Objective of the study was to evaluate the state of parasitic systems and activity of the natural plague foci of the Russian Federation in 2016 and to develop epizootiological forecasting for 2017. In 2016 epizooties of plague were registered in the territory of the KoshAgach District of the Altai Republic and Mongun-Taiginsky, Ovyursky, and Tes-Khemsky Kozhuuns of the Republic of Tyva. The total area coverage was 1692.6 km². Isolated were 87 strains of plague microbe, including the isolates from rodents and lagomorphs – 31, from fleas – 47, lice – 7, and Ixodidae ticks – 2. Verified has been epizootiological forecast for the year 2017, which shows that epidemiological situation will remain tense. In order to reduce the epidemic risks, comprehensive plans of preventive activities have been developed. In the territory of the other natural foci epizootic manifestations of plague are not expected to occur. Only in PreCaspian sandy focus, situated in the territory of Lagan and Chernozemelsky Regions of the Kalmyk Republic, probability of the singly infected animal findings during the autumn season, 2017 is retained.

Analysis of epidemiological situation on cholera around the world has demonstrated downward trend in morbidity rates in 2016; annual average decline being 3.907 % (by reference to 2007). Comparative assessment of monthly incidence in 2015 and 2016 shows perennial registration of cholera cases in a number of African countries and in the Caribbean with up-rises in different seasons. Establishment of epidemic foci is on-going. Between 2007 and 2016, 1733 imported cases of cholera took place across the globe. Interstate import dominated in Asia. For forecast development, for the first time ever, risk assessment of epidemic process activation has been performed, taking into consideration emergency situations of varying origin, social and natural environments, using expert evaluation scores. Epidemic manifestations of cholera in the Russian Federation were characterized by import of the infection in 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014; isolation of V. cholerae O1 biovar El Tor ctxA^– tcpA^–, ctxA⁺ and V. cholerae O139 ctxA^– and tcpA^– from surface water bodies, as well as individual V. cholerae O1 biovar El Tor сtхA⁺ tсра⁺. Worked out has been the algorithm for epidemiological investigation of causes and conditions of surface water body contamination with cholera vibrios. Cholera forecast worldwide and in Russia for the year 2017 remains unfavorable.

The results of analysis of epidemiological and epizootiological situation on anthrax in the world in 2016 are presented. In the Russian Federation 36 human cases of anthrax are registered. Epizooties are noted in 3 federal districts. Anthrax in humans was detected in neighboring countries of Central Asia, in a number of Asian and African countries. Epizootic foci are identified throughout with prevalence in the countries of Africa and Asia, where anthrax cases among wild animals were also revealed. The unstable situation on anthrax is forecasted in 2017 in the Russian Federation and neighboring countries.

Abstract. This paper presents analysis of epidemiological situation on Crimean hemorrhagic fever (CHF) in Russia in 2016. Summarized are the results of epizootiological survey of the territory of the natural CHF focus in the south of the European part of Russia, discussed are the results of genetic typing of CCHFV RNA isolates. In 2016, the Russian Federation reported 162 cases of CHF. Increase in the incidence of CHF occurred in the Astrakhan, Volgograd Regions, Republic of Kalmykia, and Stavropol Territory. For the first time CHF case was identified in Kabardino-Balkar Republic. In 2016 in stationary points for the long-term observation of the natural CHF focus, high abundance rates of larvae and nymphs of H. marginatum remain. In case of successful Ixodidae ticks wintering and late onset of the hot and dry season in the summer, 2017, there is probability that high numbers of H. marginatum will be retained and the period of the imago activity is prolonged, which may in its turn  contribute to the increase in CHF morbidity rates.

In Europe, as in Russia and Canada, outlined was a tendency to the increase in the morbidity rates, while in the US – the incidence was somewhat lower as compared to previous years. On the whole, West Nile fever incidence rates in the Russian Federation by regions during the epidemic season, 2016 were below the average long-term index. Above the average regional annual incidence rates were registered in the Saratov region only and accounted for 64 % of all reported cases in Russia. Analysis of the monitoring results indicated the circulation of WNF virus markers in carriers of the pathogen in 10 constituent entities of the Russian Federation, and the presence of IgG antibodies in healthy population cohorts in 30 RF entities. According to molecular-genetic typing of WNF virus samples from a deceased patient in the Astrakhan Region and mosquito Culex samples from the Volgograd Region, WNF virus genotype I was established. Forecasting of epidemiological situation development for the year 2017 does not rule out the possibility of local increase in WNF incidence in certain regions of Russia.

