Arianna Meletiadis

Scopus Publications

Genetic connectivity and admixture zones shape the spread of African swine fever in wild Boar populations in North-western Italy
Arianna Meletiadis, Aitor Garcia-Vozmediano, Maria Vittoria Riina, Nicoletta Vitale, Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola, Cristiana Maurella, Manuele Massimino, Romolo Caniglia, Barbara Moroni, Annalisa Viani, Simona Zoppi, Massimo Biagetti, Maria Serena Beato, Maria Goria, Elisabetta Razzuoli, Riccardo Orusa, Angelo Ferrari, Francesco Feliziani, Alessandro Dondo, Elena Bozzetta, Giuseppe Ru, Pier Luigi Acutis
Scientific Reports, 2026
Host population genetics can shape disease spread in wildlife, yet it is rarely integrated into epizootic investigations. To explore whether connectivity patterns in wild boar populations may have influenced the spread of African swine fever (ASF) in north-western Italy, we characterised the genetic structure of the local population. Microsatellite genotyping was performed on 578 wild boar sampled from 26 hunting districts across thirteen loci and analysed using Bayesian clustering, correspondence analysis and spatial PCA. In parallel, 2,414 ASF detections recorded between December 2021 and March 2025 were examined through retrospective spatiotemporal scan statistics and directional spread analysis. We identified two main genetic clusters, one largely corresponding to Piedmont and the other more prevalent in Liguria regions, with zones of admixture along their border and a connectivity corridor through the Ligurian Apennines. Over the 38-month period, 16 significant ASF clusters were detected. The outbreak spread eastward and north-eastward from the initial focus at the Liguria-Piedmont border. Four clusters showed significant directionality, and recurrent clustering in certain areas suggested local persistence. Notably, several ASF clusters overlapped with genetic admixture zones and connectivity hubs. Our findings suggest two mechanisms underpinning disease spread: short-range transmission within genetically related groups and longer-range movement along ecological corridors. Embedding genetic monitoring into routine surveillance may enhance the effectiveness of ASF control by guiding carcass removal, search efforts and spatial prioritisation toward high-risk transition zones.
Detection of CMTV-like ranavirus following a Rana temporaria mass mortality event in a northern Italian alpine lake
Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola, Chiara Beltramo, Paolo Pastorino, Giuseppe Esposito, Anna Cerullo, Arianna Meletiadis, Marino Prearo, Simone Peletto, Pier Luigi Acutis
Acta Herpetologica, 2026
High-mountain lakes are vulnerable to climatic and anthropogenic stressors, and infectious disease may further exacerbate impacts on alpine communities, particularly during seasonal temperature peaks. In August 2024, a mass mortality event of common frogs (Rana temporaria) occurred in a high-altitude lake in the Cottian Alps (Piedmont, Italy). During a one-hour survey, 78 dead frogs were recorded; nine carcasses (all adult males) were sampled for diagnostic tests. Six showed ventral hyperaemia and three of them had ulcerative lesions of the digits. Eight out of nine vitreous humour samples were culture-positive, with isolates including Hafnia alvei, Acinetobacter guillouiae, Acinetobacter proteolyticus, and Serratia proteamaculans. PCR screening of skin and pooled target organs was negative for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and herpesvirus, but detected ranavirus in four out of nine frogs. Phylogenetic analysis of sequenced major capsid protein and DNA polymerase fragments grouped the virus within the CMTV-like clade, with high similarity to reference sequences. This represents the first geolocated detection of a CMTV-like ranavirus in free-ranging amphibians in Italy. Although the advanced state of decomposition precluded histopathological evaluation and causality cannot be conclusively established, the concordance between molecular detection and gross lesions consistent with ranaviral infection supports a plausible role of ranavirus in the observed die-off. Our findings highlight the need for targeted surveillance in Italy’s alpine amphibians, including environmental DNA sampling and screening of non-native fish. Given ecological simplification and short reproductive seasons at high altitude, longitudinal monitoring is advisable to assess persistence, seasonality and potential spillover across life stages and sympatric species.
