Considered is present-day nomenclature of menaces in the sphere of biological safety in the frames of broad-sense representation of this concept associated with infectious diseases. By the example of Ebola fever epidemic in West Africa, demonstrated is the fact that actual, new and spreading in the new territories infectious diseases which are attributed to the category of acute menaces, can create emergency situation in the sphere of biological safety. Such situation presents traits of unexpectedness, explosive growth of morbidity, high number of cases among health workers, high lethality, unpreparedness of the society for countermeasures (monitoring, treatment, prophylaxis, and control), severe social and economical consequences, indirect signs of probability of its intended origin, real menace for biological safety of the whole global community. Presented are variants of menaces that manifested as long-lasting (chronic) epidemics and pandemics (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria) which have the highest social and economical impact. Considered is nomenclature of menaces that broaden the toolkit of biological terrorism means. The strategy of countermeasures implies systemic approach to prevention and response to acute menaces, reducing of social and economical consequences of their realization, thus achieving more effective control over aforementioned long-lasting problems, strict adherence to BTWC provisions.

Consideration is given to the experience of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Guinea in the matter of Ebola fever response. Outlined are the challenging issues regarding scientific support of preventive activities. Provided is a brief characteristic of Pasteur Institute of Guinea as a unique platform for research activities. Covered are the legal aspects of collaboration and priority areas for the development of common initiatives in the sphere of epidemiological monitoring. Identified are the stages of material reinforcement and medical stuff capacity building, including training of specialists with a view to the establishment of effective system for epidemiological surveillance.

Ebola treatment hospital was constructed within the frames of the West Africa support infinitive of the Russian Federation, in cooperation with the United Company “RUSAL”. Permanent building with bed capacity rated 60 and strict separation of clean area from hazard zone set this medical facility apart from tent camps, which are used by international organizations. For the first time ever, in West Africa, deployed was a strategy of waste decontamination using caustic. It is of note that due to biological safety procedure compliance, no case of nosocomial infection was registered during the whole time of operation. Commissioning of this hospital is an effective mechanism for Ebola virus disease control.

Studied has been systematic approach as regards epidemiological surveillance and control over emergency situations in the sphere of sanitary-epidemiological welfare by the example of Ebola fever epidemic in West Africa countries. Based on the literature data available, analyzed have been measures for EVD surveillance and control, with reference to every stage of epidemiological process (source/ origin, agent, mechanism of transmission, recipient) at various levels of matter organization (global, regional, population, cellular, molecular, and sub-molecular). Following this, put forward have been primary areas for EVD control optimization.

Objective of the study was to forecast the scale of the outbreak that would emerge after arrival of persons infected with Ebola virus into the Russian Federation. Initial data for the prediction were obtained from retrospective analysis of hemorrhagic Ebola fever outbreaks registered within the period of 1976-2014, and the spread of the virus in the Republic of Guinea and Mali in 2014. Delays in the identification of a patient and the lack of compliance with control measures may result in secondary disease in 3-5 persons from among the members of the family and the medical staff. Timely diagnostics and strict observance of safety regulations for treatment of patients with fever of unknown etiology will minimize the number of secondary diseases to a single case or none at all.

The current outbreak of the Ebola fever in West Africa is unprecedented in terms of its scale. As of today, 27550 suspected cases and 11235 deaths have been reported. The outbreak differs from previous epidemics in terms of epidemiological and clinical progression of the disease. The article covers several epidemiological issues related to Ebola virus disease by the example of the Guinean outbreak, which has been plaguing the country since 2014. Given is the preliminary clinical analysis of the medical observations, performed in the Research and Diagnostic Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology built by RUSAL. Regarded are epidemiological and clinical features of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) in 83 patients, who were admitted to RUSAL Treatment Center since March 6^th till June 30^th, 2015. In 28 of the patients, EVD diagnosis was laboratory confirmed. The principle assessment criteria are: morbidity rate, lethality index, gender, age, occupation, time since the onset of the disease until hospitalization, an average duration of the stay at the hospital, complaints, symptoms, complications, and the therapy provided.

Significant aspect in the provision of anti-epidemic readiness for Ebola fever importation into the Russian Federation is to determine the scope of measures to be undertaken toward individuals who have been in contact with index case. Analyzed have been the published data on the imported case records resultant in the secondary transmission of the disease; measures, performed in relation to contact persons in non-endemic countries; possible mechanisms of transmission; presence of virus in biological material from an infected individual; risk of exposure to virus onboard the aircraft. Based on the results of the analysis of publications, WHO, CDC and Rospotrebnadzor recommendations, with due consideration of the current regulations, put forward is an approximate procedure for individuals who have been in contact with EVD case onboard the plane, including transportation of persons, exposed to the increased risk of infection into a specialized hospital.

