Simona Spiteri

Dr. Simona Spiteri

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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5 December 2022 in Building and Environment
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
LGLuna Girolamini
Luna Girolamini
Erika BrattichErika Brattich
Erika Brattich
FMFederica Marino
Federica Marino
MPMaria Rosaria Pascale
Maria Rosaria Pascale
MMMarta Mazzotta
Marta Mazzotta
Sandra CristinoSandra Cristino
Sandra Cristino

20 November 2024 in Pathogens
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SSSimona Spiteri
Simona Spiteri
FMFirst 285 Marino
First 285 Marino
LGLuna Girolamini
Luna Girolamini
MPMaria Rosaria Pascale
Maria Rosaria Pascale
CDCarlo Derelitto
Carlo Derelitto
Sandra CristinoSandra Cristino
Sandra Cristino
The rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental settings is crucial for effective public health management during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study compares the performance of the Reverse Transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and the Reverse Transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) for SARS-CoV-2 detection from 100 surface samples collected in healthcare environments. The reference method, RT-qPCR, identified a percentage of 25% of positive samples, while RT-LAMP detected a percentage of 27% of positive surfaces. Our findings reveal a sensitivity of 32% and specificity of 75% for RT-LAMP, with a positive predictive value of 30% and a negative predictive value of 77%. The overall accuracy and concordance with RT-qPCR was 64% for both methods. Despite its lower sensitivity compared to RT-qPCR, RT-LAMP had an advantage due to its rapid screening and environmental surveillance, which is particularly useful for confirming negative results. These results underscore the potential of RT-LAMP not only as a valuable method in the environmental monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 but also as a system to control the sanitation process in ordinary and emergency conditions, providing further optimization and validation for its reliability in routine surveillance and outbreak response efforts.