Ripple Effects: Social Turmoil Following Infant Kidnapping Attempts in Wild Geladas
Alice Galotti, Alin‐Andrei Grigoras, Martina Francesconi, Luca Pedruzzi, Alberto Quartesan, Sheleme Abiyou Gamessa, Arianna Meletiadis, Pier Luigi Acutis, Maria Vittoria Riina, Alban Lemasson, Valentina Serra, Giulio Petroni, Bezawork Afework Bogale, Elisabetta Palagi
Ethology, 2026
Infant kidnapping is an extreme social disruption reported in some primate species, yet its consequences on social group dynamics remain poorly understood. We document a rare case of repeated attempts of infant kidnapping after handling in a wild gelada one‐male unit and quantify its social impact using Social Network Analysis. The kidnapper, a subadult female frequently aided by another female supporter, repeatedly removed a newborn from its mother without caregiving attempts, inducing stress responses in both mother and infant. Following the kidnapping episodes, grooming networks became denser, more reciprocal and showed a higher tendency to form closed triads, with a marked increase in affiliative exchanges between the kidnapper and her supporter. Agonistic interactions also increased in frequency and involved more individuals, indicating a broad destabilizing effect on group‐level relationships. Our results indicate that, despite being an anecdotal case, this rare naturalistic observation provides a unique opportunity to understand the immediate factors leading to kidnapping and how such an extreme perturbation can trigger rapid, measurable reorganization in a wild primate society.
Prevalence of Salmonella, Cryptosporidium and Leptospira in Invasive Pond Slider (Trachemys scripta) in North-Western Italy
Barbara Moroni, Arianna Meletiadis, Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola, Aitor Garcia‐Vozmediano, Monica Pitti, Gloria Dipietromaria, Simona Zoppi, Stefania Bergagna, Vanessa Pinnelli, Cecilia Guasco, Pierluigi Acutis, Paolo Pastorino, Marino Prearo, Giuseppe Esposito
Veterinary Medicine and Science, 2025
Natural lakes and ponds typically feature green areas where people engage in recreational and sporting activities. In Italy, these areas are often inhabited by non‐native freshwater turtles, even at high densities. However, freshwater turtles have been identified as natural carriers for various pathogens that can be transmitted to humans, making their sanitary monitoring crucial to prevent accidental transmission through direct or indirect contact. In this study, we investigated the presence of three potentially zoonotic pathogens, namely Salmonella, Leptospira and Cryptosporidium, in a group of 83 freshwater turtles (Trachemys scripta) captured in Piedmont, Northwest Italy.Overall infection prevalence was 9.6%. Salmonella spp. was detected in ten specimens of T. s. elegans and Cryptosporidium ducismarci in one specimen of T. s. scripta. Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae was confirmed in ten freshwater turtles. No Leptospira DNA was detected. Our findings highlight that turtles, as asymptomatic carriers of zoonotic pathogens, contribute to environmental contamination and public health risks, underscoring the need for sanitary monitoring of invasive alien species under a ‘One Health’ approach.
Albinistic tadpoles of the Apennine yellow-bellied toad Bombina variegata pachypus: observations on their development and metamorphosis
MATTEO RICCARDO DI NICOLA, SERGIO MEZZADRI, ANNA CERULLO, IACOPO NEROZZI, ARIANNA MELETIADIS, PIER LUIGI ACUTIS, GIACOMO BRUNI
Herpetological Bulletin, 2025
Prevalence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Amphibians in Northwestern Italy’s Protected Areas
Arianna Meletiadis, Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola, Stefano Bovero, Marco Favelli, Marzia Pezzolato, Stefania Grella, Giusi Rezza, Pier Luigi Acutis
Animals, 2025
Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is a significant threat to global amphibian populations, leading to widespread declines and extinctions. In the spring of 2023, Bd presence was detected in different amphibian species within two protected areas near Turin, Piedmont, Italy, following an unusual mortality event among the common toad (Bufo bufo). Histological and molecular analyses confirmed Bd infection in a deceased Pelophylax sp. specimen, prompting further investigation. Sampling of 166 individuals across seven amphibian taxa revealed an overall Bd occurrence of 38.6%, with Pelophylax sp. showing the highest detection rate (50.5% of 93 individuals). A marked difference in the positivity rate was observed between the two locations, with La Mandria (67.2% of 58) exhibiting significantly higher rates than Vauda (22.9% of 35). While Bd was identified in the sampled amphibians, the exact cause of the observed mortality remains unclear and may involve other pathogens or multifactorial causes, including but not limited to Bd. These findings represent the first documented case of Bd presence in Piedmont after an 18-year gap, highlighting the potential influence of local environmental factors on infection dynamics. The study emphasises the need for expanded, standardised field sampling and further investigation into the various factors affecting amphibian health to guide conservation efforts for vulnerable amphibian species.
