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Updated: Aug 26, 2025
07:26
Quantitative PCR-based Assay to Measure Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Cellular Model of Ciliogenesis
Published on: January 31, 2025
651
Zoonotic pathogens linked with hedgehog diphtheric disease.
Naomi Terriere1, Evelien Glazemaekers1, Seline Bregman1
1Wildlife Health Ghent, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases
|October 11, 2022
Summary
Hedgehog diphtheric disease (HDD) in European hedgehogs is linked to two zoonotic bacteria. Corynebacterium ulcerans and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infections are associated with hedgehog skin disease and mortality.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Hedgehog diphtheric disease (HDD) is an emerging ulcerative skin disease in European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) with high mortality.
- The multifactorial nature of HDD suggests a role for various zoonotic pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association of zoonotic pathogens with HDD in Belgian hedgehogs.
- To identify key bacterial agents contributing to hedgehog skin pathology and mortality.
Main Methods:
- A panel of zoonotic pathogens was tested in 188 hedgehogs from Belgian wildlife rescue centers.
- Hedgehogs with skin lesions characteristic of HDD were specifically analyzed for pathogen prevalence and association.
Main Results:
- Corynebacterium ulcerans was strongly associated with HDD (67% prevalence in affected animals).
- Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infections were 3.92 times more likely in HDD cases (42% prevalence), including B. afzelii, B. bavariensis, and B. spielmanii.
- Salmonella and Leptospira were prevalent but not associated with HDD.
Conclusions:
- Hedgehogs in Belgium are a significant reservoir for multiple zoonotic bacteria.
- Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato are linked to hedgehog skin disease and mortality, posing a potential zoonotic risk.
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