Atelerix Albiventris Research Articles

Museum specimens shedding light on the evolutionary history and cryptic diversity of the hedgehog family Erinaceidae.

The family Erinaceidae encompasses 27 extant species in two subfamilies: Erinaceinae, which includes spiny hedgehogs, and Galericinae, which comprises silky-furred gymnures and moonrats. Although they are commonly recognized by the general public, their phylogenetic history remains incompletely understood, and several species have never been included in any molecular analyses. Additionally, previous research suggested that the species diversity of Erinaceidae might be underestimated. In this study, we sequenced the mitochondrial genomes of 29 individuals representing 18 erinaceid species using 18 freshly collected tissue and 11 historical museum specimens. We also integrated previously published data for a concatenated analysis. We aimed to elucidate the evolutionary relationships within Erinaceidae, estimate divergence times, and uncover potential underestimated species diversity. Our data finely resolved intergeneric and interspecific relationships and presented the first molecular evidence for the phylogenetic position of Mesechinus wangi, Paraechinus micropus, and P. nudiventris. Our results revealed a sister relationship between Neotetracus and Neohylomys gymnures, as well as a sister relationship between Hemiechinus and Mesechinus, supporting previous hypotheses. Additionally, our findings provided a novel phylogenetic position for Paraechinus aethiopicus, placing it in a basal position within the genus. Furthermore, our study uncovered cryptic species diversity within Hylomys suillus as well as in Neotetracus sinensis, Atelerix albiventris, P. aethiopicus, and Hemiechinus auratus, most of which have been previously overlooked.

Effects of oral capromorelin on food intake and body weight in healthy, four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)

Background: Although inappetence is a common clinical sign in ill four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris), there is limited information on the use of appetite stimulants in this species. Capromorelin is a growth hormone secretagogue that acts as a selective ghrelin receptor agonist. It has been demonstrated to increase food intake in dogs and cats with normal appetite as well as in dogs with inappetence. Methods: The effects of capromorelin on food intake and body weight were studied in a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, complete cross-over study in 10 healthy adult hedgehogs. Baseline food intake and body weight were recorded, and hedgehogs were administered either capromorelin (10 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume (0.33 mL/kg) of an oral compounding vehicle PO via syringe daily in the early evening for 5 days. Food intake and body weight were measured daily for 4 days following the last dose. Results: Hedgehogs produced foamy saliva during oral administration regardless of treatment. Over the 5-day treatment period, hedgehogs administered capromorelin ate more food (median: 11%, range: -37 to 71%) than hedgehogs in the control group, and 7/10 (70%) hedgehogs administered capromorelin had an increase in food intake. However, this change in food intake was not statistically significantly different when compared to the control group. Body weight did not increase following capromorelin administration. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Unlike in other species, repeated daily oral administration of capromorelin doses at 10 mg/kg does not appear to induce the same degree of appetite stimulation in hedgehogs. Further research is needed to determine if capromorelin is effective in hedgehogs with inappetence.

Establishment of a histiocytic sarcoma cell line and anti-tumor effect of bortezomib in the African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).

The African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) is known to have a high incidence of tumor. However, investigating the tumors of this species has been constrained by the limited availability of research materials such as cell lines and genome information. In this study, we successfully established a novel cell line from a histiocytic sarcoma (HS) of an African pygmy hedgehog, allowing us to conduct a drug screening. We investigated using FDA-approved drug library screening to determine which anticancer drug this tumor cell line is sensitive to, and as a result of apoptosis experiments, bortezomib among the three proteasome inhibitors was found to induce cell death of cancer cells by significantly increasing caspase-3 cleavage (P<0.01). Thus, we elucidated that the proteasome inhibitors, particularly bortezomib, exhibit anti-tumor effects on a cell line derived from an HS in an African pygmy hedgehog through a mechanism comparable to that described in human tumors. This study reports the first characterized cell line from the African pygmy hedgehog and also highlights the potential utility of bortezomib as an anti-tumor treatment for HS in this species.

