Organization of Laboratory Diagnostics of Anthrax in Mobile Laboratories in the Republic of Tajikistan in 2024–2025

The aim of the work was to organize laboratory diagnostics of anthrax using a mobile laboratory, including for the verification of the clinical diagnosis of anthrax in the Republic of Tajikistan.
Materials and methods. 17 clinical samples and one sample of beef were analyzed using molecular-genetic (PCR, sequencing) and bacteriological methods. The susceptibility of isolated Bacillus anthracis cultures to antibacterial agents was determined applying the disk diffusion method.
Results and discussion. The complex epidemiological and epizootiological situation on anthrax in the Republic of Tajikistan necessitates the improvement of epidemiological surveillance of this disease. The diagnosis of anthrax in the Republic is still based on the clinical presentation, without mandatory laboratory confirmation. In 2024–2025, with the advisory and practical support of Russian specialists, diagnostic tests for the presence of the anthrax pathogen were conducted in mobile laboratories set up at the premises of medical facilities. In 2024, when 5 samples of clinical material from patients who were treated with antibacterial drugs were examined, no B. anthracis DNA was detected, and no culture of the anthrax microbe was isolated. In 2025, when studying 12 samples taken before treatment from 7 patients and 1 sample of cattle meat collected from the focus of infection, DNA of B. anthracis was detected in all cases. Cultures of the anthrax pathogen were isolated and identified; their sensitivity to antibacterial drugs and appurtenance to the phylogenetic group A.Br.047 were determined. The obtained results allowed for confirming the clinical diagnosis of anthrax, to prescribe adequate etiotropic therapy, and to promptly carry out anti-epidemic measures. The effectiveness of using mobile laboratories for prompt diagnosis of anthrax has been demonstrated, specifically under conditions of limited infrastructure, remote areas, and a shortage of specialized stationary laboratories.

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