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Problems of Particularly Dangerous Infections

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No 2 (2014)
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https://doi.org/10.21055/0370-1069-2014-2

5-12 901
Abstract
Described is SAET concept development, beginning from the point of the establishment in 1963 till present moment. Outlined is the fact that SAETs formation, as derivatives of anti-plague institutions, naturally followed from the historical experience in the sphere of public health provision obtained both in the times of war conflicts and peace-time emergency situations (ES) relief. By the specific examples of SAETs participation in liquidation of ES of sanitary-epidemiological character explored is the process of SAET concept development, and governing principles of its functioning. It is demonstrated that the driving force of SAET framework evolution, providing for changes in functional-structural organization and technical facilities through all the stages in time, has been emerging biological threats. Therewith, SAET concept has been developed based on the analysis of the best practices of deployment and integration of advanced technologies and science achievements. An account has been given of modernization of SAET physical facilities and technological base during 2007-2010. Discussed are the SAETs main areas of activities, functions, and tactics of deployment in the modern period. Put forward are the recent changes in SAET concept evolution and tactics of deployment that are occasioned by the incurrence of new operation line - provision of sanitary-epidemiological welfare of the population at mass gatherings with international participation.

REVIEWS AND PROGNOSES

13-18 673
Abstract
Analyzed are the data of the epizootiologic survey of plague enzootic territories in Russia in 2013. Evaluated are the numbers of major carriers and vectors as well as the epizootic activity of natural foci of different types. Analysis of preconditions for decrease of epizootic potential of plague natural foci of Caucasus, Altai and Tyva is carried out. Single findings of infected fleas are registered at the sites of steady focality in the territory of Pre-Caspian lowland. Forecast of epizootic situation for 2014 is presented. Marked is raising probability that Volga-Ural sandy and Central Caucasian high-mountain plague foci would get out of the inter-epizootic period state. Substantiated are the possibility of plague epizootics continuation and their intensity in Pre-Caspian sandy, Altai and Tyva mountain, and Eastern-Caucasus high-mountain plague natural foci.
19-26 635
Abstract
V. cholerae O1 El Tor cultures, serovars Ogawa and Inaba, from surface waters of the reservoirs, which are different in epidemic manifestations of the disease.
27-28 626
Abstract
The analysis of epidemiological and epizootiological situation on anthrax in the Russian Federation and in the world in 2013 is carried out. The forecast of disease for 2014 is presented. Anthrax morbidity in humans in Russia is shown to decrease in 2013 in comparison with that in 2012 (2 cases versus 12). Three anthrax cases are registered in cattle.
29-32 669
Abstract
Carried out is the analysis and assessment of epizootiologic and epidemiologic situation on brucellosis in the Russian Federation over the year 2013. It is demonstrated that on the grounds of tense epizootic situation there is a tendency to reduction in brucellosis morbidity rates among the population. Incidence rates in the North-Caucasian and Southern Federal districts remain high due to B. melitensis spp. brucellosis agent circulation. However, realization of a complex of brucellosis prophylactic measures in the territory of the Republic of Dagestan has resulted in a considerable reduction of a number of primary cases in the region. In addition, forecasted is stabilization of brucellosis morbidity rates among the population and farming animals in 2014, being estimated at 320-370 cases a year.
33-39 864
Abstract
Epidemiological situation on West Nile Fever (WNF) in Europe in 2013 was characterized by a notable rise of morbidity rate primarily due to the outbreak of WNF in Serbia (302 cases registered). In the North America, in the United States and Canada, WNF manifestations in 2013 were characterized by the lower intensity compared to previous epidemic season. 192 cases were registered in 16 constituent entities of the Russian Federation in 2013. It was revealed, that genotype 2 West Nile Virus (WNV) circulated in the territory of the Volgograd and Saratov regions, the same as in Serbia, Greece and Italy, and genotype 1 WNV in the Astrakhan region. According to the data obtained from the Reference Center for monitoring over WNV pathogen, WNV markers were detected in the territory of 61 constituent entities of the Russian Federation throughout the period of observation in 1999-2013 which testified to the existence of potential risk of human exposure during epidemic season in most of the parts of country. According to Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring forecast, climatic conditions in Russia for the next 5-10 years will stick to global warming trend which will contribute to further spread of WNV onto the northern areas.
40-43 641
Abstract
Crimean hemorrhagic fever remains one of the priority infections in the South of Russia. Within the past five years morbidity rates are retained consistently high in a number of regions; mortality rates are on average 4.4 %. In 2013 registered were 79 cases of CHF in the Southern and North-Caucasian Federal Districts. Therewith performed has been analysis of epidemiological situation on CHF in the Russian Federation for 2013, summarized have been the results of epizootiological surveillance of the natural CHF focus area in the South of European Russia, discussed are the results of genetic CCHF virus typing, identified in 2011-2013 in the South of Russia. Based on epizootiological surveillance data made has been the forecast of epidemiological situation development as regards CHF for 2014.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

