Chronic Carriage of Leptospira interrogans Genotype Associated With the Australis Serogroup by Naturally-Infected Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) at a Wildlife Health Centre in Northwestern France

Background

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by bacteria in the genus Leptospira. Basic epidemiological information is crucial to mitigating disease risk but is lacking for leptospirosis; notably, the hosts responsible for maintaining Leptospira remain largely unknown. Frequently observed near human habitations, hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are taken to wildlife rescue centres when found sick or injured. Thus, they may pose a risk to human and animal health if they carry pathogenic Leptospira.

Aims

This study aimed to describe Leptospira carriage in a hedgehog population and the potential clinical impacts of the infection.

Material and Method

We investigated Leptospira carriage frequency and diversity in urine samples from 69 hedgehogs at a wildlife rescue centre, between April and June 2022. We used quantitative PCR, typing of the 16S rRNA and lfb1 genes, variable number tandem repeat and multispacer sequence typing to characterise Leptospira DNA. An analysis of urinary biochemical parameters was conducted to assess renal function.

Results

We detected Leptospira DNA in 25 (35%) of the urine samples, of which 21 were successfully typed. The latter analysis revealed a limited degree of genetic diversity. L. interrogans (n = 19) predominated, and the only genotype detected was related to the Australis serogroup (n = 17). We also noted the presence of L. borgpetersenii (n = 1) and L. kirschneri (n = 1). There was no relationship between infection status and urinalysis parameters.

Conclusion

These results suggest hedgehogs may act as long-term shedders of Leptospira in natural ecosystems.