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Kottferová L, Molnár L, Major P, Sesztáková E, Kuzyšinová K, Vrabec V, Kottferová J. Hedgehog Dermatophytosis: Understanding Trichophyton erinacei Infection in Pet Hedgehogs and Its Implications for Human Health. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1132. [PMID: 38132733 PMCID: PMC10744110 DOI: 10.3390/jof9121132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pet hedgehogs, which are increasingly favoured companions, have garnered attention due to their potential as carriers of zoonotic diseases. These small insectivorous mammals, native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, are commonly kept as pets. The encroachment of humans into hedgehog habitats has brought these animals closer to people, raising concerns about disease transmission. This article reviews the current knowledge regarding zoonotic disease associated with pet hedgehogs, with a particular focus on mycotic infections caused by Trichophyton erinacei. Data from various regions and hedgehog species are synthesised to assess the significance of pet hedgehogs as potential reservoirs and transmitters of zoonotic pathogens. Our study highlights the importance of understanding the health risks associated with pet hedgehogs and underscores the need for continued research to mitigate zoonotic disease transmission from these potentially disease-carrying companions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Kottferová
- Clinic of Birds, Exotic and Free Living Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia; (L.K.); (L.M.); (E.S.); (K.K.); (V.V.)
| | - Ladislav Molnár
- Clinic of Birds, Exotic and Free Living Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia; (L.K.); (L.M.); (E.S.); (K.K.); (V.V.)
| | - Peter Major
- Clinic of Birds, Exotic and Free Living Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia; (L.K.); (L.M.); (E.S.); (K.K.); (V.V.)
| | - Edina Sesztáková
- Clinic of Birds, Exotic and Free Living Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia; (L.K.); (L.M.); (E.S.); (K.K.); (V.V.)
| | - Katarína Kuzyšinová
- Clinic of Birds, Exotic and Free Living Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia; (L.K.); (L.M.); (E.S.); (K.K.); (V.V.)
| | - Vladimír Vrabec
- Clinic of Birds, Exotic and Free Living Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia; (L.K.); (L.M.); (E.S.); (K.K.); (V.V.)
| | - Jana Kottferová
- Department of Public Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia;
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Kottferová L, Molnár L, Čonková E, Major P, Sesztáková E, Szarková A, Slivková M, Kottferová J. Fungal Flora in Asymptomatic Pet Guinea Pigs and Rabbits. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2387. [PMID: 36139247 PMCID: PMC9495200 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal skin diseases are well-recognized diseases with public health implications. The study provides a comprehensive overview and aims to determine the rate of positive fungal cultures to identify the most common fungal species in guinea pigs and rabbits and to determine the rate of asymptomatic carriers in healthy pet animals. This knowledge is essential for understanding disease transmission dynamics and epidemiological situation problems. A total of 167 animals (64 rabbits and 103 guinea pigs) were investigated in this study. The fungi of the genus Penicillium, Rhizopus, Mucor, Cladosporium, and Aspergillus were the most common in the examined animals, and they were isolated from 162 (97%) of the animals enrolled. No fungal growth was observed in 5 animals. In 15 cases (8.98%), we found pathogenic zoonotic dermatophytes (Trichophyton mentagrophytes), which caused several health problems in two humans in contact with affected animals. This study presents the prevalence of fungal flora in pet guinea pigs and rabbits in Slovakia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Kottferová
- Clinic of Birds, Exotic and Free Living Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ladislav Molnár
- Clinic of Birds, Exotic and Free Living Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Eva Čonková
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Peter Major
- Clinic of Birds, Exotic and Free Living Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Edina Sesztáková
- Clinic of Birds, Exotic and Free Living Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Szarková
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Monika Slivková
- Department of Public Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Jana Kottferová
- Department of Public Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia
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Common occurrence of Belerina virus, a novel paramyxovirus found in Belgian hedgehogs. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19341. [PMID: 33168902 PMCID: PMC7653956 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76419-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Common or European hedgehogs can be found throughout Western Europe. They are known carriers of a variety of parasitic and bacterial pathogens, and have also been shown to carry several viruses, including morbilli-like paramyxoviruses, although the pathogenic and zoonotic potential of some of these viruses has yet to be determined. We report here the discovery of a novel paramyxovirus in Belgian hedgehogs, named Belerina virus. The virus was detected by nanopore sequencing of RNA isolated from hedgehog tissue. Out of 147 animals screened in this study, 57 tested positive for Belerina virus (39%), indicating a high prevalence of this virus in the Belgian hedgehog population. Based on its divergence from other known paramyxovirus species, Belerina virus is thought to represent a new species in the family Paramyxoviridae. Phylogenetic analysis groups Belerina virus together with the bat-borne Shaan virus within the genus Jeilongvirus, although expanding the tree with partial genomes shows Belerina virus forming a separate subclade within this genus, alongside a yet-unnamed paramyxovirus isolated from a greater tube-nosed bat. In summary, we discuss the complete genome sequence of Belerina virus, a putative new paramyxovirus species commonly found in Belgian hedgehogs.
