FATAL CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS IN A JUVENILE CAPTIVE AFRICAN HEDGEHOG (ATELETRIX ALBIVENTRIS)

Fatal intestinal cryptosporidiosis of unknown source and unexplained e pizootiology is reported in a neonatal captive African hedgehog (Atele trix albiventris) and for the first time in a hedgehog species. The in fection, confined to ileum, jejunum, and colon, was extremely severe i n the lower jejunum where over 75% of the epithelial cells harbored th e pathogen. The ileum and the jejunum displayed moderate and severe vi llus atrophy and mucosal hyperplasia. Lamina propria and mucosa were i nfiltrated by eosinophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages. Developmental stages of Cryptosporidium sp. produced a positive reaction with immun ofluorescent antibody for detection of the human pathogen, Cryptospori dium parvum. Personnel of captive centers with hedgehogs should be ale rted and undertake appropriate precautions to prevent zoonotic transmi ssion. Commercially offered hedgehog-pets may pose a risk for Cryptosp oridium infection for human immunodeficiency virus-infected people.