![Dr Silvia Ciocchetta](/sites/default/files/profiles/22990.jpeg)
Overview
Background
I am a fully qualified Veterinarian in Italy, with a Masters in Animal Health, Animal Farming and Animal Productions and a PhD in Medical Entomology (QUT).
I have worked for more than 10 years supporting research and public health projects in Australia and internationally including developing countries, gaining wide field and laboratory experience in Medical Entomology, Vector-Borne Diseases Surveillance, Vector Biology and Control, Infectious Diseases, Zoonoses and Parasitology. My wide range of technical field and laboratory expertise includes biological and vector competence studies, virology assays and molecular biology, leading field monitoring in a variety of settings, researching novel diagnostic tools for human and animal infectious diseases, and investigating new animal models for human parasites under high biosecurity containment levels (BLS 3) and quarantine conditions. I have a total of eleven publications in peer-reviewed international journals and I have presented my research at 8 national conferences and 8 international conferences.
Prior to commencing my PhD program in Australia, I gained significant professional experience during a five years training at the Parasitology Laboratory of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (Italian Health Authority and Research Organisation for Animal Health and Food Safety) where I underwent diagnostic training on diagnosis of parasitic diseases of domestic and wild animals (coprological examinations and blood smears), identification of endo and ectoparasites, and knowledge of the microbiological, immunological and biomolecular assays applied to veterinary clinical settings.
I recently worked on an innovative Schistosoma models, and on a multidisciplinary project that brings together academic research groups, government agencies and livestock industry partners from different Australian states, to understand Q fever prevalence and dynamics in macropods and livestock, at the UQ School of Veterinary Science. I am leading a study on the field monitoring of the dog heartworm vectors in Queensland at the same School.
I am a team member of the UQ Infectious disease diagnostics group at the School of Public Health (https://public-health.uq.edu.au/research/infectious-disease-diagnostics) where I am currently involved as co-investigator on an innovative Med Tech research: a light-based rapid detection method (NIRS) for the quantification of intestinal worm burden in humans, with Doctor Sikulu-Lord, and I am the Principal Investigator of a project on targeted surveillance of major zoonotic arboviral and other vector-borne diseases in Australia using the spectroscopy technology.
Availability
- Dr Silvia Ciocchetta is:
- Available for supervision
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science, unknown
- Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Public Health, unknown
- Doctor of Philosophy, Queensland University of Technology
Works
Search Professor Silvia Ciocchetta’s works on UQ eSpace
2023
Journal Article
Investigation on key aspects of mating biology in the mosquito Aedes koreicus
Ciocchetta, Silvia, Frentiu, Francesca D., Montarsi, Fabrizio, Capelli, Gioia and Devine, Gregor J. (2023). Investigation on key aspects of mating biology in the mosquito Aedes koreicus. Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 37 (4), 826-833. doi: 10.1111/mve.12687
2023
Journal Article
Near-infrared spectroscopy and machine learning algorithms for rapid and non-invasive detection of Trichuris
Kariyawasam, Tharanga N., Ciocchetta, Silvia, Visendi, Paul, Soares Magalhães, Ricardo J., Smith, Maxine E., Giacomin, Paul R. and Sikulu-Lord, Maggy T. (2023). Near-infrared spectroscopy and machine learning algorithms for rapid and non-invasive detection of Trichuris. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 17 (11) e0011695, e0011695. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011695
2023
Other Outputs
Machine learning and detection of Trichuris muris in mice
Kariyawasam, Tharanga, Lord, Maggy and Ciocchetta, Silvia (2023). Machine learning and detection of Trichuris muris in mice. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/7f11f9f
2022
Journal Article
dynamAedes: a unified modelling framework for invasive Aedes mosquitoes
Da Re, Daniele, Van Bortel, Wim, Reuss, Friederike, Müller, Ruth, Boyer, Sebastien, Montarsi, Fabrizio, Ciocchetta, Silvia, Arnoldi, Daniele, Marini, Giovanni, Rizzoli, Annapaola, L’Ambert, Gregory, Lacour, Guillaume, Koenraadt, Constantianus J. M., Vanwambeke, Sophie O. and Marcantonio, Matteo (2022). dynamAedes: a unified modelling framework for invasive Aedes mosquitoes. Parasites and Vectors, 15 (1) 414, 1-18. doi: 10.1186/s13071-022-05414-4