44-47 769
Abstract
Objective of the work is to demonstrate some peculiarities of functioning of the software model of epidemics designed at the premises of SSC VB “Vector”. This model is supposed to be a universal one and appropriate for prediction of any acute infectious disease epidemics development. Basic routes of infection are either an unspecified external source or random contacts between people irrespective of gender, age, and other socio-demographic characteristics of cohorts. The model assumes presetting the spectrum of key anti-epidemic measures such as preventive vaccination and the one carried out in situ, as well as allocating and isolation (observation) of the infection cases, contact persons, and those suspected for a disease, and quarantine. The software model is available from http://vector-epimod.ru. Investigated is the impact of various resource limitations on the development of smallpox epidemics in a residential area - a city with a million-plus population.
48-52 723
Abstract
Morbidity forecasting as regards tick-borne viral encephalitis has been carried out using three various methods. Demonstrated is the fact that variability consistency among the actual values accounting the numbers of seeking medical aid because of tick bites and estimated values within the current quasi-cycle is 31.4 %. Developed have been multi-factor regression models for medical aid encounters on the occasion of tick bites and for tick-borne viral encephalitis morbidity. Identified are the most significant factors which characterize specific prophylaxis, acaricide treatment, and abundance of infected ticks; estimated is the impact of the factors on the forecasting. Maximum level of interdependency has reached 78 %: in case with seroprevention it has come up to 64 %, vaccination - 11.5 %, acaricide treatments - 4 %, and abundance of infected ticks - 3%. It has been outlined that a 20 % extension of areas for acaricide treatments leads to a 5% decrement in medical aid encounters, while a 20% reduction - to an almost 7 % rise, respectively. Thus evaluation of the significance of the preventive and curative interventions is of a crucial importance while developing Territorial prevention programmes if undertaken along with consistent application of acaricide treatments.
53-57 716
Abstract
Based on the reference data on monitoring of natural-focal infections, collected from the institutions of the Federal service for surveillance in the sphere of consumers rights protection and human welfare, estimated are the morbidity rates for natural-focal and zoonotic diseases in Siberia and Far East Region within a period of 9 months, 2013. Established is the scope of laboratory investigations as regards anthrax, brucellosis, tularemia, yersinioses, leptospirosis, borreliosis, rickettsiosis, and a number of viral infections. It is determined that high waters in the Amur River region did not have any considerable impact on the epidemiological situation in 2013, however in 2014 epizootic and epidemic complications are expected to take place, for the prevention of which enhanced package plan is being implemented. The situation on tularemia in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District, and brucellosis - in the Republic of Tyva and Trans-Baikal Region is still tense.
58-61 1240
Abstract
Based on the analysis of the information concerning distribution and abundance of Ixodidae ticks in the territory of the Tula Region (1998-2012), obtained have been the new data on the expansion of I. ricinus habitat. Results of phyto-geographical zoning of the region have served as a landscape base for investigation of regularities as regards spatial distribution of the species. Specified have been the territories with low, medium, and high population density rate. Biotopes with the most favorable environmental conditions for the species are situated in the mixed woods of the Prioksky region and broad-leaved forests - of the Zasechny one. As for the forest-steppe areas, optimum biotopes are localized in the highland and steppificated oakwoods in the south of South-Eastern Region. Thus it has been established that in the recent decade I. ricinus ticks can be found not only in the forest areas, but in the forest-steppe ones too. This may be related to the increase in their numbers under favorable environmental conditions, reduction of farming lands, and shrub invasion. Average value for I. ricinus numbers in the forest area reaches 39.4 specimen/flag-kilometer; in the forest-steppe zone - 23.7 specimen/flag-kilometer. Identified have been potentially hazardous territories as regards natural-focal tick-borne infections, the agent circulation and transmission of which is sustained by I. ricinus. The finding in its turn sets the grounds for carrying out specific epizootiological surveillance and regulation of preventive measures.
62-65 918
Abstract
In order to optimize application of GIS-technologies for studies of leptospirosis, utilized have been the data on epidemiological and epizootiological investigations of leptospirosis cases in Europe, Ukraine, and Crimea. Described has been a methodological approach to the issue, comprising 4 phases and aimed at enhancement of epidemiological surveillance over leptospirosis. The first stage consists in learning the lessons of previously conducted leptospirosis mapping and specification of peculiarities of the territory. The second one is application of GIS-technologies for epidemiological analysis with a view to outlining the criteria for enzootic territory zoning, to assess dynamic qualitative and quantitative changes of epidemiological process, and estimate the impact of socio-ecological factors on the epidemic and epizootic processes. The third phase is databases creation, (attributive charts) compiled with information on geographically referenced phenomena under discussion (natural leptospirosis foci, sites of host-animal allocation, potentially hazardous areas, morbidity rates, etc.). The fourth one - complex analysis of the software designed maps. Implementation of this methodology makes it possible not only to evaluate epidemiological significance of the foci, to investigate integrated impact of socio-ecological factors on the occasion of population exposure to the infection, but also to carry out zoning of the territory taking into consideration epidemically significant factors. Therewith, it forms scientifically substantiated premises for the development and implementation of prophylactic and anti-epidemic measures.
66-68 951
Abstract
. In wiggler samples as well as in imago ones detected are WNF virus markers, which indicate the possibility of transovarial and trans-phase transmission of virus into mosquito populations, habitant in urbanized biocoenoses. It is substantiated that Culex pipiens female mosquitoes, which reproduce autogenically, provide for the persistence of the virus within the inter-epidemic period. Therewith there is a possibility of sustained, epidemically-active WNF micro-foci to be formed in the residential area landscapes, and this issue should be given proper consideration when performing assessment of the risks associated with urban population exposure to the infection.

