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Problems of Particularly Dangerous Infections

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No 1 (2025)
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REVIEWS

6-17 1619
Abstract

The aim of the review is to conduct a comparative analysis of the epidemiological situation on tick-borne viral encephalitis (TBVE) in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation in 2015–2024 and to provide a forecast of the incidence rate for 2025. According to the data for 2015–2024, the number of visits to medical organizations by people that suffered from tick bites remained approximately at the same level and averaged 491,871.2 cases per year. The Siberian, Volga, and Ural Federal Districts are of primary importance for the formation of the incidence rate, accounting for more than 75 % of all cases. In 2024, 1 659 patients with TBVE were identified, which is only slightly less than in the previous year (1 778). The morbidity rate per 100 thousand population (1.13) was lower than the long-term average for the period of 2015–2024 (1.17). 46 lethal outcomes were registered (mortality rate 2.7 %), which is 1.3 times higher than the long-term average. The epidemic process in 2024 was most active in the territories of 11 entities of the Russian Federation: Krasnoyarsk and Perm Territories, Sverdlovsk, Kirov, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk and Kemerovo Regions, TransBaikal Territory, St. Petersburg city, Udmurt Republic, and Arkhangelsk Region. The number of virus containing ticks removed from people and from environmental objects, when studied using PCR and ELISA, in the Russian Federation as a whole in 2024 did not exceed the long-term average value. The infection rate of ticks removed from people has statistically significantly decreased over a ten-year period. The review examines the volumes of specific and non-specific TBVE prevention measures taken in Russia in 2024 and compares them with the data from previous years. It is predicted that the situation on TBVE incidence in 2025 will remain at the average long-term level in six federal districts of the country. However, in the Far Eastern Federal District, mainly due to the change in the epidemiological situation in the TransBaikal Territory, a statistically significant trend towards an increase in the morbidity and mortality has emerged, which is taken into account when making the forecast of the TBVE incidence rate for this federal district in 2025.

18-26 299
Abstract

The aim of the work was to analyze the circulation of the most epidemiologically significant variants of the avian influenza virus in the world and across Russia in 2024. The global situation on highly pathogenic avian influenza remained tense in 2024. The disease affected 68 countries, resulting in the death or culling of about 19 million poultry. In addition, there was a large number of influenza A(H5N1) virus detections in wild and domestic mammals, predominantly in the United States. Those included outbreaks on dairy farms that affected herds throughout the year, encompassing more than 900 dairy farms in 16 states by the year’s end and causing infection of 40 farm workers in four states. The A(H5N1) viruses detected in farm workers contained mammalian adaptation mutations. In total, more than 100 human infections with zoonotic variants of influenza virus were reported in 2024, with influenza A(H5N1) virus detected in 81 cases. Apart from outbreaks of A(H5N1), other influenza virus variants, such as A(H5N6), A(H5N8), A(H5N5), A(H5N2), were circulating worldwide. Outbreaks among poultry caused by different subtypes of influenza A(H7) virus were also reported in a number of countries. In Russia, the situation on highly pathogenic influenza virus in 2024 was less tense. All detected influenza A(H5N1) viruses belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b and were genetically similar to the vaccine strains recommended by WHO. Isolated strains were antigenically similar to a reference strain A/goose/Tyumen/359- 13/2021(H5N1), which had HA1 sequence identical to the vaccine strain A/Astrakhan/3212/2020(H5N8). In addition, an influenza A(H9N2) virus was isolated in 2024. The study of this strain showed that it belongs to the clade Y439 and does not contain mutations associated with increased pathogenicity and drug resistance.

27-34 281
Abstract

Cholera remains a topical issue for global health, including for non-endemic countries in the context of cross-border spread. Intra-, interstate and intercontinental migration of the population, which plays a major role in the genesis of outbreaks and epidemics on various continents, continues to determine the epidemiological risks of cholera importation to different countries of the world. The paper considers the current risks of cholera introduction into the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan, primarily related to the possibility of cross-border import from Afghanistan, where cholera outbreaks are recorded annually, due to the extended common border (1,357 km). Internal risks to the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the country’s population contributing to the spread of infection in case of importation have been identified. Among them, the following factors deserve special attention: the presence of climatic conditions favorable for the existence of cholera vibrio, limited sanitary and hygienic capacities of the preventive service, and an annual increase in migration flows, both inside and outside the country. The paper presents the current epidemiological situation on acute intestinal infections in the areas bordering Afghanistan in the Khatlon Region of the Republic of Tajikistan. The territories with the most intense epidemiological situation as regards acute intestinal infections have been visualized using geo-information analysis. In addition, it has been established that there is a high probability of infection importation from countries affected by cholera. The mechanisms for solving the issues of effective and prompt response to the complication of the epidemiological situation on cholera in the event of its introduction into the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan are put forward: early integrated planning of the organization and implementation of preventive and anti-epidemic measures aligned with all interested agencies of the republic.

