Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract Several bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus are considered as indicators of anti-microbial resistance (AMR) in a wide range of hosts and environments, because they may transfer AMR genes to important pathogenic bacteria. Hedgehog is one of the most important wild species living in urban areas. So, this study aimed to determine AMR against β-lactams and prevalence of colicin genes among various phylotypes of E. coli isolates from hedgehogs in the Kerman, Iran. Totally, 105 E. coli isolates were obtained from 21 hedgehogs (five isolates from each hedgehog). Resistances to the ampicillin (79.10%), cefotaxime (66.70%), and amoxicillin-clavulanate (62.00%) were the most prevalent, and resistance against ceftiofur (39.10%), ceftazidime (39.10%), and ceftriaxone (34.30%) had the lowest prevalence rates. In phenotypic tests, 2.90% of the isolates were extended spectrum β-lactamase producers. The prevalence of β-lactam resistance genes was 26.60% for bla_TEM, 3.80% for bla_CTX-M, 8.50% for bla_SHV, and 1.90% for bla_CMY. The frequency of colicin genes, including E1, V, E2-E9, and Ia.Ib was 5.71, 4.76, 10.47, and 11.42%, respectively. All E. coli isolates were negative for 5.10.K, Y.U, and A.N.S4 genes. Phylogenetically, B1 (49.50%), A (40.90%), and D (5.70%) were identified among the isolates, and 3.80% remained unknown. Wildlife could be considered as a bio-marker to determine the environmental dissemination of AMR. Also, hedgehog may be an important reservoir of antibiotic-resistant and non-pathogenic E. coli strains in urban environments. This study highlights the necessity of E. coli surveillance among domestic and wild animals.

Abstract From April 2009 to December 2011, 44 dead hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) were collected incidentally from areas of Urmia, Iran. The overall prevalence of helminth infections was 95.0%. Specific parasites and their prevalences were: Physalopteraclausa(93.0%), Crenosoma striatum (61.0%), Capillariaaerophila(9.0%), Capillariasspp.(4.0%), Brachylaemuserinacei(2.0%) and Hymenolepiserinacei(16.0%). There were no significant differences in helminth occurrence between hedgehog sexes, either in single or in mixed infections (p > 0.05). The mixed infection involving Crenosoma striatum and P. clausaoccurred significantly more frequently than other mixed infection (p < 0.05).There were significant differences in prevalence among seasons, with the highest prevalence in summer and spring especially among P. clausaand C. striatum (p < 0.05).

Abstract Hedgehogs are small, nocturnal mammals that become popular in the world and have significant role in transmission of zoonotic agents. Some of the agents are transmitted by ticks and fleas such as rickettsial agents. For these reason, a survey on ectoparasites in European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) carried out between April 2006 and December 2007 from different parts of Urmia city, west Azerbaijan, Iran. After being euthanized external surface of body of animals was precisely considered for ectoparasites, and arthropods were collected and stored in 70% ethanol solution. Out of 34 hedgehogs 23 hedgehogs (67.70%) were infested with ticks (Rhipicephalus turanicus). Fleas of the species Archaeopsylla erinacei were found on 19 hedgehogs of 34 hedgehogs (55.90%). There was no significant differences between sex of ticks (p > 0.05) but found in fleas (p < 0.05). The prevalence of infestation in sexes and the body condition of hedgehogs (small, medium and large) with ticks and fleas did not show significant differences (p > 0.05). Highest occurrence of infestation in both tick and flea was in June. Among three seasons of hedgehog collection significant differences was observed (p < 0.05). The result of our survey revealed that infestation rate in hedgehog was high. According to zoonotic importance of this ectoparasite and ability to transmission of some pathogens, more studies are needed to investigate hedgehog parasites in different parts of Iran.