The project improved quality standards across the national laboratory network, expanded sequencing capabilities for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and developed new mathematical models to track the spread of variants. This led to the optimization of both clinical and wastewater-based surveillance, resulting in the production of periodic bulletins estimating the presence and types of variants and viruses in these different matrices.
RespiVirNet Surveillance
RespiVirNet evolved from the previous integrated influenza surveillance portal (InfluNet) to monitor other respiratory viruses in addition to influenza.
RespiVirNet surveillance is coordinated by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (Italian National Institute of Health) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The network relies on contributions from general practitioners (GPs) and pediatricians, designated contacts within Local Health Authorities (ASLs) and regional health departments, and a network of regional reference laboratories.
It comprises two components: Epidemiological Surveillance, which aims to determine the onset, duration, and intensity of the seasonal epidemic; and Virological Surveillance, which monitors the circulation of various respiratory viruses. The bulletins can be viewed here.
Weekly COVID-19 Bulletins
The COVID-19 surveillance program produces a weekly bulletin featuring both epidemiological and virological sections, including estimates of circulating virus variants. The bulletins can be viewed here.
Wastewater surveillance
On March 17, 2021, the European Commission issued Recommendation 2021/472, encouraging Member States to establish a surveillance system for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in wastewater by October 1, 2021. In response to this recommendation, the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) launched a series of "flash surveys." These surveys consist of monthly sampling campaigns conducted over short timeframes at various locations across Italy. The primary objective of these surveys is to gather additional information on the SARS-CoV-2 variants present in the population, complementing data obtained through clinical surveillance. The results of the flash surveys are available here.
