Molecular Detection of <i>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</i> in the European Hedgehog ( <i>Erinaceus europaeus</i> ) and its Ticks

Abstract

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a common wild mammal in Central Europe that shares habitats with humans in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. Thus, this species may play a role in human contact with zoonotic diseases. Here we report the presence of the pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum in hedgehogs and their ticks in Germany.