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Tekin HG, Sigsgaard V, Zachariae C, Hare RK, Arendrup MC, Saunte DML. Would you like to purchase a rodent with dermatophytes? Mycoses 2019; 62:584-587. [PMID: 31050372 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The zoophilic dermatophyte Trichophyton benhamiae has received attention due to increasing infections in human in recent years. Trichophyton benhamiae has been found on asymptomatic rodents from pet shops in several countries posing a potential risk for transmission to humans. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of positive dermatophyte cultures from rodents in Danish pet shops in order to clarify the magnitude of potential sources of zoophilic infections and to prevent further spread. Specimen sampling was performed in 17 Danish pet shops using the brush technique (MacKenzie technique). After incubation, cultures were sent to ITS DNA sequencing for molecular species identification. Pet shop employees were asked to fulfil a five-question survey regarding purchase and procedures of diseased animals. A total of 98 animals were sampled (N = 32 rabbits, N = 32 guinea pigs and N = 34 hamsters). Trichophyton benhamiae was found in 14/98 samples (14%); 12/32 guinea pigs (38%) were positive with T benhamiae, 2/34 (6%) hamsters and 0/32 rabbits (0%). We found that hamsters and particularly guinea pigs from Danish pet shops are common asymptomatic carriers of the dermatophyte T benhamiae. Although a larger study is warranted to test this postulate, and it raises the question if infection control measures should be implemented in pet shops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Gökcer Tekin
- Department of Dermatology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Viktoria Sigsgaard
- Department of Dermatology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Claus Zachariae
- Department of Dermatology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Krøger Hare
- Mycology Unit, Department for Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maiken Cavling Arendrup
- Mycology Unit, Department for Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ditte Marie Lindhardt Saunte
- Department of Dermatology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Mycology Unit, Department for Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Bexton S, Nelson H. Comparison of two systemic antifungal agents, itraconazole and terbinafine, for the treatment of dermatophytosis in European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus). Vet Dermatol 2016; 27:500-e133. [PMID: 27620985 DOI: 10.1111/vde.12378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton erinacei is a common scaling and crusting skin disease affecting European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) admitted to wildlife rescue centres. The application of topical therapy can be challenging because wild hedgehogs are subject to stress and often roll into a ball when handled. Systemic antifungal therapy is more convenient but has not been evaluated in this species. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES To compare the efficacy of oral itraconazole versus oral terbinafine for the treatment of dermatophytosis affecting hedgehogs. ANIMALS A treatment trial was undertaken in a wildlife hospital involving 165 hedgehogs with naturally occurring dermatophytosis. METHODS Animals were randomly divided into two groups and treated with either itraconazole or terbinafine orally for 28 days. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated after 14 and 28 days by mycological culture and clinical dermatological lesion scores. RESULTS Both drugs were well tolerated and clinically effective. After 14 and 28 days of treatment, the respective mycological cure rate was 36.6% and 65.9% for the itraconazole-treated group and 92.8% and 98.8% for the terbinafine-treated group. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Itraconazole and terbinafine were both effective for the treatment of dermatophytosis affecting hedgehogs; however, terbinafine was more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Bexton
- Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) East Winch Wildlife Centre, Station Road, East Winch, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 1NR, UK
| | - Helen Nelson
- Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) East Winch Wildlife Centre, Station Road, East Winch, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 1NR, UK
