Preliminary Results for SeCOV+ Project for the enhancement of genomic surveillance of respiratory viruses in Italy

The activities of the European project “Enhancing whole genome sequencing (WGS), national infrastructures and capacities for COVID-19 and surveillance of other respiratory viruses in Italy” (SeCOV+), are taking shape with the first results, thanks to co-funding of around 3 million euros from the European Commission through the EU for Health (EU4H) program. The project is contributing to the maintenance and enhancement of sequencing activities for SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses in Italy through training initiatives, the strengthening of laboratory networks, and the collection of genomic data via a centralized platform coordinated by Instituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS).

Furthermore, the project—coordinated by ISS, in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Health and the Bruno Kessler Foundation—is developing and applying innovative analytical models by integrating viral genomics data from human samples, as well as environmental samples, and epidemiological data. This approach aims to acquire more in-depth information for public health.

Thanks to SeCOV+ project, Italy is consolidating and strengthening the quality of centralized genomic data collection and is establishing an innovative integrated data analysis system, with a view to collaborative surveillance.

During the activities, several preliminary results have beenachieved. In particular:
· Evaluation criteria for sequencing activities carried out by the network of laboratories have been defined;
· The genomic platform forcollecting , analyzing , and sharing sequencing data produced by the network has been expanded;
· A mapping of data sources to be integrated has been conducted, and relevant indicators have been identified;
· Sequencing strategies have been revised;
· Mathematical models have been developed to assess the impact of new or known viral variants on the epidemiology of the disease;
· Interlaboratory circuits have been established as 'external quality assurance,'
· A survey was conducted to assess the current sequencing capability of the network laboratories not only for SARS-CoV-2, but also for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. This survey will be repeated at the end of a distance training course that was launched on the 31st of March 2025 from the EDUISS platform.