2022
Conference Publication
In vitro detection of dengue 1 virus in human whole blood, plasma, and serum with nearinfrared spectroscopy
Goh, Brendon, Visendi, Paul, Ciocchetta, Silvia, Soares, Ricardo, Liu, Wenjun and Lord, Maggy (2022). In vitro detection of dengue 1 virus in human whole blood, plasma, and serum with nearinfrared spectroscopy. American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2022 Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA, United States, October 30 - November 3, 2022. Arlington, VA United States: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
2022
Conference Publication
Novel diagnostic tools for soil transmitted helminths with non-invasive capability. The nearinfrared spectroscopy and artificial intelligence
Sikulu-Lord, Maggy T., Kariyawasam, Tharanga, Ciocchetta, Silvia, Soares Magalhaes, Ricardo J. and Giacomin, Paul (2022). Novel diagnostic tools for soil transmitted helminths with non-invasive capability. The nearinfrared spectroscopy and artificial intelligence. American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2022 Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA, United States, October 30 - November 3, 2022. Arlington, VA United States: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
2022
Journal Article
First report of the detection of DENV1 in human blood plasma with near-infrared spectroscopy
Goh, Brendon, Visendi, Paul, Lord, Anton R., Ciocchetta, Silvia, Liu, Wenjun and Sikulu-Lord, Maggy T. (2022). First report of the detection of DENV1 in human blood plasma with near-infrared spectroscopy. Viruses, 14 (10) 2248, 2248. doi: 10.3390/v14102248
2022
Conference Publication
Investigation on key aspects of Aedes koreicus mating biology
Ciocchetta, Silvia, Frentiu, Francesca D., Michelutti, Alice, Montarsi, Fabrizio, Capelli, Gioia and Devine, Gregor J. (2022). Investigation on key aspects of Aedes koreicus mating biology. The 22nd European Society for Vector Ecology Conference, Sofia, Bulgaria, 11-14 October 2022.
2021
Conference Publication
The potential of NIR technique for diagnosis of Trichuris muris
Ciocchetta, S., Giacomin, P. R., Niroshini, T. K., Visendi, P., Floyd, D. E., Soares, R. M. and Sikulu-Lord, M. (2021). The potential of NIR technique for diagnosis of Trichuris muris. American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2021 Annual Meeting, Online, 17-21 November 2021.
2021
Journal Article
The application of spectroscopy techniques for diagnosis of malaria parasites and arboviruses and surveillance of mosquito vectors: A systematic review and critical appraisal of evidence
Goh, Brendon, Ching, Koek, Soares Magalhães, Ricardo J., Ciocchetta, Silvia, Edstein, Michael D., Maciel-de-Freitas, Rafael and Sikulu-Lord, Maggy T. (2021). The application of spectroscopy techniques for diagnosis of malaria parasites and arboviruses and surveillance of mosquito vectors: A systematic review and critical appraisal of evidence. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 15 (4) e0009218, 1-24. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009218
2020
Other Outputs
The Vector Potential of the Mosquito Aedes koreicus
Ciocchetta, Silvia (2020). The Vector Potential of the Mosquito Aedes koreicus. PhD Thesis, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology. doi: 10.5204/thesis.eprints.119157
2019
Conference Publication
Lymphatic filariasis elimination in Samoa: evaluating the use of molecular xenomonitoring as a surveillance tool
McPherson, Brady, Sheridan, Sarah, Owada, Kei, Naseri, Take, Thomsen, Robert, Mauala, Tautala, Mayfield, Helen, Rigby, Lisa, Ciocchetta, Silvia, Maguire, Julia, Pilotte, Nils, Gonzalez, Andrew M., Williams, Steven A., Gass, Katherine, Graves, Patricia M. and Lau, Colleen L. (2019). Lymphatic filariasis elimination in Samoa: evaluating the use of molecular xenomonitoring as a surveillance tool. 68th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH), National Harbor, MD, United States, 20-24 November, 2019. Deerfield, IL, United States: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.abstract2019
2018
Journal Article
The new European invader Aedes (Finlaya) koreicus: a potential vector of chikungunya virus
Ciocchetta, Silvia, Prow, Natalie A., Darbro, Jonathan M., Frentiu, Francesca D., Savino, Sandro, Montarsi, Fabrizio, Capelli, Gioia, Aaskov, John G. and Devine, Gregor J. (2018). The new European invader Aedes (Finlaya) koreicus: a potential vector of chikungunya virus. Pathogens and Global Health, 112 (3), 107-114. doi: 10.1080/20477724.2018.1464780