MICROBIOLOGY

69-72 778
Abstract
Carried out is a comparative analysis of the ability to ferment various carbohydrates in the 6 typical strains and 10 genovariants of V. cholerae biovar El Tor, imported to the territory of the Russian Federation. It has been revealed that genovariants, as well as typical El Tor vibrios, ferment mannose, saccharose, and mannite, but are inactive against arabinose and rhamnose. However, it is demonstrated that genovariants, as compared to typical strains of El Tor vibrios, possess lowered capacity to ferment glucose. Both, genovariants and classical vibrios, do not grow on the minimal media with 1 % content of glucose, and are unable to fully ferment glucose up to acetylmethylcarbinol in Voges-Proskauer reaction test. Put forward is a hypothesis that alteration of glucose metabolism in the studied strains of genovariants is probably due to changes in regulating mechanism of some virulence genes.
73-79 4826
Abstract
Rapidly developing sequencing technologies have provided the possibility for identification of a DNA nucleotide sequence of a whole individual human genome just in a couple of weeks. Working capacity of some sequencers is already measured in thousands of milliards of base pairs per an operating cycle. Reviewed have been the basic principles and analytical potential of the modern methods for DNA sequencing which are nominally subdivided into three major types: classical - capillary electrophoresis sequencing and pyrosequencing, novel (Next Generation Sequencing - NGS) - simultaneous sequencing of millions of DNA fragments, each one of which is a cluster containing many thousands or hundreds of thousands of their clones - high-performance pyrosequencing, cyclic ligase and semiconducting sequencing, molecular-cluster-based sequencing using fluorescent-labeled precursors; and cutting-edge methods - (Next-Next Generation Sequencing - NNGS) - the ones that read millions of single DNA fragments without pre-cloning.
80-84 834
Abstract
Reviewed are some peculiarities of circulation of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus (VEE), the enzootic strains of which play an increasingly important part as etiological agents of human infections nowadays. The majority of VEE cases among the residents of the endemic regions within the inter-epidemic period are caused by the ID subtype of VEE that includes 6 genotypes. Isolated from humans have been the genotypes Columbia/Venezuela, Panama/Peru, and Peru/Bolivia, ID subtype of VEE. Possibility of emergence of new VEE outbreaks is associated with ID subtype mutation into the IC subtype, which is assumed to be a potential threat as etiological agent of the disease at present.

