Prevalence and genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in captive wild hedgehogs (Erinaceus amurensis) in China

Abstract

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is now recognised as an emerging pathogen, which can cause a series of intestinal diseases in humans and animals. However, limited information is available about the occurrence of E. bieneusi in hedgehogs. In this study, a total of 205 fecal samples of captive wild hedgehogs (Erinaceus amurensis) were collected from two wildlife conservation centers in Henan and Anhui provinces, China. Genomic DNA was extracted from the stool samples and screened by nested PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi in captive wild hedgehogs was 44.4% (91/205). Five zoonotic genotypes were identified, including four known genotypes (IV, D, K and WildBoar3) and one new genotype designated (AHCW-1). Of these, genotype IV was the most prevalent in the present study (n = 63; 69.2%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all five genotypes clustered within the zoonotic Group 1, suggesting their zoonotic potential. To our knowledge, this study reports the novel genotype AHCW-1 and provides the first epidemiological data on E. bieneusi in captive wild hedgehogs from Henan and Anhui Provinces, China. The identification of these zoonotic genotypes in captive wild hedgehogs indicates that these animals may serve as a potential reservoir, highlighting the need for further investigation into zoonotic transmission to humans in the studied regions.