35-47 956
Abstract

The aim of the work was to analyze the peculiarities of the cholera epidemiological situation in the world and in Russia in 2024; forecast for 2025. The results of proactive epidemiological surveillance showed a continued upward trend in cholera morbidity in the world despite of the decrease in this indicator in 2024 (762 830 cases in 42 countries) as compared to 2023 (816 235 in 47 countries). A special feature was the import of a polyantibiotic-resistant Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor strain from Tanzania to Island Mayotte. Active labor migration to the Russian Federation (RF) from countries with unfavorable cholera situation was noted (11 686 foreigners, 88.17 % – from India). No cholera patients (vibrio carriers) were identified in RF. The features of epidemiological situation have been established: two toxigenic V. cholerae O1 strains similar to the one isolated in 2023, and one toxigenic strain of NAG, documented in RF for the first time, were detected in surface water bodies. It has been determined that the non-toxigenic V. cholerae O1 strain, which caused a case of acute intestinal infection, and waterborne O1 strains circulating in Russia belong to the same clone. For the first time, the non-toxigenic V. cholerae O139 strain was isolated from a patient with acute intestinal infection. An increase in the number of non-toxigenic O1 strains isolated from water bodies was noted (335 in 2024, 52 in 2023), mainly due to the clonal complex (250 strains, Krasnodar Territory) spread through karst waters. Diseases caused by non-toxigenic NAG vibrios V. parahaemolyticus and V. fluvialis, were detected. The forecast for 2025 covers the risks of cholera importation, including cases caused by antibiotic-resistant strains; increase in labor migration from countries with an unfavorable cholera situation; the likelihood of detecting toxigenic O1 and nonO1/nonO139 strains in the environment, an increase in the number of acute intestinal infections caused by non-toxigenic cholera and other pathogenic vibrios; possible detection of extra-intestinal infections, an increase in the number of non-toxigenic V. cholerae O1 in environmental objects. It is advisable to start monitoring studies earlier (April) and finish them later (October) in RF in 2025 in type I territories classed according to epidemic manifestations of cholera.

48-53 339
Abstract

The review discusses the situation on Crimean hemorrhagic fever (CHF) in the world and analyzes the epidemiological and epizootiological situation in the Russian Federation in 2024. 42 CHF cases were detected in Russia in 2024, which is 1.6 times higher than in 2023 and 1.8 times lower than the average annual values (2015–2024 average – 79.1 cases per year). The mortality rate was 4.7 %, which is 15 % higher than the long-term annual average (4.1 %). The epidemically significant index of abundance of the main vector of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHF virus), Hyalomma marginatum ticks, was 5.6 times higher than the threshold value at the points of long-term observation in April; the index of abundance on cattle reached 16. 8 (threshold value – 3). Cases of CHF were registered for the first time in Gergebil and Tsumadinsky Districts of the Republic of Dagestan. In Russia, in 2024, CCHF virus markers were detected in 0.64 % of samples; CCHF virus belonging to the genetic lineages Europe-1 (V) (82.3 %) and Europe-3 (VIII) (17.6 %), characteristic for the territory of the Russian Federation, circulated in endemic areas. Continuous registration of CHF cases, the prevalence of severe and moderately severe disease courses, the on-going expansion of epidemically active territory within the natural focus of CHF indicate the persistence of an unfavorable epidemiological situation regarding CHF in the south of the European part of the Russian Federation in 2025 with unsatisfactory implementation of preventive measures.

