Mycological Survey and Antifungal Susceptibility Evaluation of Candida albicans Isolates in European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus)

TL;DR

This study found that European hedgehogs carry Candida albicans, a yeast that is highly susceptible to antifungal treatments, highlighting the need for public health awareness.

Contribution

The study provides new data on the prevalence and antifungal susceptibility of Candida albicans in European hedgehogs.

Findings

Candida albicans was the most common yeast found in 25.6% of sampled hedgehogs.

All Candida albicans isolates showed high susceptibility to antifungal treatments.

Dermatophytes were rare, with only one case of Paraphyton mirabile observed.

Abstract

European hedgehogs can pose health risks to humans, particularly in areas where they live in close contact. A study of 134 hedgehogs (2020–2023) examined potential zoonotic fungi. While dermatophytes were rare (with only one case of Paraphyton mirabile observed), yeasts were more common, detected in 25.6% of the sampled hedgehogs. The most frequent yeast was Candida albicans, followed by Yarrowia lipolytica, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and Meyerozyma guilliermondii. Candida albicans isolates showed high susceptibility to antifungal treatments. This study highlights the importance of monitoring fungal species in wildlife and raising public awareness to protect human health.

European hedgehogs are an important reservoir for many pathogens of health interest. Since hedgehogs live in close contact with humans, potential zoonotic fungi raise significant public health concerns, especially in areas with a high hedgehog density. From 2020 to 2023, 134 hedgehogs were surveyed for potential zoonotic fungi. Non-invasive methods were used, such as brushing live animals with a sterile toothbrush and taking oral and rectal swabs from deceased ones (86 animals). Dermatophytes were cultured on Dermasel agar and identified using molecular tools, while yeasts were isolated on Sabouraud agar with chloramphenicol and determined using Candida Chromogenic agar (MicroBiolDiagnostici®, Cagliari, Italy) and MALDI-TOF (Microflex LT Smart Biotyper with FlexControlBiotyper 3.4 software, Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for Candida albicans isolates. Dermatophytes were found in just one hedgehog (0.8%, 95% C.I.: 0–0.04), identified as Paraphyton mirabile. Yeasts were detected in 22 of 86 hedgehogs (25.6%, 95% C.I.: 16.4–34.8), with 25 isolates obtained, including 21 Candida albicans, 2 Yarrowia lipolytica, 1 Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and 1 Meyerozyma guilliermondii. All C. albicans isolates showed a high susceptibility to the antimycotic panel tested. Monitoring zoonotic fungi harbored by European hedgehogs, as well as raising public awareness on the topic, is of great importance for public health.

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