Widespread Disease in Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) Caused by Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans

Abstract

Toxin-producing Corynebacterium ulcerans, a causative agent of diphtheria in humans, was isolated from 53 hedgehogs in Belgium during the spring of 2020. Isolates showed low levels of acquired antimicrobial drug resistance. Strain diversity suggests emergence from an endemic situation. These findings stress the need for raising public awareness and improved wildlife disease surveillance.

Keywords

• Corynebacterium ulcerans
• bacteria
• diphtheria
• hedgehogs
• Erinaceus europaeus
• disease