Arianna Meletiadis

Scopus Publications

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, and Pier Luigi Acutis
MDPI AG
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,et al.
Springer Science and Business Media LLC

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, and Pier Luigi Acutis
MDPI AG
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.

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, and Paolo Pastorino
Elsevier BV

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,et al.
Elsevier BV

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,et al.
MDPI AG
Reptile-associated salmonellosis (RAS), Salmonella infection in humans, is acquired through contact with reptiles. Reptiles have become popular pet animals, and RAS is likely to be an underestimated but growing problem. No epidemiological data about RAS are routinely collected in Italy. In order to estimate the occurrence of RAS in the Italian human population and to investigate the exposure, two epidemiological studies on patients with sporadic salmonellosis were carried out in the Piedmont region, along with an evaluation of human exposure in public places displaying reptiles and with a survey on people awareness. RAS appeared make up 7% of sporadic salmonellosis in the first study and 3% in the second, more extensive study. A prevalence of 11.7% and 5.7%, respectively, were calculated for the age range of 0–21 years. It was observed that in public places displaying reptiles, it was possible to easily come into contact with the animals and their environment. Some knowledge about RAS emerged from the interviews with the general population, but preventive measures are not completely applied by reptile owners. In conclusion, RAS in Italy is present and constitutes a proportion of the human salmonellosis cases in line with the percentages reported in other countries. Exposure to reptiles should always be considered as a risk factor, and people should be more informed about RAS and the related preventive measures.