Parasitic Fauna of East European Hedgehog (Erinaceus Concolor) and Their Pathological Aspects in Iran

Abstract

The first objective of the present study was to determine and quantify the diversity of ecto- and endo-parasites of hedgehogs as well as their pathologic lesions in Tabriz, Iran. A total of 42 hedgehogs were collected and examined. The hedgehogs harbored the adults of two ixodidae tick species belonging to two genera, namely Hyalomma excavatum and Rhipicephalus turanicus as well as two flea species of two genera, namely Ctenocephalides canis and Leptopsylla segnis. At necropsy, 173 helminthes were recovered from the internal organs. Phyasaloptera clausa (36.84%), Mullerius capillaries (25.18%) and Hymenolepis diminuta (3%) were recognized in this survey. Microscopically, severe parasitic bronchitis and bronchiolitis, chronic interstitial pneumonia, hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, furunculosis, and chronic fibrosing gastritis were observed. The results of this study represent that hedgehogs are suitable hosts for the above mentioned parasites. Their pathological tissue damages were assessed.