Trichophyton erinacei

Trichophyton (T.) erinacei is a rare but increasingly common zoonotic dermatophyte that is rarely isolated as a human pathogen, with only a few cases described in detail in the literature to date. Trichophyton erinacei is a major cause of dermatophytosis in hedgehogs. There are reports of increasing infections in humans worldwide. This pathogen was originally described in the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), but is also frequently found in the African four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), a popular pet worldwide. Despite its increasing importance in clinical practice, little is known about the taxonomy and population genetics of this pathogen.

The average age at diagnosis of dermatophytosis in a larger cross-sectional analysis (Cammarata E et al. 2024) was 26 years, the ratio of women to men was around 2:1.

Hands and the head are preferentially affected. Infection with these pathogens manifests as a combination of erythema, scaly plaques, pustules, papules, vesicles, oedema and erosions. Pustular infections are not uncommon (Choi E et al. 2018)

Dignostics: Fungal culture, in problematic cases gene sequencing and mass spectrometry Molecular typing is a suitable tool for further epidemiological surveillance of this emerging pathogen in animals and humans.

The infection manifests as a combination of erythema, scaly plaques, pustules, papules, vesicles, edema and erosions. Pustular infections are not uncommon (Choi E et al. 2018)

Fungal culture, in problematic cases gene sequencing and mass spectrometry Molecular typing is a suitable tool for further epidemiological surveillance of this emerging pathogen in animals and humans.

1. Abarca ML et al. (2017) Trichophyton erinacei in pet hedgehogs in Spain: Occurrence and revision of its taxonomic status. Med Mycol 55:164-172.
2. Cammarata E et al. (2024) Trichophyton erinacei infection in humans: a case report and a literature review. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 22:1337-1342.
3. Choi E et al. (2018) Pustular tinea manuum from Trichophyton erinacei infection. JAAD Case Rep. 4:518-520.
4. Čmoková A et al. (2022) Host-driven subspeciation in the hedgehog fungus, Trichophyton erinacei, an emerging cause of human dermatophytosis. Persoonia 48:203-218.
5. Marples MJ et al. (1960) The hedgehog as a source of human ringworm. Nature 188:867-868.
6. Watabe D et al. (2021) Tinea manuum caused by Trichophyton erinacei from a hedgehog. Eur J Dermatol doi: 10.1684/ejd.2021.4111.