54-64 222
Abstract

The literature review includes works by domestic and foreign authors concerning the use of bacteriophages as an alternative method of therapy and prevention of the development of the inflammatory process in case of bacterial infections. The paper provides historical information about phage therapy. The properties of moderate and virulent bacteriophages, the main mechanisms of interaction of bacteriophage-based preparations with a bacterial cell are considered. Special attention is paid to the characteristic differences between the bacteriophage–bacterium interaction and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms. The review contains information about the features of the surface binding of phages to microorganisms, anti-phage bacterial protection systems, as well as about the molecular and genetic antibacterial mechanisms of phage counteraction. The data on experimental and clinical studies of anti-phage cellular and humoral immunity and the effect of phages on cytokine production are presented. The literature review highlights the current state of the issue of the therapeutic and prophylactic significance of bacteriophages in relation to a wide range of bacterial infections. Special attention is paid to the literature concerning the study of information on the use of bacteriophages for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by particularly dangerous microorganisms. The review contains information on the use of phage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics method to combat bacterial infection, both as an independent means of prevention and treatment, and in combination with antibiotic therapy. The data on the various mechanisms of synergy of bacteriophage preparations and antibiotics are presented. The review includes literature sources describing the occurrence of pathological reactions to the introduction of bacteriophages, as well as examples convincingly proving the effectiveness of an integrated approach strategy with the inclusion of phages in infectious disease control schemes, which should occupy a certain niche in the future.

65-73 246
Abstract

In the Russian Federation, a downward trend in animal rabies cases has been observed since 2008, and in human cases – since 2012. In 2023, the number of registered animal rabies cases (1082 ) was almost equal to the average indicator over the past 5 years (2019–2023, 1189.0±125 cases) and was 2 times lower than for the previous 13 years (2010–2022, 2442.2±312 cases), while the number of fatalities was 2 and 3 times lower than the average value (4.2±1.2 and 5.9±1.2 cases), respectively, for those periods. The aim of the work was to analyze rabies cases in humans and animals in the Russian Federation in 2023 relative to the average long-term data for 2010–2022, and to characterize the rates of population seeking medical care after injuries caused by animals. The identified cases of hydrophobia were registered in the Omsk Region and the Donetsk People’s Republic, and their causes were failure to seek medical care after an animal bite and violation of the procedure for providing medical care. Domestic animals were the sources of infection. Despite the isolated cases of rabies in humans detected annually, the risk of contracting the virus in the country remains ever-present. Rate of injuries from contact with animals in 2020–2022 slightly decreased compared to 2000–2019, but no significant decrease is expected in the future. In 2023, approximately 353 thousand people sought medical care after bites, drooling, and scratches by animals. In 67 % of the cases, the population was injured by dogs, of which 36 % of injuries were recorded in children. The leading role in the circulation of the pathogen in natural foci was retained by the fox. The proportion of dogs and cats predominated in the structure of sick animals.

74-83 1224
Abstract

The aim of the review was to assess the epidemiological situation on plague in the world and to forecast its development in the Russian Federation in 2025. Epidemic manifestations of plague in 2015–2024 were registered on the territory of 10 states. The total number of cases was 5880; of which 582 were lethal (the mortality rate reached 9.9 %). In 2024, worldwide, cases of plague were reported in four countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Ituri Province), the Republic of Madagascar (Fianarantsoa Province), the United States of America (Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon), and the People’s Republic of China. A total of 443 cases of plague were registered, of which 17 (3.8 %) had fatal outcome. The Russian Federation reported epidemiological security as regards plague, however, almost every year some of the natural foci show epizootic activity. In 2015–2024, plague-infected animals were detected in 4 natural foci: the Central Caucasian high-mountain, the Gorno-Altai high-mountain, the Tuva mountain, and the Precaspian sandy plague foci. In total, 370 strains of plague agent were isolated in the plague-enzootic territory of the Russian Federation in 2015–2024. The total area of the identified plague epizootics was 15 618.0 km2 . In 2024, local plague epizooties were registered in the Kosh-Agach district of the Altai Republic, Mongun-Taiga Kozhuun of the Republic of Tyva. Plague epizootics were detected on the territory of 2 (Gorno-Altai high-mountain and Tuva mountain) of the 11 natural plague foci of the Russian Federation. The total area of epizootics was 308.9 km2  (2023 – 731.2 km2 ). In total, 8 plague microbe cultures were isolated in 2024 (55 in 2023). Due to the implementation of a set of preventive measures through the efforts of the Rospotrebnadzor institutions, epidemic risks in epizootically active natural foci were significantly reduced, which was the basis for ensuring epidemiological safety as regards plague. The maintaining of the low epizootic potential of the lowland natural plague foci of the Caspian and Trans-Baikal areas in 2025 has been established. The forecast for the sustained tense epidemiological situation in the territory of the Altai Republic and the Republic of Tyva in 2025 is substantiated. The prospects of using the Loginom analytical platform to assess the potential epidemic hazard and predict the epidemiological situation in natural plague foci are outlined.