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Abarca ML, Castellá G, Martorell J, Cabañes FJ. Trichophyton erinacei in pet hedgehogs in Spain: Occurrence and revision of its taxonomic status. Med Mycol 2016; 55:164-172. [PMID: 27486214 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myw057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehogs have increased in popularity as pets in Spain but there are no data of infection rates of this exotic animal with dermatophytes in our country. During the period of 2008-2011 a total of 20 pet hedgehogs (19 African pygmy hedgehogs and 1 Egyptian long-eared hedgehog) suspected of having dermatophytoses were studied. This is the first survey of the occurrence of T. erinacei in household hedgehogs in Spain. The T. erinacei infection rate was 50% (9 out of 19 African pygmy hedgehogs, and the one Egyptian long-eared hedgehog surveyed). Morphological identification of the isolates was confirmed by molecular analysis. All the strains had the same ITS sequence and showed 100% sequence similarity to T. erinacei type strain CBS 511.73 (AB 105793). The Spanish isolates were confirmed as T. erinacei urease positive. On the basis of ITS sequences, T. erinacei is a species close to but separate from the taxa included in the A. benhamiae complex. Review of the current literature on DNA-based methods for identification of species included in this complex has highlighted the urgent need to reach a consensus in species circumscription and classification system accepted by all mycologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Abarca
- Veterinary Mycology Group, Department of Animal Health and Anatomy
| | - G Castellá
- Veterinary Mycology Group, Department of Animal Health and Anatomy
| | - J Martorell
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery and Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - F J Cabañes
- Veterinary Mycology Group, Department of Animal Health and Anatomy
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d'Ovidio D, Grable SL, Ferrara M, Santoro D. Prevalence of dermatophytes and other superficial fungal organisms in asymptomatic guinea pigs in Southern Italy. J Small Anim Pract 2014; 55:355-8. [PMID: 24697671 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Guinea pigs have been indicated as a potential source of zoophilic dermatophytes that cause human dermatomycosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dermatophytes as well as saprophytic fungi in asymptomatic pet guinea pigs in Southern Italy. METHODS Two-hundred pet guinea pigs were enrolled from both private veterinary clinics and pet shops in the Campania region, Italy, from August 2012 to September 2013. Samples were collected using the MacKenzie's toothbrush technique. The plates were incubated for four weeks at 25°C and identification of the fungal colonies was based on both macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. RESULTS Two pathogenic dermatophytes were isolated in 9 (4·5%) of 200 guinea pigs; Epidermophyton species in 2 (1%) and Scopulariopsis species in 7 (3·5%). Saprophytic dermatophytes were isolated from 151 (75·5%) animals enrolled. No fungal growth was observed in 40 (20%) guinea pigs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The results of this study indicate a low prevalence of pathogenic dermatophytes in pet guinea pigs in Southern Italy but the presence of Epidermophyton and Scopulariopsis species in asymptomatic pet guinea pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D d'Ovidio
- Private practitioner, Arzano (Napoli), 80022, Italy
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Kraemer A, Mueller RS, Werckenthin C, Straubinger RK, Hein J. Dermatophytes in pet Guinea pigs and rabbits. Vet Microbiol 2011; 157:208-13. [PMID: 22204790 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2011.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Revised: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM ADDRESSED The frequency of dermatophytes in pet Guinea pigs and rabbits. OBJECTIVES To determine the frequency and types of dermatophytes in pet Guinea pigs and rabbits. METHODS AND APPROACH First, 2153 samples collected from pet Guinea pigs (n=1132) and rabbits (n=1021) with suspected dermatophytosis and submitted to three different laboratories for fungal culture were analysed. Subsequently, healthy Guinea pigs and rabbits, animals with skin lesions and with noncutaneous diseases were examined prospectively for dermatophytes. RESULTS Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes was the most common fungal species isolated (91.6% and 72.3% of positive cultures from Guinea pigs (n=431) and rabbits (n=83), respectively). Animals with positive fungal culture did not show any gender predisposition, but affected animals were younger than those with negative fungal culture (P<0.0001) or than healthy animals of the prospective part of the study. Dermatophytes were isolated from 14/164 healthy Guinea pigs and 0/140 healthy rabbits. In addition, fungal cultures of Guinea pigs with skin lesions (n=26) and other diseases (n=25) were positive in 7.7% and 8.0% respectively. Samples collected from 17 rabbits with skin lesions and 32 rabbits with noncutaneous disease were all negative in culture. CONCLUSIONS T. mentagrophytes is the most common dermatophyte in pet Guinea pigs and rabbits, asymptomatic carriers are regularly seen in Guinea pigs, but not in rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kraemer
- Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstr. 13, D-80539 Muenchen, Germany
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