Free-ranging hedgehogs as sentinels of environmental extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales.

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly among extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE), represents a major challenge at the human-animal-environment interface. We conducted a nationwide study assessing faecal carriage of ESBL-PE in free-ranging hedgehogs, a synanthropic species well adapted to urban environments. Between December 2022 and September 2023, 246 hedgehogs rescued across Israel and admitted to the country's sole wildlife hospital were screened on admission, with all isolates undergoing antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Overall, 71% of hedgehogs carried at least one ESBL-PE isolate, and 2% harboured carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales. Escherichia coli was the predominant species, followed by Citrobacter, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter spp. High resistance rates were observed to quinolones (83%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (46%). Carriage prevalence varied over time, with higher rates observed during months associated with holiday periods and increased outdoor recreational activity. These findings suggest that free-ranging hedgehogs may serve as a complementary sentinel species for monitoring AMR patterns in One Health contexts.