84-95 711
Abstract

The epidemiological situation on West Nile fever (WNF) in the Russian Federation in 2024 was characterized by an increase in the morbidity rate (0.30 cases per 100 thousand population) by 2.6 times compared to the long-term annual average value (0.11) and by 2.1 times compared to the 2023 indicator (0.14). Cases of the disease were registered in 38 constituent entities of Russia, which is the highest value for the entire observation period. Of the administrative territories, where cases of the disease were laboratory-confirmed in 2024, local cases of WNF were officially registered for the first time in 9 constituent entities. Other features of the 2024 season include an increase in the case fatality rate, which exceeded the long-term average in Russia (5.7 % and 3.1 %, respectively), as well as the early start of registration of the first local cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection. The incidence and clinical course structure of WNF in 2024 did not differ significantly compared to the average long-term values and those in 2023. Active detection of WNF in groups of patients with fever and other similar manifestations of the disease was organized in 62 constituent entities in 2024. Increased efficiency of morbidity monitoring was observed in certain entities of the Southern, North Caucasian and Volga Federal Districts. The study of the cohort that is immune to WNV among the healthy population in 2024 was conducted in 69 entities of Russia. Monitoring of infection of WNV hosts and vectors was carried out in 79 constituent entities; the activity of the epizootic process was established in 19 administrative territories. In 2024, WNV lineage 2, the population of which is characterized by genetic heterogeneity, predominantly circulated in the European part of Russia. Single findings of WNV lineage 1 (Rostov Region) and lineage 4 (Volgograd Region) were detected. A quantitative forecast of the development of the epidemiological situation on WNF was developed for entities with the sustained circulation of WNV.

96-104 251
Abstract

The paper presents the results of work of the Russian and African experts on the study of the epidemiological and clinical features of mpox in some countries of Eastern (Republic of Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi) and Central (Republic of the Congo) Africa in the fall of 2024. An analysis of the epidemiological data obtained in the countries under consideration showed that in most cases, mpox was reported in patients of the pediatric age group. The disease was equally registered in both men and women. The clinical course of the disease was represented by mild and moderate severe forms. Severe cases of the disease have been reported only among patients with immunosuppression, untreated HIV infection or other somatic and/or infectious pathologies, as well as in children under 2 years of age. Pregnant patients also had a mild form of mpox. No deaths were reported. Monkey pox was accompanied with a simultaneous increase in cases of Varicella Zoster virus disease in the Republics of Burundi and Uganda. This circumstance often led to the registration of patients with that infection as suspected but unconfirmed cases of mpox. People with herpetic manifestations also fell into this category. Rospotrebnadzor specialists provided consulting and practical assistance to the African colleagues. Russian-made reagent kits for detecting DNA of the monkeypox virus using PCR were transferred to each country. Based on the results of the joint work, a number of relevant areas for studying the circulation of the causative agent of this infectious disease, the clinical and epidemiological features of it in the countries of East and Central Africa have been identified.

105-111 148
Abstract

The search for safe approaches to primary immunization of the adult population under the absence of herd immunity to orthopoxviruses, when re-initiation of smallpox vaccination campaign is required, is currently very relevant. Thereat, the clinical trials of recombinant vaccines based on the vaccinia virus, MVA strain, against different illnesses confirm that they are safe for humans and in addition to target efficiency (capacity to induce immunity to proteins expressed by embedded foreign genes), show immunogenicity to vector – vaccinia virus. The aim of the review was to evaluate anti-vector immunity level in people immunized by recombinant viral vaccines, based on vaccinia virus, MVA strain. Explicit experimental data on the level of anti-vector immunity in response to immunization with recombinant vaccines in different countries of the world are presented. Those studies were mainly carried out with recombinants containing embedded immunodominant genes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as the number of works on the creation of recombinant vaccines expressing the antigen determinants of HIV significantly exceeds the number of those on recombinant preparations based on vaccinia virus; the vaccines are successfully used in medical practice and are safe even for people with immunodeficiency conditions. The results obtained indicated an increase in anti-vector immunity with escalation of vaccine dose and peak indicators after two immunizations. Further injections of the vaccine did not lead to increase in the virus neutralizing antibodies, their production gradually decreased over a period of one year or more. In addition to the humoral immune response, cellular anti-vector immunity, represented mainly by CD8+ T-cells, was induced. The insertion of foreign genes did not affect the formation of anti-vector immunity, just as its level did not affect the development of humoral and cellular immune responses to proteins expressed by the embedded genes. Comparative characterization of the anti-vector immunity indices after immunization with recombinant vaccines and specific immunity in response to the IMVAMUNE® vaccine showed that their levels either corresponded to each other, or in the first case the values were even higher.

