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Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Italy (ISS report n. 18 and March 7th 2022 ISS Flash Survey)

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in Italy (according to the 18th ISS genomic surveillance report and the ISS Flash Survey of March 7th 2022)

Published: 08 April 2022

The I-Co-Gen platform by the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) is the most up to date and reliable system for the collection and analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing data in Italy. Based on the data processed through I-Co-Gen, the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), supported by the Bruno Kessler Foundation and in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Health, the Regional administrations and the Autonomous Provinces (PPAA), have launched a coordinated effort to monitor the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Italy. Results are released periodically in the form of brief reports (further details here, Italian only).
This highlight provides a brief overview of the main results from the most recent report (data from March 7th 2022). Data from the previous report (data from January 31st 2022) are also included for the sake of comparison.
Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Italy (ISS report n. 18 and March 7th 2022 ISS Flash Survey)
The table reports the prevalence of the Delta (B.1.617.2 and derivative lineages AY.n) and Omicron (B.1.1.529 and derivative lineages AB.n) Variants of Concern (VOC) of SARS-CoV-2 in Italy. Additional information concerning the nomenclature and features of these variants can be found here, in a paper by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Prevalence data are stratified by Region/Autonomous Province, the total number of genomic sequences included in the analysis is reported as well. Aggregated data are also reported to present an overview of the current situation in Italy.
Matched data from the previous report (January 31st 2022) are also included.

With an estimated prevalence of 99,86%, according to the most recent flash survey performed by ISS on March 7th 2022, the Omicron variant (B.1.529 and derivative lineages BA.n) is the most prevalent variant in Italy. Moreover, during the same survey it emerged that of the total number of sequences classified as Omicron, 55,78% belongs to the BA.1 sublineage, whereas the remaining 44,07% belongs to the BA.2 sublineage. The latter was detected in almost all the Regions/PPAA.
On the contrary, the Delta variant was detected in a very few portions of the National territory and its prevalence in Italy equals to 0,08%.

Please refer to the reports as available on the ISS website at the following links (italian only) for a complete reference:

The previous report is available at the following link (italian only):

Source: ISS (prevalence data)