First report of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Erinaceus europaeus and Hemiechinus auritus hedgehogs from recovery centers of Portugal.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi microsporidia are emerging pathogens infecting a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, known to have zoonotic features since they infect both wild and domestic animals, and humans. Despite their significance, there is very limited epidemiological data on microsporidia in hedgehogs, especially European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus auritus), the former known as synantropic hedgehogs, and the latter suited as pets. As such, the present study aimed to assess the presence of E. bieneusi in hedgehogs from Portugal. For this purpose, fecal samples from 110 hedgehogs of three species-E. europaeus (n=106), H. auritus (n=1), and Atelerix albiventris (n=3)-were collected and tested for E. bieneusi by PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer region and the flanking small and large subunits of the rRNA. We found an overall occurrence of 22.7% (25/110; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.28-31.70), with 22.6% (24/106; 95% [CI]: 15.08-31.79) in E. europaeus, 100% (1/1) in H. auritus, and 0% in A. albiventris. Interestingly, three novel genotypes were identified, all belonging to the potentially zoonotic Group 1. Our findings highlight the importance of hedgehogs as potential reservoirs for E. bieneusi and emphasize the need for further research to understand their role in transmission dynamics and assess the associated risks to public and veterinary health.

The macromorphological structure of the rhomboid brain of the whitebellied hedgehog

The nervous system is one of the leading integrating systems of the body. In combination with the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, it unites the body into a single whole. The nervous system controls the level of adaptive reactions of a living organism to changing environmental conditions. The white-bellied hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) is a representative of the order of insectivorous animals. The purpose of our study is to study the macromorphology of individual anatomical structures of the brain of the white-bellied hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris). The material for the study was three heterosexual animals of the white-bellied hedgehog species (Atelerix albiventris) aged 1-4 years, obtained from private veterinary clinics. The methods used to study the brain of the white-bellied hedgehog included: fine anatomical dissection, morphometry, photography, and weighing. The work was carried out at the Department of Animal Anatomy of the St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine. The brain of the whitebellied hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) (Figure 1, 2.) is arranged in accordance with the general plan of the structure of the mammalian brain, however, it is distinguished by the primitiveness of its development and is classified as lissencephalic in appearance. The average weight of cadaver material from females and males was 200.00±16.09 grams. There was no statistically significant difference between the body weight of females and males. It was also found that the caudal colliculi of the quadrigeminal are comparatively smaller than the cranial colliculi in both sexes, which allows us to conclude that the visual analyzer is relatively better developed in this species than the auditory one. The obtained materials can be used as reference material for continuing research on the brain of the white-bellied hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), as well as in comparative morphology and physiology of humans and animals.

A haplotype-resolved genome reveals the genetic basis of spine formation in Atelerix albiventris

A haplotype-resolved genome reveals the genetic basis of spine formation in Atelerix albiventris

Assessment of owner investment in African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) welfare by feeding, housing, enrichment, hygiene, and health practice

Assessment of owner investment in African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) welfare by feeding, housing, enrichment, hygiene, and health practice

Subcutaneous hydromorphone hydrochloride provides antinociception with transient adverse effects in four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris).

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hydromorphone administered SC in four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris). 12 healthy adult hedgehogs. Hedgehogs underwent 2 randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, complete crossover studies. Hind limb withdrawal latencies in response to an acute thermal noxious stimulus were measured to evaluate the antinociceptive efficacy of hydromorphone. Baseline latencies were obtained prior to injection and collected again at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours following injection. Based on pilot studies, single doses of SC hydromorphone at 0.15 and 0.3 mg/kg were evaluated for efficacy in crossover trials. Safety of single (0.15 and 0.3 mg/kg) and multiple doses of hydromorphone (0.3 mg/kg, SC, q 4 h, for 3 doses) was also assessed. In addition to monitoring behavior during latency measurements, animals were evaluated for overt sedation and daily changes in food intake, body weight, and running wheel activity for 6 days after injection to evaluate for adverse effects. Hydromorphone at 0.15 mg/kg provided antinociception lasting < 4 hours, and 0.3 mg/kg provided antinociception lasting < 6 hours. Hydromorphone produced transient abnormal behaviors at both doses, including vocalization, chewing motions of the jaw, and paw raising. There were no statistically significant differences in body weight or running wheel activity between treatments for single or multiple doses of hydromorphone. Three doses of 0.3 mg/kg hydromorphone (q 4 h) produced a statistically significant decrease (median, -9.7%; range, -64% to 10%) in 6-day total food intake. Subcutaneous hydromorphone (0.15 to 0.3 mg/kg) can be used for short-term antinociception with transient adverse effects in hedgehogs.