ORIGINAL ARTICLES

112-119 218
Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the leptospirosis manifestation peculiarities in the Rostov Region with an assessment of the natural foci epizootic activity and the epidemic significance of infection. Materials and methods. In 2024, an epizootiological study of 15 administrative territories was conducted. Small mammals (314 specimens of 12 species) were captured in open stations. The material from the animals was studied using bacteriological, microscopic, serological and molecular-genetic methods. The testing of 577 blood sera of people from selected groups of conventionally healthy population living in the 18 administrative districts of Rostov Region and Rostov-on-Don city was conducted using ELISA with detection of IgG and IgM to leptospirosis causative agents. Results and discussion. Specific antibodies to leptospirosis pathogens in animals were found in 11.5 % of samples from nine species of small mammals: house mouse, pygmy wood mouse, field vole, yellow-necked mouse, mound-building mouse, lesser white-toothed shrew, pygmy shrew, social vole, brown rat. Leptospira spp. infecting serogroups have been identified: Sejroe, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Pomona, Tarassovi. PCR-positive result was obtained for a sample from a pygmy wood mouse. Seroepidemiological studies of the conventionally healthy population have revealed the presence of specific antibodies to Leptospira in their blood in 14 administrative territories. The total level of seropreva­lence was 12.7 %. The serogroup structure of the immune layer of the population in the Rostov Region is as follows: Grippotyphosa (28.5 %), Pomona (23.2 %), Canicola (21.4 %), Tarassovi (7.1 %), Sejroe (5.3 %). Positive reactions to several serogroups were noted in a number of serа. The conducted studies evidence the existance of active natural foci of leptospirosis on the territory of the Rostov Region and involvement of the population in the epidemic process.

120-127 252
Abstract

The aim of the work was to study the epizootiological and epidemiological situation on anthrax in new entities of Russia – the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions – with a multifactorial analysis of the risks of its complications. Materials and methods. Accounting and reporting materials of the Rospotrebnadzor Administrations for new entities, catalogues of stationary hazardous areas (SHA) and anthrax burials (AB) were used for the analysis. When assessing the risks of complications of anthrax situation in the administrative-territorial units (ATU) of these regions, ATU ranking method based on calculation of rank sums of SHA indicators was applied. Results and discussion. 1298 SHA and 848 AB were updated in four regions: in the Donetsk People’s Republic – 257 SHA / 38 AB, Lugansk People’s Republic – 469/258, Zaporozhe Region – 291/370, Kherson Region – 281/182. The SHA’s activity was noted in 1914–2012 (2820 outbreaks) with at least 3400 animal cases. The maximum activity of SHA was recorded in 1940–1959 with the detection of 70 % of all outbreaks. During the ranking of entities, high risk of complications of the anthrax situation was determined in 42 ATU in four regions, very high risk – in 7 ATU in the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics. The current situation on anthrax in new territories is considered relatively favorable due to the presence of the risk factors of its complication – climatic, social, etc. The ranking results will ensure the improvement of anthrax surveillance with the introduction of enhanced control over the implementation of preventive measures in high risk areas.

