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Browsing by Author "Branda, Francesco"

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  • Dengue virus transmission in Italy: historical trends up to 2023 and a data repository into the future
    Publication . Branda, Francesco; Nakase, Taishi; Maruotti, Antonello; Scarpa, Fabio; Ciccozzi, Alessandra; Romano, Chiara; Peletto, Simone; Filippis, Ana Maria Bispo de; Alcantara, Luiz Carlos Junior; Marcello, Alessandro; Ciccozzi, Massimo; Lourenço, José; Giovanetti, Marta
    Dengue virus circulation is on the rise globally, with increased epidemic activity in previously unaffected countries, including within Europe. In 2023, global dengue activity peaked, and Italy reported the highest number of dengue cases and local chains of transmission to date. By curating several sources of information, we introduce a novel data repository focused on dengue reporting in Italy. We integrate data from such a repository with other geographic, genomic and climatic spatiotemporal data to present an overview of transmission patterns of the past eight years related to circulating viral lineages, geographic distribution, hotspots of reporting, and the theoretical contribution of local climate. The novel data repository can contribute to a better understanding of an evolving epidemiological scenario in Italy, with the potential to inform reassessment and planning of adequate national and European public health strategies to manage the emergence of the dengue virus.
    2024-12-05Journal article Open access Show more
  • 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
    Publication . Cella, Eleonora; Fonseca, Vagner; Branda, Francesco; Tosta, Stephane; Moreno, Keldenn; Schuab, Gabriel; Ali, Sobur; Slavov, Svetoslav Nanev; Scarpa, Fabio; Santos, Luciane Amorim; Kashima, Simone; Wilkinson, Eduan; Tegally, Houriiyah; Mavian, Carla; Borsetti, Alessandra; Caccuri, Francesca; Salemi, Marco; Oliveira, Tulio de; Azarian, Taj; Filippis, Ana Maria Bispo de; Alcantara, Luiz Carlos Junior; Ceccarelli, Giancarlo; Caruso, Arnaldo; Colizzi, Vittorio; Marcello, Alessandro; Lourenço, José; Ciccozzi, Massimo; Giovanetti, Marta
    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.
    2024-12Journal article Open access Show more