The PhD project focuses on the surveillance and diagnosis of foodborne parasitic diseases, with particular attention to emerging zoonotic parasites associated with water, fish, and meat production chains. The research will develop and apply advanced diagnostic approaches for the detection of waterborne protozoa in water used for ready-to-eat food processing and bivalve mollusc depuration systems, with the aim of improving food safety and risk assessment. In parallel, the project will investigate the epidemiology of Opisthorchis felineus in tench from Italian lakes and optimize slaughterhouse inspection procedures for the diagnosis of bovine muscular parasitoses. Overall, the project aims to support integrated surveillance, prevention, and control strategies for foodborne parasitic diseases within a One Health framework.
During the first year, the project will focus on the surveillance of waterborne zoonotic protozoa in water used within food production chains. Activities will include planning and performing water sampling in fresh ready-to-eat food processing facilities within large-scale retail systems, as well as in bivalve mollusc depuration centers, in collaboration with local Veterinary Public Health Services (AUSL). Analytical methods for water matrix concentration based on Immuno Magnetic Separation (IMS) followed by Indirect Immunofluorescence (IFI) will be applied and optimized for the detection of zoonotic protozoa. Positive samples will subsequently undergo molecular analyses aimed at identifying species, genotypes, and other relevant epidemiological markers. These activities will contribute to the development of advanced tools for surveillance and risk assessment in food production systems.