Within the framework of the CABLES project (INTERREG Italy-Austria ITAT-27-011), this RT aims to define and implement tools to assess the impact of biotic, abiotic, and anthropogenic factors on the health status of two target species: Myotis myotis and Myotis blythii, belonging to the order Chiroptera. A crucial aspect of the project is the integration of veterinary pathology within a One Health approach.
The student involved in the project will gain expertise in complete post-mortem examination to identify possible lesions and assess pathogens dynamics, and implement passive surveillance of bat colonies. A strong focus will be placed on molecular and epidemiological investigations of target microorganisms, with an emphasis on emerging zoonotic viruses, bacterial infections of veterinary relevance, and fungal pathogens affecting bat populations.

In addition to disease surveillance, the project will investigate the exposure of bat populations to environmental pollutants by analyzing biological samples for toxic residues and metabolic biomarkers. While primarily designed for the study of Myotis populations, the methodologies and tools developed in this research will be applicable to the monitoring of other bat species, expanding their use in conservation programs and epidemiological studies.
By combining veterinary pathology, molecular epidemiology, toxicology, and environmental science, this initiative embodies the One Health vision, addressing bat conservation as a key component of planetary health.

Five publications related to the Research Topic for the candidate interview:

1. Kirejczyk SGM, Goodwin C, Gyimesi ZS, Zachariah TT, Sturgeon GL, Armwood AR, Frontera-Acevedo K, Kokosinksa A, Seguel M, Fogelson SB, Burnum AL, Miller D, Sakamoto K, Howerth EW, McManamon R, Gottdenker N. A Retrospective Study of Pathology in Bats Submitted to an Exotic and Zoo Animal Diagnostic Service in Georgia, USA (2008-2019). J Comp Pathol. 2021 May; 185:96-107. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcpa.2021.04.010 Epub 2021 May 28. PMID: 34119238.
2. Bai Y, Urushadze L, Osikowicz L, McKee C, Kuzmin I, Kandaurov A, Babuadze G, Natradze I, Imnadze P, Kosoy M. Molecular Survey of Bacterial Zoonotic Agents in Bats from the Country of Georgia (Caucasus). PLoS One. 2017 Jan 27;12(1): e0171175. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0171175 PMID: 28129398; PMCID: PMC5271587.
3. Kim Younjung, Leopardi Stefania, Scaravelli Dino, Zecchin Barbara, Priori Pamela, Festa Francesca, Drzewnioková Petra, De Benedictis Paola and Nouvellet Pierre 2023 Transmission dynamics of lyssavirus in Myotis myotis: mechanistic modelling study based on longitudinal seroprevalence data Proc. R. Soc. B.29020230183. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.0183
4. Rizzo F, Edenborough KM, Toffoli R, Culasso P, Zoppi S, Dondo A, Robetto S, Rosati S, Lander A, Kurth A, Orusa R, Bertolotti L, Mandola ML. Coronavirus and paramyxovirus in bats from Northwest Italy. BMC Vet Res. 2017 Dec 22;13(1):396. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-1307-x PMID: 29273042; PMCID: PMC5741894.
5. Niu Y, McKee CD. Bat Viral Shedding: A Review of Seasonal Patterns and Risk Factors. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2025 Jan 21. https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2024.0091 Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39836021.

Tutor: Prof. Cinzia Centelleghe
mail: cinzia.centelleghe@unipd.it