Vertebral formulae and congenital vertebral anomalies in African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vertebral formulae and congenital vertebral anomalies in African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris). Sixty-five African pygmy hedgehogs (APHs) of both sexes were used in this retrospective study. Assessment of whole-body radiographs was done and five different vertebral formulae were recognized with C7/Th14/L6/S4/Cd8-12 (46.15% of APHs) being the most common. Other detected formulae were C7/Th14/L6/S3/Cd10-11 (7.69% of APHs), C7/Th14/L5/S4/Cd9-11 (13.85% of APHs), C7/Th15/L5/S4/Cd9-12 (13.85% of APHs), C7/Th13/L6/S4/Cd10 (1.54% of APHs). Presacral formula C7/Th14/L6 was the most common, detected in 53.85% of APHs. Congenital vertebral anomalies were detected in 11/65 (16.92%) APHs. Most of them were localized in the thoracolumbar junction in the form of a transitional vertebra (10/65; 15.38% of APHs) and one block vertebra was detected (1/65; 1.54% of APHs). No significant association with gender was detected.

Efficacy and safety of subcutaneous methadone hydrochloride in four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris).

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of SC methadone in four-toed hedgehogs. 9 to 12 healthy adult four-toed hedgehogs (7 to 9 males and 3 females). Hedgehogs underwent 3 randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, complete crossover studies. Hind limb withdrawal latencies in response to an acute thermal noxious stimulus were measured to evaluate the antinociceptive efficacy of methadone. Single doses of SC methadone were evaluated at 0.5 and 1 mg/kg for dose-dependent effects. Additionally, methadone (1.5 mg/kg) was administered at different concentrations to assess the effect of injection volume on antinociceptive efficacy. Finally, the safety of multiple doses of methadone (1.5 mg/kg, SC, q 2 h, for 3 doses) was also evaluated. In addition to monitoring behavior during latency measurements, animals were assessed for overt sedation. Food intake, body weight, and running wheel activity were assessed daily for 6 days following methadone administration to evaluate for adverse effects. Methadone at 1 and 1.5 mg/kg provided antinociception lasting < 2 hours, and injection volume had no significant effect on efficacy. Methadone at 0.5 mg/kg did not induce antinociception. Methadone produced transient abnormal behaviors in all hedgehogs, with more animals affected at the 1.5-mg/kg dose. Behaviors included periods of standing motionless, vocalization, chewing motions, and paw raising. Single- or multiple-dose administration of methadone had no significant effect on total food intake, body weight, or running wheel activity. The results of this study provide additional information on providing analgesia to hedgehogs. Subcutaneous methadone (1 to 1.5 mg/kg) can be used for short-term antinociception in hedgehogs.

Bilateral renal dysplasia with systemic fibrous osteodystrophy in a four-toed hedgehog (Atelerixalbiventris)

A 4-month-old female four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) presented with lethargy, anorexia, dyspnoea and weight loss. Following death, post-mortem computed tomography (CT) and an autopsy were performed. CT revealed that the external surfaces of bones, including the cranial bones and vertebrae, were rough and osteolytic lesions were present multifocally in the ribs and some appendicular bones. On gross examination, both kidneys were severely enlarged and, on cut sections, a few cysts (up to 1 mm diameter) were present in the medulla. The cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were diffusely enlarged with deformation of the intervertebral discs. Histologically, there were immature glomeruli and tubules and adenomatoid/atypical epithelium in the kidneys. These changes were interpreted as renal dysplasia. In the bones evaluated, the trabeculae were thinner than normal, decreased in number and surrounded by many osteoclasts, with abundant fibrous connective tissue between atrophied trabeculae. These changes were consistent with fibrous osteodystrophy. Although kidney diseases are common in four-toed hedgehogs, there are no reports of congenital renal diseases, including renal dysplasia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the clinical and pathological features of renal dysplasia with fibrous osteodystrophy in a four-toed hedgehog.

Speedy Recovery of Subcutaneous Abscess and The Presence of Overgrown Nails in A Pygmy Hedgehog: A Case Report

This study reported that a 15-month-old intact female African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was presented to IPB University Veterinary Teaching Hospital to evaluate a 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm × 0.5 cm mass on the left ventral thorax, three days after the mass was first discovered by the owner. Overgrown nails were observed on all four toes of each of the four limbs of the hedgehog. The body weight was 150 g, and the axial temperature was 36.5°C. The heart and respiratory rates were 180 per minute and 40 per minute, respectively. After a thorough physical examination, the patient was diagnosed with subcutaneous abscesses and overgrown nails. The abscess was surgically resected using a local anesthetic. The overgrown nails were trimmed to prevent further injury and the recurrence of abscesses. Following surgery, the hedgehog was discharged directly from the hospital and treated using Amoxicillin 15 mg/kg per oral every 12 hours for seven days, daily routine wound cleaning with sodium chloride, and topical powder of neomycin sulfate 5 mg/g and bacitracin 250 IU/g. The patient responded effectively to the systemic treatment, and medical signs and symptoms resolved. The hedgehog fully recovered from the subcutaneous abscess 14 days after the first hospital visit. No recurrence was reported in the subsequent month after resolution.

