Detection of TBE-virus in the European hedgehog

European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are often infested by ticks, leading to the conclusion that they can also carry tick-borne pathogens, which may not only be relevant to the health of the animals, but may also pose a... [ view full abstract ]

European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are often infested by ticks, leading to the conclusion that they can also carry tick-borne pathogens, which may not only be relevant to the health of the animals, but may also pose a zoonotic risk. In Switzerland, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an important zoonotic disease caused by the flavivirus tick-borne encephalitis-virus (TBEV). Not much is known about its presence in hedgehogs. In this study, 65 European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and its ticks were analysed in order to receive first indications on the presence of TBEV in this species. For the detection of viral RNA, lungs, liver, spleen and kidney of 56 hedgehogs as well as 114 ticks were analysed by real-time RT-PCR while antibodies were measured in 19 serum samples using an ELISA. The present study detected for the first time antibodies against TBEV in an European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). The lung and spleen of the same animal were weak-positive for viral RNA. In addition, the affected hedgehog showed neurological symptoms. The virus could not be detected in any of the ticks.