The aim of the work is evaluation of potential epizootiological significance of small predatory mammals in Ebola virus circulation in the Republic of Guinea. Registered has been coincidence of the areals of the common species of small predatory mammals of Viverridae family with distribution limits of epidemically significant Chiroptera species and Ebola virus in 1976-2014 in the countries of West, Central, East and South Africa. Substantiated are prospects of analysis of biological samples (blood, internal organs) from different representatives of predatory mammals ( Viverrida, Felidae, Canidae, Mustelidae, Herpestidae ) as well as from domestic dogs, for the purpose to detect natural Ebola fever foci. Pointed out is the necessity of targeted investigation of the mechanism of long-term preservation of Ebola virus in the environmental objects, first of all, in substrates of tree trunks hollows and grots, which are used as day-time shelters by different representatives of Chiroptera and Carnivora (families of Viverrida and Herpestidae).

Represented are the results of analysis of the on-going EVD epidemic, 2013-2015 in West Africa countries. Identified have been epidemiological peculiarities, the principal ones of which are: the scale of epidemic transmission; social factors of widespread occurrence; registration of EVD cases in the new territories of the African continent - West Africa (Guinea, Liberia, Sierra-Leone); genetic distinction between Ebola virus and the strains of the same virus, species Zaire ebolavirus, that caused previous outbreaks; prevalence of febrile syndrome over hemorrhagic; high risk of infection with EVD among the healthcare workers. Most probable carriers of Ebola virus may be fruit-bats of the three species - Hypsignathus monstrosus, Myonycteris torquata, and Epomops franqueti. Outlined are the key stages and factors of EVD epidemic development.

An estimated scope of measures, aimed at the prevention of Ebola virus disease importation and transmission in the territory of the Russian Federation, targets the maximum level of hazard to the population. It has a complex interagency character, whereby the Federal service for surveillance in the sphere of consumers rights protection and human welfare functions as coordinator and principal executing agency. The measures affect the following areas: regulatory compliance and methodological support, sanitary-quarantine control reinforcement at the entry points on the state border of the Russian Federation, strengthening of anti-epidemic preparedness of the Rospotrebnadzor and public healthcare institutions and authorities, including operational preparedness of the laboratory facilities, information support within the framework of epidemiological surveillance, and involvement in the activities under the international collaboration for epidemic response and control. Practices have been completed as regards series of actions conducted from the time of the case identification and further on; evacuation of the infected and suspected individuals, procedures for sanitary disinfection, interventions in the relation to contact persons, and readiness for anti-epidemic measures performance.

Taking into consideration experience in utilization of “AmpliSens EBOV (ZAIRE)-FL” in the setting of SAET mobile laboratory complex, carried out has been the improvement of the panel with a view to elapsed time reduction and analytical sensitivity enhancement. It provides for the analytical sensitivity increase up to 200 copies per ml, which is 10 times higher than the previous measurement, that accounted for 2·10³ copies per ml. The timing of the assay has been reduced up to 1 h 25 min, which is 25 % less than the time needed for the standard study. Modification of “AmpliSens EBOV (ZAIRE)-FL” panel benefits to the enhancement of epidemiological surveillance activities intended to stop the spread of Zaire ebolavirus in West Africa and prevent its importation into the Russian Federation.

The review summarizes the literature data on the studies of viral antigens and antibodies, specific to Ebola virus, suitable for the development of a test-system for immune-diagnostics of the disease caused by them. Represented are the results of investigations on the obtainment of hybridoma monoclonal antibodies (MCA), specific to structural viral proteins NP, VP40, and VP35; recombinant proteins NP, VP40, and VP35 in prokaryotic system of E. coli; as well as the possibility to utilize MCA panels for EV viral and recombinant proteins’ detection in ELISA.

An unprecedented on its scale Ebola fever epidemic, caused by Zaire ebolavirus, has been registered in the territory of West Africa in 2014-2015. The virus quickly spread from the Republic of Guinea into the neighboring countries. Presented are the results of comparative analysis between three Zaire ebolavirus genomes, the complementary DNA of which was obtained from the samples from Ebola fever patients in the Republic of Guinea in 2014. The nucleotide sequences of the genomes received have allowed for identification of phylogenetic affinity to certain references, displayed in the database of NCBI GenBank. General phylogenetic analysis by means of representative sampling has revealed two trends of genome evolutionary development from one and the same ancestral form. The first branch of evolution is represented by a relatively small number of Zaire ebolavirus isolates, disseminated in Guinea. The second one, the most numerous trend, is generated by four variants of Zaire ebolavirus genome, which have been identified starting from May - early June, 2014 in Sierra-Leone, but within a short period of time they have won the whole territory of the country and the neighboring Guinea and Liberia.

At present EVD epidemic, which claimed the lives of more than 10000 people, is still underway in West Africa Countries. Promptness and quality of laboratory diagnostics, alongside with delivered anti-epidemic measures predetermine efficacy of Ebola response operation. Due to a lack of means for the specific prophylaxis and treatment of the disease, asymptomatic patients are discharged from hospitals, based on criteria recommended by WHO, which might be insufficient. Viral RNA is detected in different clinical samples taken from the patients even at the advanced stages of convalescence, which requires essential investigation of peculiarities of Ebola persistence in various biological fluids. The article contains the data on the studies of biological samples, obtained from a female patient diagnosed with Ebola virus disease, applying various methods and techniques.