Retrospective evaluation of wobbly hedgehog syndrome in 49 African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris): 2000-2020.

To retrospectively evaluate the prevalence and clinical progression of wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS) and concurrent incidence of neoplasia in a cohort of African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris). 49 hedgehogs. Medical records of hedgehogs from 7 institutions across the US over a 20-year period (2000 to 2020) were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were hedgehogs of any sex or age with postmortem CNS histopathology consistent with WHS. Collected data included sex, age at onset and euthanasia, major histopathologic findings, reported neurologic clinical signs, and treatments administered. 24 males and 25 females were included. Fifteen of 49 (31%) individuals had subclinical WHS with no reported antemortem neurologic clinical signs. In neurologically affected (clinical) hedgehogs (n = 34), the mean ± SD age at onset was 3.3 ± 1.5 years with a median (range) time from onset to euthanasia of 51 days (1 to 319 days). In neurologically affected hedgehogs, the most commonly reported clinical signs were ataxia (n = 21) and pelvic limb paresis (16) and the most commonly administered treatment was meloxicam (13). Overall, 31 of 49 (63%) hedgehogs had a concurrent histopathologic diagnosis of neoplasia outside of the CNS. The prognosis for hedgehogs with WHS is poor. No treatment had a significant effect on survival time, and neoplasia was a common comorbidity in the current cohort. A small but clinically relevant subset of neurologically normal hedgehogs had a histopathologic diagnosis of WHS.

Wobbly hedgehog syndrome- a progressive neurodegenerative disease

Wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS) has been long considered to be a myelin disease primarily affecting the four-toed hedgehog. In this study, we have shown for the first time that demyelination is accompanied by extensive remyelination in WHS. However, remyelination is not enough to compensate for the axonal degeneration and neuronal loss, resulting in a progressive neurodegenerative disease reminiscent of progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in humans. Thus, understanding the pathological features of WHS may shed light on the disease progression in progressive MS and ultimately help to develop therapeutic strategies for both diseases.

First Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in White Rhinoceros during a Small-Scale Coronavirus Surveillance in the Bandia Reserve, Senegal.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has heightened interest in the monitoring and surveillance of coronaviruses in wildlife. Testing for the virus in animals can provide valuable insights into viral reservoirs, transmission, and pathogenesis. In this study, we present the results of the molecular surveillance project focused on coronaviruses in Senegalese wildlife. During the project, we screened fecal samples of the wild animals living in the Bandia Reserve (ten non-human primates, one giraffe, and two white rhinoceros) and the free-living urban population of African four-toed hedgehogs in Ngaparou. The results showed the absence of coronaviruses in hedgehogs, non-human primates, and a giraffe. A single positive sample was obtained from a white rhinoceros. The sequencing results of amplified RdRp gene confirmed that the detected virus was SARS-CoV-2. This study represents the first documented instance of molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 in white rhinoceros and, therefore, extends our knowledge of possible SARS-CoV-2 hosts.

Cryptosporidium equi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae): Biological and genetic characterisations

The horse genotype is one of three common Cryptosporidium spp. in equine animals and has been identified in some human cases. The species status of Cryptosporidium horse genotype remains unclear due to the lack of extensive morphological, biological, and genetic data. In the present study, we have conducted biological and whole genome sequence analyses of an isolate of the genotype from hedgehogs and proposed to name it Cryptosporidium equi n. sp. to reflect its common occurrence in equine animals. Oocysts of C. equi measured 5.12 ± 0.36 μm × 4.46 ± 0.21 μm with a shape index of 1.15 ± 0.08 (n = 50). Cryptosporidium equi was infectious to 3-week-old four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) and mice, with a prepatent period of 2–9 days and a patent period of 30–40 days in hedgehogs. It was not infectious to rats and rabbits. Phylogenetic analyses of small subunit rRNA, 70 kDa heat shock protein, actin, 60 kDa glycoprotein and 100 other orthologous genes revealed that C. equi is genetically distinct from other known Cryptosporidium species and genotypes. The sequence identity between C. equi and Cryptosporidium parvum genomes is 97.9%. Compared with C. parvum, C. equi has lost two MEDLE genes and one insulinase-like protease gene and gained one SKSR gene. In addition, 60 genes have highly divergent sequences (sequence differences ≥ 5.0%), including those encoding mucin-like glycoproteins, insulinase-like peptidases, and MEDLE and SKSR proteins. The genetic uniqueness of C. equi supports its increasing host range and the naming of it as a valid Cryptosporidium species. This is the first known use of whole genome sequence data in delineating new Cryptosporidium species.

