Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 in workplace and community settings: an innovative environmental surveillance approach to prevent COVID-19 infection

This project arises from the need to respond to the uncontrolled spread of future infectious diseases by applying the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. These include the numerous lives lost, the stress conditions experienced by the healthcare workers and the economic impact on nations. In particular, the project aims to highlight how an interdisciplinary approach can make the difference in managing large-scale health emergencies. It underscores the importance of studying a pathogen's environmental behavior to anticipate and react to outbreaks before they escalate into full- blown health crises. From these premises, the first phase of the study aims to assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare and community settings through surface sampling and analysis. The collected samples were analyzed using three molecular biology techniques: RT-qPCR, ddPCR, and RT-LAMP method. With the exception for RT-LAMP, this phase of the project involved clinical assays to perform molecular biology analysis. The second phase was focused on performing RT-qPCR of the same samples, using an assay specifically developed for surface samples. The comparison among techniques allowed the identification of the most suitable approach for surface monitoring. By building on the foundation laid in these aims, the following research will contribute to a greater understanding of how environmental monitoring can be optimized and implemented as part of a comprehensive strategy against not just COVID-19, but also for other infectious diseases. The GVM Care & Research Group has contributed to the study by allowing access to its facilities to support environmental sampling campaign. In particular, the sampling campaign was carried out mainly at the Maria Cecilia Hospital in Cotignola (RA), which was designated as the partner company for this PhD project.