared to other European countries.…”

Do Urban Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) Represent a Relevant Source of Zoonotic Diseases?

“…Nevertheless, hedgehogs can be assumed to be stable in most European countries [ 14 , 15 ]. The diet of a hedgehog is usually composed of earthworms, slugs, and insects; however, they may also eat small prey (as mice, snakes, and birds), eggs, and pet food offered by people [ 16 ], which enhances close contact with people.…”

“…The population of hedgehogs may reveal a significant prevalence of zoonotic vector-borne diseases (such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.)) that may infect other hosts through ticks and fleas [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. They may also carry skin dermatophytes (such as Trichophyton erinacei ) [ 21 , 22 ], and a variety of bacteria and protozoa ( Salmonella spp., Leptospira spp., Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp., etc.)…”