2017
Journal Article
Laboratory colonization of the European invasive mosquito Aedes (Finlaya) koreicus
Ciocchetta, Silvia, Darbro, Jonathan M., Frentiu, Francesca D., Montarsi, Fabrizio, Capelli, Gioia, Aaskov, John G. and Devine, Gregor J. (2017). Laboratory colonization of the European invasive mosquito Aedes (Finlaya) koreicus. Parasites and Vectors, 10 (1) 74. doi: 10.1186/s13071-017-2010-2
2015
Journal Article
Current distribution of the invasive mosquito species, Aedes koreicus [Hulecoeteomyia koreica] in northern Italy
Montarsi, Fabrizio, Drago, Andrea, Martini, Simone, Calzolari, Mattia, De Filippo, Francesco, Bianchi, Alessandro, Mazzucato, Matteo, Ciocchetta, Silvia, Arnoldi, Daniele, Baldacchino, Frédéric, Rizzoli, Annapaola and Capelli, Gioia (2015). Current distribution of the invasive mosquito species, Aedes koreicus [Hulecoeteomyia koreica] in northern Italy. Parasites and Vectors, 8 (1) 614. doi: 10.1186/s13071-015-1208-4
2015
Journal Article
Development of Dirofilaria immitis within the mosquito Aedes (Finlaya) koreicus, a new invasive species for Europe
Montarsi, Fabrizio, Ciocchetta, Silvia, Devine, Gregor, Ravagnan, Silvia, Mutinelli, Franco, Frangipane di Regalbono, Antonio, Otranto, Domenico and Capelli, Gioia (2015). Development of Dirofilaria immitis within the mosquito Aedes (Finlaya) koreicus, a new invasive species for Europe. Parasites and Vectors, 8 (1) 177. doi: 10.1186/s13071-015-0800-y
2015
Journal Article
Retrospective space-time analysis methods to support West Nile virus surveillance activities
Mulatti, P., Mazzucato, M., Montarsi, F., Ciocchetta, S., Capelli, G., Bonfanti, L. and Marangon, S. (2015). Retrospective space-time analysis methods to support West Nile virus surveillance activities. Epidemiology and Infection, 143 (1), 202-213. doi: 10.1017/S0950268814000442
2015
Journal Article
Seasonal and Daily Activity Patterns of Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Vectors of Pathogens in Northeastern Italy
Montarsi, Fabrizio, Mazzon, Luca, Cazzin, Stefania, Ciocchetta, Silvia and Capelli, Gioia (2015). Seasonal and Daily Activity Patterns of Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Vectors of Pathogens in Northeastern Italy. Journal of Medical Entomology, 52 (1), 56-62. doi: 10.1093/jme/tju002
2014
Conference Publication
Laboratory evidence on vector competence of the invasive mosquito Aedes koreicus [Hulecoeteomyia koreica] for Dirofilaria immitis
Montarsi, F, Ciocchetta, S, Ravagnan, S, Simonato, G, Mutinelli, F, Camuffo, S, Frangipane di Regalbono, A and Capelli, G (2014). Laboratory evidence on vector competence of the invasive mosquito Aedes koreicus [Hulecoeteomyia koreica] for Dirofilaria immitis. 1st Conference on Neglected Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases (EurNegVec): with Management Committee and Working Group Meetings of the COST Action TD1303, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, 8-11 April 2014. London, United Kingdom: BioMed Central. doi: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-s1-o34
2013
Journal Article
Further evidence of lineage 2 West Nile Virus in Culex pipiens of North-Eastern Italy
Capelli, Gioia, Ravagnan, Silvia, Montarsi, Fabrizio, Ciocchetta, Silvia, Cazzin, Stefania, Bonfanti, Lebana, Di Gennaro, Annapia, Portanti, Ottavio, Mulatti, Paolo, Monne, Isabella, Cattoli, Giovanni, Cester, Giorgio, Russo, Francesca, Savini, Giovanni and Marangon, Stefano (2013). Further evidence of lineage 2 West Nile Virus in Culex pipiens of North-Eastern Italy. Veterinaria Italiana, 49 (3), 263-268. doi: 10.12834/VetIt.1304.02
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Silvia Ciocchetta is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
-
Targeted surveillance of major zoonotic arboviral and other vector-borne diseases in Australia using spectroscopy technology
PhD scholarship opportunity: infectious diseases transmitted by vectors represent a significant health threat to the Australian biosecurity. Detection methods used in current surveillance of these pathogens are expensive, time consuming and require highly trained personnel. We propose to conduct a set of experiments to test the best spectroscopy technique to identify infected vectors and demonstrate its capacity as surveillance tool for vector control programs against these pathogens.
Supervision history
Completed supervision
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Detection of malaria and arboviruses with spectroscopy and machine learning techniques
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ricardo Soares Magalhaes, Dr Maggy Lord
Media
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