Health profile of captive African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) in Paraná State, Southern Brazil.

African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) are omnivorous mammals native to sub-Saharan Africa and popular exotic pets worldwide. Although their trade is illegal, it remains common in Brazil. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the health status of hedgehogs from illegal breeding sites, through hematological, biochemical and fecal analyses, skin pathogen screening and molecular assays for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and tick-borne pathogens. Real-time PCR assays for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. (16S rRNA) and conventional PCR assays for Theileria/Babesia spp. (18S rRNA) and Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. (16S rRNA) were applied. No ectoparasites were found at the time of sampling, and hematological and biochemical results indicated a good health status. Candida tropicalis (15/25, 60%), Mucor spp. (12/25, 48%), and Proteus vulgaris (10/25, 40%) were identified in fecal analysis. Skin's microbiological examinations revealed Staphylococcus spp. (25/25 - 100%) and Streptococcus spp. (13/25 - 52%). All samples tested negative for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp., Theileria/Babesia spp., and Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. These findings suggest that the evaluated animals were not infected with harmful pathogens. Understanding their potential role in zoonotic diseases is necessary, particularly in the context of exotic species.