DIAGNOSTICS

85-88 771
Abstract
Designed is a multi-locus PCR test-system that allows for differentiation between genetically altered Vibrio cholerae strains, biovar El Tor, with high and low epidemic potential respectively, based on identification of genetic marker structure in the agent of the seventh cholera pandemic - pandemicity island VSP-II. In the course of investigations selected have been three target genes allocated in the central region and terminal end of the mobile genetic element. This test-system offers the possibility to identify the strains containing intact VSP-II, the ones containing VSP-II with a short-length deletion, and the strains with VSP-II with extended deletion. The first two are classified as the variants with low epidemic potential, while the last ones - as the variants with high epidemic potential. Specificity and efficacy of the test-system is shown by the experiments with 28 toxigenic genetically altered V. cholerae strains, biovar El Tor, and 6 strains of closely related species and enterobacteria. The results obtained coincide with the data on mono-locus PCR assay and in a number of instances are verified by sequencing.
89-93 733
Abstract
Laboratory support of epidemiological surveillance plays a significant role in the provision of sanitary-epidemiological welfare of the population at the time of preparations to and carrying out public events. Taking into consideration the increment of load upon the laboratory facilities of the Rospotrebnadzor institutions and general medical-and-prophylactic establishments, there emerges a need to deploy specialized anti-epidemic teams. By the example of management of the laboratory investigations in SAET mobile complex during XXVII World-wide Summer Universiade in Kazan, 2013 and G-20 Summit in Saint-Petersburg, 2013 formulated have been the basic principles of organization and algorithms of diagnostic work at the premises of laboratory facilities of SAET mobile unit deployed in order to provide for sanitary-epidemiological welfare of the population at the time of running public events.
94-96 582
Abstract
Objective of the study was to develop a method that would allow for rapid linear immune-electrophoresis to differentiate between pathogenic agents of glanders and melioidosis and non-pathogenic closely-related Burkholderia . The put-forward modification of the technique made it possible to detect the antigens of pathogenic B. pseudomallei and B. mallei due to the presence of precipitation lines in between the sample gel and the one with immune sera. B. thailandensis, B. cepacia, and B. gladioli did not form such precipitation lines, which in its turn provided for the possibility to differentiate between the mentioned ones and pathogenic Burkholderia. The rapid enhanced linear immune-electrophoresis is easy to perform and compelling, and takes little time. It is qualified for identification of heterogenic and specific antigens in Burkholderia , selection of immune sera containing antibodies to the existing antigens, and can be used as a supportive alternative analytical means for the detection of antigens of pathogenic Burkholderia .
97-100 636
Abstract
Objective of the study was to carry out comparison between the microorganisms appurtenant to six different species of Bacilli genus as regards mobility of the amplicons obtained using the primer that contained chi-sequence of Bacillus subtilis . Therewith, analyzed were 30 Bacillus anthracis strains and closely related bacilli. Cultures grew on L-agar and L-broth at 37 °C. DNA was isolated from vegetative B. anthracis and Bacillus spp . cultures introducing lysozyme and phenol de-proteinizing. In order to perform single-primer PCR constructed was ChiBs primer - 5’-CTAGGAGCGGG-3’. Single-primer amplification (30 cycles) was carried out at annealing temperature of 47 °C. Comparative analysis of individual electrophoretic amplicon profiles, obtained by means of ChiBs-primer PCR, allows for identification of genetic intraspecific variability and differentiation of B. anthracis strains from the atypical ones and closely related species of bacilli.

