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. 2020 Sep;92(9):1634-1636.
doi: 10.1002/jmv.25773. Epub 2020 Mar 27.

A doubt of multiple introduction of SARS-CoV-2 in Italy: A preliminary overview

Marta Giovanetti  1   2 , Silvia Angeletti  3 , Domenico Benvenuto  4 , Massimo Ciccozzi  4
Affiliations

A doubt of multiple introduction of SARS-CoV-2 in Italy: A preliminary overview

Marta Giovanetti et al. J Med Virol. 2020 Sep.

Abstract

The emergence of the novel betacoronavirus, recently renamed as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has raised serious concerns due to the virus's rapid dissemination worldwide. Nevertheless, there is limited information about the genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in Italy from surveillance studies. The shortage of complete genomic sequences available impairs our understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 introduction and establishment in the country. To better understand its dynamics in Italy, we analyzed complete genomes of SARS-CoV-2 isolates, obtained directly from clinical samples. Our phylogenetic reconstructions suggest possible multiple introduction of SARS-CoV-2. Continued genomic surveillance strategies are needed to improve monitoring and understanding of the current SARS-CoV-2 epidemics, which might help to attenuate public health impact of infectious diseases.

Keywords: COVID-19; Italian outbreak; epidemic; phylogenetic inference.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Maximum likelihood phylogeny, estimated from complete and near‐complete coronavirus (CoV) genomes using genome data available in GISAID. Colors represent different locations (panels A and B represent expansions of the clades containing the Italian CoV isolates [green]) in clade 1 closely related with sequence from England, in clade B closely related with sequences from Germany
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