Dermatologic Diseases of Four-Toed Hedgehogs.

Dermatologic diseases are frequently diagnosed in the four-toed hedgehog. Common clinical signs include spine loss, scales and crusts, pruritus, alopecia, and masses. Caparinia tripilis, family Psoroptidae, is the most common mite affecting hedgehogs, and is diagnosed via light microscopy. Dermatophytosis from Trichophyton erinacei infection is a common zoonotic dermatologic disease in pet hedgehogs. Diagnosis is through fungal culture. Neoplasia is another major cause of dermatologic diseases in four-toed hedgehogs. The diagnostic approach typically begins with a fine-needle aspirate but often requires a biopsy for a definitive diagnosis.

Histological, lectin histochemical and immunohistochemical study on the normal kidneys and renal lesions of African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)

Histological, lectin histochemical and immunohistochemical study on the normal kidneys and renal lesions of African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)

Diversity and Density of Small Mammal Species with Different Seasons and Habitats in Federal University Gashua, Yobe State, North-east Zone of Nigeria

The study examined diversity and density of small mammal species with different seasons and habitats in Federal University Gashua, Yobe State, North-East, Nigeria. The university environment was divided in to four (4) habitat types, namely; University residential area (URA), Acacia woodlot (AWL), Lake Area (LA) and Farm Land (LF) were used for the study. Small Mammal species survey was carried out for the period of six (6) months from August to October, 2022 (wet season) and January, to March, 2023 (dry season). Capture Mark–Recapture (CMR) and indirect observations methods were adopted; Survey was conducted using spring door traps of different sizes set at the habitat types during late evening hours 6:00 pm and checked in the morning hours from 6:00-8:30am for four (4) days per week with each habitat types being visited one day per week, making total of (96) man-days. Each habitat type was visited twice a day (morning and evening) which gave a total of (65;60) trapping night in both wet and dry seasons, the number decreased to 60 trapping night in the dry season was due to the wearing a way of vegetation cover. (32) Visits per habitat types and one (1) night survey per month. A total of ten (10) species of small mammals belonging to ten (10) families and seven (7) orders were recorded in the study. African Hedgehog Atelerix albiventris and White toothed shrew Crocidura flavescens were the most occurring species across The findings of the study shows that the overall diversity index was (1.692), where Four-toed hedgehog Atelerix albiventris had the highest species diversity90.363) and estimated population density of (64.44) followed by Giant pouched rat Cricetomys gambianus with (0.277; 0.018) respectively, Cape hare Lepus capensis and Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon who’s having the lowest diversity of (0.017) with (0. 564) density each in the study area. The month of February has higher number of captured percentage with (24%) in dry season, followed by October with (19%) in the wet season, the lowest capture percentage occurred with August (14%) in the wet season. University Residential Area had more number of individual species having (37.82 %), while Farm land had the least captured percentage of(16.85%).The trap success in both wet season and dry season’s period were (33.04%; 21.67%)respectively. Habitat alteration and destruction due to ongoing constructions project, mainly for university deployment might have accounted for small mammal species low diversity and density in Federal University Gashua.

Diagnosis and treatment of a novel Mycobacterium haemophilum associated pneumonia in an African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)

AbstractAn unknown age (at least 1.5‐year old), male, entire African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was presented for decreased appetite, lethargy and laboured breathing. Pulmonary radiographic lesions consistent with pneumonia were noted in serial computed tomography scans. The hedgehog initially responded well to treatment with azithromycin and orbifloxacin for several months, but its health declined upon discontinuation of treatment. After continued decline despite resumed antibiotic therapy, the patient was humanely euthanised. A postmortem examination was performed, and histologic examination identified severe granulomatous bronchointerstitial pneumonia with intralesional acid‐fast staining bacteria. Samples from the lung and liver were positive for Mycobacterium haemophilum by PCR and further DNA sequencing. This report describes the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of a pulmonary infection caused by M. haemophilum in a hedgehog.