Epidemiological situation for tick-borne virus encephalitis (TBVE) in the Russian Federation is analyzed for the last twenty years (1997–2006 and 2007–2016). It is established that the last decade is characterized by decrease of the morbidity indicators in all constituent entities of the country attributed to the groups with high and middle intensity of the epidemic process, except for the Kirov region. Differences in the dynamics of morbidity decrease are revealed in groups of entities with various intensity of epidemic process in European and Asian parts of Russia. It is shown that at current period the epidemic process is the most intensive in the Asian part of nosoarea of TBVE. In short-term prospect the incidence rate is expected to be below average long-term indicators for 2007–2016 or slightly exceed them.

Analysis of epidemiological situation on cholera around the world has demonstrated downward trend in morbidity rates in 2016; annual average decline being 3.907 % (by reference to 2007). Comparative assessment of monthly incidence in 2015 and 2016 shows perennial registration of cholera cases in a number of African countries and in the Caribbean with up-rises in different seasons. Establishment of epidemic foci is on-going. Between 2007 and 2016, 1733 imported cases of cholera took place across the globe. Interstate import dominated in Asia. For forecast development, for the first time ever, risk assessment of epidemic process activation has been performed, taking into consideration emergency situations of varying origin, social and natural environments, using expert evaluation scores. Epidemic manifestations of cholera in the Russian Federation were characterized by import of the infection in 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014; isolation of V. cholerae O1 biovar El Tor ctxA^– tcpA^–, ctxA⁺ and V. cholerae O139 ctxA^– and tcpA^– from surface water bodies, as well as individual V. cholerae O1 biovar El Tor сtхA⁺ tсра⁺. Worked out has been the algorithm for epidemiological investigation of causes and conditions of surface water body contamination with cholera vibrios. Cholera forecast worldwide and in Russia for the year 2017 remains unfavorable.

Presented are the order and features of organization of operative diagnostic and monitoring studies of the material during the anthrax outbreak in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District in 2016. Characterized are the main directions of the laboratory base work. Represented are the results of laboratory studies of various materials (clinical samples, material from animals, samples of environmental objects) for the presence of Bacillus anthracis.

The organizational peculiarities of anti-epidemic measures during the anthrax outbreak in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District in 2016 are presented. Complex of these measures provided for anthrax patients active identification and hospitalization, preventive immunization and emergency antibiotic prophylaxis of risk groups, vaccination of reindeer, utilization of fallen animals. Disinfection, deratization and desinsection measures were performed. Native residents were evacuated from infection focus and sensitization campaign among the population was carried out. Organized were sanitary inspection stations and temporary accommodation points. Due to operational implementation of anti-epidemic measures in the interagency format the anthrax focus was localized within one incubation period.

The paper presents the data describing historical aspects of anthrax dissemination in Siberia and Far East. This disease has engrained here and spread throughout the entire Asian part of Russia. The majority of the soil anthrax foci are concentrated in the southern entities of the country. Siberia and Far East regions are characterized by low anthrax incidence rates among the population. This is due to the peculiarities of stock-animal farming and low population density. Historically, the establishment of a significant number of stationary hazardous as regards anthrax areas and soil foci is occasioned by the lack of proper veterinary surveillance and support of preventive activities aimed at the disposal of dead animals. Sporadic occurrence of epizootic complications on anthrax in the same areas indicates the persistence of soil anthrax foci.

7201 stationary hazardous as regards anthrax points (SHAP) and 557 anthrax burial places are registered in Siberia and the Far East. Epizootiological and epidemiological situation for anthrax in the Asian part of the Russian Federation is characterized at present by uneven geographical distribution and predominance of old non-manifested shaps (98.9 %), and epizootic outbreaks with epidemic complications (82.5 %). In the Siberian Far North and four southern areas of the region it remains hazardous. Reduction of livestock population in 1990s lead to agricultural animals morbidity decline, thus morbidity among deers dominated (80.2). Sporadic pattern of the epidemic process was observed. The majority of patients were unvaccinated rural population (97.5 %), males (77.5 %), ablebodied citizens infected during constrained slaughtering (90.5 %). Meat and meat products were main transmission factors (96.4 %). Cutaneous anthrax prevailed. Anthrax outbreak in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District in 2016 outlined the necessity of effective interdepartmental interaction and optimization of normative regulation on disposal of fallen cattle and condition of anthrax burial places.