The molecular genetic peculiarities of genomic structure of the Ebolavirus genus members are viewed in the review. The Ebola virus disease outbreaks in West African countries constitute a threat not only for Africa, but for the whole world in view of possible introduction of the agent in non-endemic regions. The members of the Ebolavirus genus have different pathogenicity for humans, thus differ severity and mortality of the disease they cause. There is a significant genetic divergence among members of the Ebolavirus genus. The differences of pathogenic potential of members of the Ebolavirus genus may be explained as the result of mutations in the genes of virus structural proteins. It is possible, that some of these mutations may affect virulence of strains within one virus species. So far as most effective modern medicines for specific prophylaxis and treatment of Ebola fever are target-oriented, genotyping of the agent will promote elaboration of strategy of such preparations development.

Analysis of 5 Ebola virus Zaire 2014 isolates passaged in cell cultures or in mice, demonstrated presence of unique mutations in the genome RNA in some cases. All identified nucleotide substitutions are singular, stochastically located, synonymous or fall within non-coding regions. Variability level of nucleotide sequences is equal to 0.005-0.01 %, suggesting extremely high genetic stability of Ebola virus Zaire, the causative agent of the outbreak. Confirmed is suppression of non-synonymous mutations accumulation in ebolavirus variants in the course of time. Detected are alterations in glycosilation sites and mucin-like domain of ebolavirus glycoprotein.

Ebola virus, representative of the Ebolavirus genus, Filoviridae family, causes severe hemorrhagic fever in humans, with lethality rates amounting up to 90 %. The members of Ebolavirus genus infect a broad range of mammalian cells. Recent studies indicate that entry of Ebola virus into cells requires a series of cellular protein interactions and molecular mechanisms, some of which are unique to filoviruses, while others are commonly used by all viral glycoproteins. The cellular factors deployed by filoviruses for their entry into permissive cells are defined incompletely. The aim of this review is to analyze peculiarity of the Ebola virus penetration into permissive cells at molecular level. The Ebola virus entry into cells is initiated by the interaction of viral glycoprotein with one or more receptors on the surface of host-cell. The main host-cell factors, involved in filovirus entry, are: attachment factors (cell lectins and human T-cell mucin 1 (TIM-1)), signaling factors (tyrosinkinase receptors and α₅β₁-integrin), and endolisosomal host-cell factors (cathepsins B and L and Niemann-Pick C1 protein. The study of the complex set of virus entry events provides potential avenues for the development of antiviral therapies against Ebola fever.

Developed has been the oligonucleotide liquid biochip based on xMAP technology, designed for the laboratory detection of particularly dangerous viral pathogens such as Ebola and Marburg filoviruses, and Machupo , Junin, and Lassa arenaviruses. The suggested approach allows for the detection of up to 100 viral genome equivalents in a sample. The sensitivity and specificity of oligonucleotide biochip is 100 % when the laboratory panels of positive and negative samples are used. These results indicate that the xMAP multiplexing for the detection and identification of tropical hemorrhagic fever agents, including Ebola virus, is not inferior to the conventional method such as real-time RT-PCR and can be applied for evaluation of viral load, and further on can easily be expanded for both the analysis of new viral agents and for the detection of critical mutations in viral genomes.

Nowadays vaccination of the population living in the endemic regions and widespread implementation of the potent therapies for the emergency prophylaxis and treatment into the clinical practice are regarded as the basic efficient and cost-effective measures for Ebola epidemic spread control. Objective of the review is to analyze current state of the development of aids for the immediate prophylaxis and treatment of Ebola fever. Focus area of the activities is the construction of drugs on the basis of virus-specific anti-bodies (including monoclonal), small interfering RNA, and anti-sense phosphordiamidate morpholine oligomers and interferons. The paper discusses the most significant achievements in this sphere.

Representative of Ebolavirus gender, Filoviridae family, Ebola virus is an etiological agent of particularly dangerous viral fever, the lethality of which comes up to 88 %. According to the leading specialists and experts in the sphere, vaccination is the most effective and cost-efficient method for the protection from epidemic spread. Objective of the review is to analyze current state of the development of next generation vaccines against Ebola fever. It is established that focus areas of the activities are the construction of vaccines on the basis of alpha-virus replicons, virus-like particles, and the development of DNA-vaccines and vector recombinant vaccines. The paper discusses the most significant achievements in the sphere of obtainment of potent therapies for prophylaxis as regards Ebola fever. To date manufactured, using various approaches, have been the next-generation vaccine preparations, for a number of which high protective capacity is demonstrated in the course of experiments on the nonhuman primates. The most advanced and prospective prototype is the vector recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus-based vaccine.