Occurrence and molecular characterization ofCryptosporidiumspp. genotypes in European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeusL.) in Germany

Abstract

SUMMARYJuvenile hedgehogs having insufficient body weight are often brought for overwintering to hedgehog rehabilitation centres. Faecal samples of juvenile hedgehogs and overwintering hedgehogs (n=188) collected prior to releasing them back into the wilderness were examined for the presence ofCryptosporidiumcoproantigen and oocysts. Altogether 56 (29·8%) submitted samples were positive for coproantigen. Forty-five (39·5%,n=114) of the positive samples originated from newly rescued hedgehogs, while 11 (14·8%,n=74) positive samples were from animals that spent several months at the station. Fifteen samples subjected to PCR-RFLP analysis on the partial 18S rRNA locus suggested the presence ofC. parvum. Multilocus sequence typing on partial 60 kDa glycoprotein gene, 18S rRNA, actin gene, 70 kDa heat shock protein gene sequences revealed 3 different subtype families: IIa, IIc and a new, proposed as VIIa subtype family.Cryptosporidiumsp. genotype belonging to VIIa subtype family is closely related toC. parvumbut is genetically distinct being probably a hedgehog-specificCryptosporidiumsp. genotype with unknown zoonotical potential. Hedgehogs excretingCryptosporidiumoocysts represent a potential source for human infections, but also an anthroponotic nature of the IIc subtype family should be reviewed.