The current situation on anthrax is characterized as unstable. Instability is associated with recurring epizootic outbreaks complicated by human anthrax cases, as people contract infection mainly through contact with sick animals, their carcasses or animal products. Mentioned are new aerosol and parenteral ways of anthrax contracting. Parenteral use of contaminated heroin led to emergence of new clinical form of anthrax – injectional. Conception on anthrax agent evolution is replenished by data on pathogenic bacilli strains, that occupy an intermediate position between B. anthracis and B. cereus. Ecology of anthrax microbe is considered in view of its interaction with bacteriophages, rhizosphere and soil microflora. Research related to the environmental characteristics of habitat niches and genotypes of B. anthracis, explaining the geographical distribution of areas with a high risk of disease, may allow to optimize the program of animals immunization, which is the most effective measure for the prevention of anthrax.

The efficiency and timeliness of medical care of infectious patients are largely determined by the promptness of diagnosis and the rational organization of medical sorting of patients and contact persons. In 2016 there were 36 anthrax cases in the Yamal. In the immediate area of the epidemic were 327 people, including 135 children, in the endangered area – 539 people, including 217 children. Organization of medical care for patients and contact persons was accompanied by objective difficulties associated with the vastness of the territory under threat of infection spread, the presence of atypical and rare clinical forms of anthrax. Тhe article presents the analysis of actions for rendering of medical aid to patients with anthrax in the Yamal in 2016, and the proposed algorithms in medical triage and the organization of the emergency unit.

36 cases of human infection with anthrax, manifested in various clinical forms, were registered in the territory of Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District in 2016. Cutaneous anthrax was characterized by emergence of carbuncle, however objective difficulties of clinical diagnostics, associated with atypicality of clinical manifestations (erysipeloid form of the disease, crusting) were outlined. Clinical manifestations of oropharyngeal anthrax were severe febrile reaction, intoxication, edema of subcutaneous fat on face and neck, and lesions of mucous membranes. Intestinal anthrax was diagnosed in one patient and characterized by the acute onset followed by faintness, loss of appetite, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Based on the results of carried out investigations, put forward were the measures on optimization of approaches to clinical diagnostics of anthrax.

Presented are summarized data on anthrax epidemiological and epizootiological situation in the Russian Federation. The causes of the unstable situation are analyzed. Characterized are modern clinical and epidemiological features of anthrax infection, as well as key areas for improvement of surveillance and control of anthrax in the current conditions based on a systematic approach and effective interdepartmental cooperation.

Objective of the study was to analyze epizootiological and epidemiological risks contributing to the development of anthrax outbreak in the Yamal peninsular in July-August, 2016.

Materials and methods. Risks were evaluated using complex approach allowing for determination of the impact of epidemiologically significant social, natural, and biological risks, based on literature sources, archival data, and statistical reports. Special focus was on the natural-climatic factors, providing for persistence of the agent in the environment, such as NDVI index, atmospheric temperature and humidity, as well as soil temperature and moisture at different depths, in accordance with satellite monitoring.

Results and conclusions. Justified was the hypothesis on sustained adversity of soil foci in Yamal, remaining hazard of aggravation of epizootiological and epidemiological situation on anthrax against the background of changing environmental and social risk factors, as well as agent ability to survive in the soils within an indeterminate amount of time.

Objective of the study was to identify phenotypic properties and genetic peculiarities of Bacillus anthracis strains, isolated during the outbreak of anthrax in the territory of Yamal in 2016.

Materials and methods. Investigated were the strains of anthrax agent, applying basic and subsequent identification tests and canSNP-, MLVA-genotyping methods and whole genome sequencing.

Results and conclusions. The results showed the identity of the phenotypic properties, canSNPand MLVA25-genotypes, and profiles of whole genome-sequencing, regardless of the source of the strains isolation. Confirmed was a common source of human infection. Defined were phylogenetic interrelations of the tested strains and their position in global B. anthracis population. For the first time ever explored was variability of the gene pattern, associated with pathogenicity, and demonstrated – the efficiency of the proposed algorithm for genetic typing.

Objective of the study was to carry out identification of reference strains of pathogenic microorganisms from stores of the State Collection of Pathogenic Bacteria (SCPB) at RusRAPI “Microbe”, using microbiological analyzer Vitek 2, followed by determination of their biochemical authenticity markers.

Materials and methods. Methodological approach was based on application of automated system Vitek 2 Bio-Mérieux with the subsequent assessment of the results obtained, using BioNumerics 7.5 software package.

Results and conclusions. Verified was authenticity of 103 reference strains of pathogenic microorganisms stored in SCPB, RusRAPI “Microbe”. It was established that 7 out of 103 strains (6.8 %) did not conform to the claimed feature profiles and cannot be used in scientific-practical activities, in consequence of which they were replaced with reliable authentic analogues. Evaluation of the data on interaction between the tested strains and differentiating substrates allowed for determination of authenticity markers for each of them, necessary for control of collection culture identity under reproduction and storage. On the basis of the data gathered, the profiles of the studied reference strains were regenerated.