Endoparasites of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in Germany and their zoonotic potential: proposed Capillaria ovoreticulata genetically identified as Capillaria putorii.

ABSTRACT:

Background

European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are frequently infected with a variety of endoparasites. The hedgehogs' synanthropic lifestyle results in frequent contact with pets and humans, posing the risk of parasite spillover from a One Health perspective.

Methods

The present study assessed the endoparasite fauna and excretion intensity of 531 European hedgehogs presented at wildlife rehabilitation centres in Germany. Faecal samples were examined by the combined sedimentation-flotation method, the Baermann technique and FASTest® CRYPTO-GIARDIA Strips (MEGACOR Diagnostik GmbH) from July 2018 to May 2021. Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. positive samples were further differentiated via amplification of the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene and the β-giardin gene, respecti

SUBMITTER: Schutte K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12145657 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature