TY - JOUR
T1 - Integrated analyses of the transmission history of SARS-CoV-2 and its association with molecular evolution of the virus underlining the pandemic outbreaks in Italy, 2019-2023
AU - Cella, Eleonora
AU - Fonseca, Vagner
AU - Branda, Francesco
AU - Tosta, Stephane
AU - Moreno, Keldenn
AU - Schuab, Gabriel
AU - Ali, Sobur
AU - Slavov, Svetoslav Nanev
AU - Scarpa, Fabio
AU - Santos, Luciane Amorim
AU - Kashima, Simone
AU - Wilkinson, Eduan
AU - Tegally, Houriiyah
AU - Mavian, Carla
AU - Borsetti, Alessandra
AU - Caccuri, Francesca
AU - Salemi, Marco
AU - Oliveira, Tulio de
AU - Azarian, Taj
AU - Filippis, Ana Maria Bispo de
AU - Alcantara, Luiz Carlos Junior
AU - Ceccarelli, Giancarlo
AU - Caruso, Arnaldo
AU - Colizzi, Vittorio
AU - Marcello, Alessandro
AU - Lourenço, José
AU - Ciccozzi, Massimo
AU - Giovanetti, Marta
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Author(s)
PY - 2024/12
Y1 - 2024/12
N2 - Background: Italy was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing multiple waves of infection following the sequential emergence of new variants. Understanding the transmission patterns and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 is vital for future preparedness. Methods: We conducted an analysis of viral genome sequences, integrating epidemiological and phylodynamic approaches, to characterize how SARS-CoV-2 variants have spread within the country. Results: Our findings indicate bidirectional international transmission, with Italy transitioning between importing and exporting the virus. Italy experienced four distinct epidemic waves, each associated with a significant reduction in fatalities from 2021 to 2023. These waves were primarily driven by the emergence of VOCs such as Alpha, Delta, and Omicron, which were reflected in observed transmission dynamics and effectiveness of public health measures. Conclusions: The changing patterns of viral spread and variant prevalence throughout Italy's pandemic response underscore the continued importance of flexible public health strategies and genomic surveillance, both of which are crucial for tracking the evolution of variants and adapting control measures effectively to ensure preparedness for future outbreaks.
AB - Background: Italy was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing multiple waves of infection following the sequential emergence of new variants. Understanding the transmission patterns and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 is vital for future preparedness. Methods: We conducted an analysis of viral genome sequences, integrating epidemiological and phylodynamic approaches, to characterize how SARS-CoV-2 variants have spread within the country. Results: Our findings indicate bidirectional international transmission, with Italy transitioning between importing and exporting the virus. Italy experienced four distinct epidemic waves, each associated with a significant reduction in fatalities from 2021 to 2023. These waves were primarily driven by the emergence of VOCs such as Alpha, Delta, and Omicron, which were reflected in observed transmission dynamics and effectiveness of public health measures. Conclusions: The changing patterns of viral spread and variant prevalence throughout Italy's pandemic response underscore the continued importance of flexible public health strategies and genomic surveillance, both of which are crucial for tracking the evolution of variants and adapting control measures effectively to ensure preparedness for future outbreaks.
KW - D614G variant
KW - Genomic epidemiology
KW - Italy
KW - Pandemic
KW - SARS-CoV-2
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85208104786&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107262
DO - 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107262
M3 - Article
C2 - 39389289
AN - SCOPUS:85208104786
SN - 1201-9712
VL - 149
JO - International Journal of Infectious Diseases
JF - International Journal of Infectious Diseases
M1 - 107262
ER -