128-133 176
Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate intensity of contacts of the Khabarovsk Territory population with West Nile virus (WNV) based on the results of serological screening during 2022–2023. Materials and methods. Clinical material (blood sera) of 233 residents of the Khabarovsk Territory was tested for the presence of specific antibodies to WNV. Information on retrospective manifestation of West Nile fever (WNF) between 2010 and 2023 was obtained from scientific literature and reports presented to the Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Khabarovsk Territory by Reference Center for Monitoring the WNF Pathogen at the premises of the Volgograd Research Anti-Plague Institute of the Rospotrebnadzor. Results and discussion. Specific IgM to WNV were detected in 15 out of 233 surveyed people. Among them, 11 individuals were hospitalized in medical organizations of the Khabarovsk Territory with the diagnosis of “tick-borne rickettsiosis”, “Ixodidae tick-borne borreliosis”. Positive results for IgG antibodies were revealed in 38.2 % of the samples. With the exclusion of antigenic cross-reactions to the tick-borne encephalitis virus, the level of the immunity to the West Nile virus was 9.0 %. The results of antibody avidity index showed that 90.1 % of positive samples had IgG of low avidity (IA<50 %). The results of the research allow for assuming the presence of West Nile fever cases among the Khabarovsk Territory population. High frequency of detection of IgM (8.5 %) among patients of infectious hospitals may indicate active epidemic process. Identification of 90.1 % of low avidity IgG in samples that were positive for IgG-WNV also confirms recent contact (less than 3 months) with the agent of WNF.

134-140 183
Abstract

The aim of the work was to assess the forecast of epidemiological vulnerability of the population of the Sary-Dzhas natural plague focus based on the current data on the population size, pasture area and development of tourism. Materials and methods. To calculate the index of epidemiological danger, risk and vulnerability, we used information from the archive of Karakol Anti-Plague Department, statistical data on the population size, pasture areas, tourism and hunting zones obtained from official sources. Results and discussion. Epizootics of plague among animal carriers and vectors in 2016–2023 were detected in sectors with previously predicted high vulnerability of the population. The basins of the Koolyu and Ottuk rivers, the upper (Atazhailoo tract) and lower reaches of the Enylchek river (the confluence with the Sary-Dzhas river) remain the most dangerous territories of the Sary-Dzhas natural focus in the epidemiological sense, as is stated in the forecast. The index of epidemiological risk in the territory of the Sary-Dzhas focus in 2024 significantly exceeds the predicted values in 14 out of 40 sectors due to the intensive development of tourism. The increase in the epidemiological vulnerability values is uneven: the maximum is in the central part and to a lesser extent in the northeastern and northwestern parts of the focus. In 2024, part of the Sary-Dzhas territory gained a high level of epidemiological vulnerability; the area with values above 50 % is currently two times larger than in 2016. On the half of the studied territory, the vulnerability index coincides with the predicted one; this group includes all sectors with indexes above 50 %. Thus, our calculations confirm the 2020-forecast and are consistent with the theory of landscape localization of plague micro-foci, typical of high-mountain marmot foci. The methodology for calculating epidemiological vulnerability can be used to analyze and forecast the epidemiological situation in natural plague foci areas. 

141-148 195
Abstract

Puumala virus (Orthohantavirus puumalaense) is one of the causative agents of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), which is widespread in the Russian Federation (RF): more than 6 thousand cases of HFRS infection are registered annually, over the past decade (2013–2023) – more than 77 thousand cases of the disease were reported. Puumala virus causes up to 98 % of HFRS cases. The development of rapid and highly accurate diagnostic methods, including serological test systems, is of great importance in clinical and laboratory studies aimed at controlling viral infections. The aim of the work was to obtain a recombinant viral immunodominant protein, the nucleoprotein (N), of the Puumala virus, and to study its antigenic properties. Materials and methods. Expression constructs were produced using standard molecular-biological methods. The recombinant nucleoprotein of the Puumala virus was purified in two rounds of metal-chelate affinity chromatography. The antigenic properties of the purified recombinant protein were confirmed by Western blotting and enzyme immunoassay using monoclonal antibodies and convalescent blood sera. Results and discussion. Within the frames of this work, prokaryotic producers have been generated for the production and chromatographic purification of the recombinant nucleoprotein N of the Puumala virus. Using Western blotting and enzyme immunoassay, specific antigenic properties of the recombinant chromatographically purified Puumala virus N protein have been confirmed. Two consecutive rounds of metal-chelate affinity chromatography allowed us to obtain a highly purified recombinant viral protein preparation. The results demonstrate the antigenic specificity of the recombinant chromatographically purified Puumala virus proteins. The preparations can be used to develop serological test systems, including for differentiating vaccinated people from those who have recovered.

TO THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VICTORY IN THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR OF 1941–1945

149-153 189
Abstract

The paper considers the production activities of the Institute “Microbe” during the Great Patriotic War. The methodological basis for the study was the documents from the funds of the State Archive of the Saratov Region. It reflects the features of working conditions and the results of work of employees of production units in the realities of wartime, their contribution to the common victory in the Great Patriotic War.

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