BIOTECHNOLOGY

101-103 897
Abstract
/cell, using maintenance media 199 with admixture of 0.1 % human serum albumin or 2 % bovine serum. Optimum media volume in the roll-bottle for fixed rabies virus strain, “Moscow 3253”, cultivation is 200-400 ml. It depends upon the proliferating surface area. Specifications stated above provide for the obtainment of culture liquid with rabies virus titer - 1:256 - 1:512, if assayed in ELISA. This cultural virus is recommended as a basis for immunization material obtainment with a view to produce anti-rabies immunoglobulin from equine blood serum.
104-107 919
Abstract
Carried out has been complex comparative analysis of the production and diagnostic properties of such anthrax bacteriophages as Gamma A-26, Fah-RRIVV&M (Russian Research Institute of Veterinary Virology and Microbiology), R/D-Ph-6, BA-9, K RRIEV (Russian Research Institute of Experimental Veterinary), Saratov, and 186. It is revealed that all of the bacteriophages have the properties necessary for using them for preparation manufacturing purposes: they readily proliferate in liquid cultures of avirulent Bacillus anthracis strain - STI, and retain sufficient specific activity if stored at the optimum temperatures or, when exposed to short-term temperature excursions, within a period of two years. Most clearly expressed are the differences in diagnostic properties of the bacteriophages - specific activity and specificity. Put forward are the groups of bacteriophages that are the most relevant for identification or phage-typing of B. anthracis strains.

BRIEF COMMUNICATIONS

108-110 639
Abstract
Demonstrated are the results of microbiological monitoring over the ship’s ballast water at the sea ports of the Rostov region. Analyzed for the presence of Vibrio cholerae are the samples of the ship’s ballast water collected within the period of May-September 2010-2012, a total of 179 samples collected from 127 ships. Among 30 V. cholerae non O1/ non O139 strains isolated in 2010-2011 only 13 have been identified serologically. Application of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in 2012 has enhanced informational capacity of the investigations. It has expanded the range and increased the frequency of bacteriological findings. The detection of vibrios implies possibility of V. cholerae importation into the aquatic area of Azov Sea.
111-112 613
Abstract
In the territory of Mordovia registered have been 321 cases of HFRS infection over the period of 2009-2012. Following the pattern of dynamics as regards HFRS epidemiological process, one can observe lingering tendency to the increment in morbidity rates, associated with the enhancement of quality and efficacy of clinical and laboratory diagnostics of the disease, as well as with activation of natural HFRS foci in the territory of Mordovia. Analysis of the gender-age structure of HFRS incidence has revealed that most liable to the infection is active, employable population, 20 to 50 years old. Morbidity rates for the male strata of the population are three times higher than for female. Epidemiological peculiarities of HFRS morbidity, characteristic of the Republic of Mordovia, are as follows: recurrence of epidemiological upsurge, autumn-winter seasonality, predominance of urban dwellers cohort and household route of infection.
113-114 581
Abstract
Described is the first-ever experience in genome analysis use in SAET mobile complex facilities, obtained during the XXVII World-wide Summer Universiade in Kazan, 2013. Carried out was 16S rRNA sequencing of Salmonella enteric strain isolated from an infected. For that matter, employed was “MicroSEQ 500 16S rDNA Bacterial Identification Kits” (Applied Biosystems, USA), which allows for sequencing of DNA fragments (500 bp) of 16S rRNA gene in the bacteria under investigation.


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ISSN 0370-1069 (Print)
ISSN 2658-719X (Online)