First report of recurrent parthenogenesis as an adaptive reproductive strategy in the endangered common smooth-hound shark Mustelus mustelus
Giuseppe Esposito, Arianna Meletiadis, Simona Sciuto, Marino Prearo, Flavio Gagliardi, Ilaria Corrias, Angela Pira, Alessandro Dondo, Paolo Briguglio, Claudio Ghittino, Daniele Dedola, Elena Bozzetta, Pier Luigi Acutis, Paolo Pastorino, Silvia Colussi
Scientific Reports, 2024
Parthenogenesis, or virgin birth, describes a mode of reproduction where an egg develops into an offspring without fertilization, and is observed across various vertebrate taxa, excluding mammals. Obligate parthenogenesis, found in around 100 vertebrate species and 1000 invertebrate species, is relatively rare. Conversely, facultative parthenogenesis, where females can reproduce both sexually and parthenogenetically, is observed in some vertebrates, including elasmobranchs. Notably, this phenomenon in elasmobranchs is mainly documented in captivity, allowing for detailed long-term observation. Specifically, this study reports the first case of facultative parthenogenesis in the common smooth-hound shark Mustelus mustelus, a species classified by IUCN as endangered. Here we show that the juvenile M. mustelus were born through parthenogenesis, exhibiting homozygosity at each genetic marker, consistent with terminal fusion automixis. Remarkably, this finding reveals that parthenogenesis can occur annually in these sharks, alternating between two females, and conclusively excludes long-term sperm storage as a cause. Consequently, this enhances our understanding of parthenogenesis in elasmobranchs and highlights the reproductive flexibility of M. mustelus. Overall, these results contribute to our broader understanding of reproductive strategies in elasmobranchs, which could inform conservation efforts for endangered species.
Buccal swabs for long-term DNA storage in conservation genetics of fish: One-and-a-half-year analysis timeframe
Simona Sciuto, Silvia Colussi, Giuseppe Esposito, Arianna Meletiadis, Marino Prearo, Elisabetta Pizzul, Pier Luigi Acutis, Rodolphe Elie Gozlan, Paolo Pastorino
Global Ecology and Conservation, 2024
Conservation genetic research is essential for the management and recovery of endangered taxa. However, the invasive collection of biological material for DNA analysis is controversial. From an ethical perspective, non-destructive sampling methods leave the aquatic specimen alive and less invasive procedures minimize stress on the animals. DNA can be obtained from fish using minimally invasive techniques such as buccal swabs. Here we evaluated the performance of buccal swabs for long-term storage of DNA obtained from brown trout ( Salmo trutta ). The buccal swabs were stored at room temperature and cut into pieces, one part of which was used for extraction of an aliquot and the others were stored as a “biobank” of biological material. The elapsed time from sampling to molecular analysis was one and half year. The amplification of three different DNA targets was tested to assess the effectiveness of the extraction: mitochondrial DNA (the D-LOOP region), nuclear DNA (the LDH gene) and microsatellite DNA at multiple loci. The results showed high quantification (mean value: 281.84±72.4 ng/µL), indicating that DNA could be effectively extracted from the buccal swabs. Our study results suggest that buccal swabs for long-term storage of DNA at room temperature are promising for use in field conservation studies.
A Case of Food-Borne Salmonellosis in a Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) after a Feeder Mouse Meal
Arianna Meletiadis, Angelo Romano, Barbara Moroni, Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola, Vittoria Montemurro, Monica Pitti, Marzia Pezzolato, Elena Bozzetta, Simona Sciuto, Pier Luigi Acutis
Animals, 2024
Reptiles are usually asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella, with the manifestation of typical clinical signs of acute forms in adult and non-immunocompromised animals being considered exceptions. In the present case, an adult male corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) was found dead due to septic shock 48 h after consuming a feeder mouse purchased online. The snake’s tissue samples and faeces were cultured for bacteria isolation. Microbiological examinations of the snake and mouse livers revealed the presence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Midway. A whole-genome analysis of these two isolates showed a high correlation between them: they belonged to the strain type ST-357 for the classic MLST scheme and to the strain type ST 171322 for the cgMLST scheme. Also, a virulence gene analysis revealed the presence of stdB and STM3026 genes. This report conveys a case of food-borne salmonellosis in a pet snake, transmitted from a feeder mouse, likely responsible for the snake’s death due to septic shock. It highlights the relevance of feeder mice as a source of Salmonella infections in snakes and the associated risks to human health.
Interdisciplinary approach to solve unusual mortalities in the European common frog (Rana temporaria) in two high-mountain ponds affected by climate change
Paolo Pastorino, Silvia Colussi, Katia Varello, Arianna Meletiadis, Silvia Alberti, Alessia Di Blasio, Giovanni Tedde, Mattia Begovoeva, Andrea Peano, Luca Rossi, Monia Renzi, Pier Luigi Acutis, Damià Barceló, Marino Prearo
Environmental Research, 2023
Surveys on Exposure to Reptile-Associated Salmonellosis (RAS) in the Piedmont Region–Italy
Arianna Meletiadis, Cristina Biolatti, Davide Mugetti, Teresa Zaccaria, Raffaella Cipriani, Monica Pitti, Lucia Decastelli, Francesca Cimino, Alessandro Dondo, Cristiana Maurella, Elena Bozzetta, Pier Luigi Acutis
Animals, 2022