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

Abstract

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 <i>Candida albicans</i> isolates. Dermatophytes were found in just one hedgehog (0.8%, 95% C.I.: 0–0.04), identified as <i>Paraphyton mirabile</i>. Yeasts were detected in 22 of 86 hedgehogs (25.6%, 95% C.I.: 16.4–34.8), with 25 isolates obtained, including 21 <i>Candida albicans</i>, 2 <i>Yarrowia lipolytica</i>, 1 <i>Rhodotorula mucilaginosa</i>, and 1 <i>Meyerozyma guilliermondii</i>. All <i>C. albicans</i> 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.