Von Igeln auf Menschen

Abstract

The hedgehog is an in Germany previously unrecognized source of human ringworm. Eight hedgehog caretakers from Göttingen and the surrounding area developed dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton erinacei. Four patients who handled the animals without gloves developed lesions on the hands that were more in keeping with hand eczema, leading to a delay in diagnosis. The other caretakers who wore gloves presented with typical ringworm on the arms, the big toe, the back, the abdomen, and the thighs. Their typical clinical features led to an early diagnosis and treatment.

Pustular tinea manuum from Trichophyton erinacei infection

“…Infection typically occurs at the sites of contact—most commonly the hands as in tinea manuum, 1 , 4 , 6 , 7 and less frequently as tinea facei 2 , 8 and tinea kerion barbae. 3 They may present as an erosive inflammatory vesiculopustular eruption 1 , 5 or scaling eczematous plaques mimicking eczema.…”

“…It often causes a localized itchy rash at the size of contact, such as the extremities, and is typically reported in the context of hedgehog exposure. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 …”

Integument Mycobiota of Wild European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) from Catalonia, Spain

“…There are evidences in the literature that pet [26, 27] and wild [13] hedgehogs can be the source of pathogenic fungal infections in humans. The absence of Trichophyton sp .…”

“…Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. erinacei has been isolated in zoophilic dermatophytoses in humans [11, 12] and an outbreak of ringworm in caretakers of wild European hedgehogs was reported in Germany [13]. …”

Zoonotic Potential of Dermatophytosis in Small Mammals

“…erinacei 23 , A. benhamiae 37,38 , and T. erinaci 13,39,40,41 were isolated. Based on research data, guinea pigs are considered the main source of infection for species of A. benhamiae.…”