Abstract This data paper presents a curated, georeferenced dataset of the frequencies of the two main target site mutations (V1016G and F1534C) associated with resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in Aedes albopictus in Italy. Populations were collected in 102 out 107 Italian provinces between 2023 and 2025. Specimens were sampled by members of the Mosquito Insecticide Resistance Italian Network (MosqIRIT) as part of RN2 activities within the INF-ACT project. Genotyping was performed on 3,517 individuals by specific allele-specific PCR assays. Each record includes metadata on sampling site, administrative location, developmental stage, collection method, and mutation-specific genotype frequencies. To support spatial analysis modelling effort, the dataset integrates geographic, eco-climatic, and demographic data. This resource will support mosquito control programs, pyrethroid resistance monitoring and managing, as well as ecological modelling, and is compliant with the FAIR data program.
INTRODUCTION:Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) has shown a marked geographic expansion in Italy, progressively affecting central and northern regions previously considered non-endemic. Laboratory-based prevalence estimates remain informative in well-designed surveys; however, prevalence derived from diagnostic submissions may be influenced by study design (e.g., convenience sampling and clinical bias), diagnostic performance and cut-offs, and incomplete demographic denominators, limiting representativeness and comparability. METHODS:We estimated a provincial incidence proxy for CanL during 2022-2023 by combining newly diagnosed cases from routine diagnostic submissions with canine population approximations derived from ISTAT demographic data, applying a baseline dog-to-human ratio of 1:5. Rates were expressed as cases per 10,000 dogs and provinces were classified into five predefined operational risk categories. Robustness was assessed through alternative denominator scenarios (1:4 and 1:6), a restricted registry-based regional analysis in SINAC-covered regions, and descriptive comparison with independent epidemiological, entomological, and ecological evidence. RESULTS:Incidence estimates revealed substantial heterogeneity across Italy, ranging from 0 to nearly 500 cases per 10,000 dogs. Overall, 49 provinces (45.4%) were classified as minimal risk, 30 (27.8%) as low risk, 21 (19.4%) as moderate risk, 4 (3.7%) as high risk, and 4 (3.7%) as very high risk. Most minimal and low-category provinces were located in northern and central Italy, whereas higher categories were predominantly observed in Southern Italy and Sicily; however, very high provinces were also identified in North-Western Italy (Liguria), notably Imperia and Savona. While absolute provincial values were sensitive to denominator assumptions, registry-based analyses in SINAC-covered regions preserved the regional ranking of incidence, supporting the framework mainly for broad spatial prioritisation rather than precise estimation of absolute burden. CONCLUSIONS:Integrating an incidence proxy alongside prevalence provides a pragmatic surveillance tool for spatial prioritisation and risk communication under real-world constraints. The framework is most informative for identifying higher-burden areas and supporting proportionate prevention and control strategies, especially when interpreted together with registry-based restricted analyses and independent external evidence. Within a One-Health perspective, incidence-based indicators in canine surveillance can improve comparability with routinely used human notification metrics and support coordinated planning across sectors, while remaining distinct in epidemiological meaning between hosts.
This work investigated the efficacy of rosemary essential oil (REO) and Boswellia serrata extracts (BSE) against Anisakis larvae for possible industrial applications. In-vitro assays exposed Anisakis type I larvae to various media containing REO (1-5%) or BSE (1-5%) with spermidine and ferulic acid at different temperatures and times. Ex-vivo trials in experimentally infested anchovy fillets were carried out only for REO. REO demonstrated significant anisakicidal activity, achieving the fastest efficacy in oil (15h at 4 °C with 5% REO). Lower concentrations (1%) showed limited effectiveness. BSE achieved a maximum 92% larval devitalisation at 5%. Ex-vivo experiments revealed initial devitalisation after 72h, reaching 100% by 168h in anchovy fillets with 5% REO-oil at 20 °C. REO exhibited substantial anisakicidal effects in marinated anchovies under refrigeration and lipid conditions. These findings highlight REO as a promising natural additive for enhancing marinated fish product safety, offering an alternative or complement to freezing for Anisakis risk management.
The western honey bee (Apis mellifera) represents a key pollinator for both crops and wild plants, and its global decline raises serious concerns for ecosystem stability and agricultural productivity. Several biotic and abiotic factors are responsible for colony losses, including alterations in the bee microbiota, which is essential for host metabolism, development, and immune responses. In this study, we employed both molecular protocols and metagenomic approaches based on Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to characterize the microbial composition and identify commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms, both known and emerging, associated with A. mellifera colonies from 20 apiaries across the Italian territory. Molecular screening revealed Vairimorpha ceranae, Lotmaria passim, Crithidia mellificae and several viruses, including Sacbrood virus (SBV), Black Queen Cell virus (BQCV), Deformed Wing virus (DWV), Chronic Bee Paralysis virus (CBPV) and Acute Bee Paralysis virus (ABPV). 16S rRNA gene sequencing highlighted a bacterial community mainly composed of the Lactobacillus, Gilliamella, and Snodgrassella genera. Virome analysis detected members belonging to the families Dicistroviridae and Iflaviridae, as well as previously unreported viruses in Italy, such as Apis rhabdovirus (ARV-1, ARV-2), Bee Macula-like virus (BeeMLV), and Lake Sinai virus (LSV). This research expands current knowledge of the A. mellifera metagenome, offering valuable insights for epidemiological surveillance and diagnostic assay development.
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), is a ubiquitous zoonotic parasitic disease increasingly reported in marine ecosystems, raising concerns about seafood contamination and potential human exposure. Consumption of raw or undercooked fish may therefore represent a potential risk to consumers. This study aimed to investigate the presence of T. gondii DNA in marine fish from the Tunisian coast and to assess their potential role as indicators of environmental contamination. A total of 559 specimens, representing 32 species, were collected and grouped into 100 pooled samples by species. Tissue samples (gills, skin/muscle, and intestine) were analyzed using real-time PCR. Overall, 16
