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In 2023, 305 cases of human infection with tularemia agent were registered in the Russian Federation. Epizootic manifestations of the infection, varying in the degree of intensity, were identified in 65 constituent entities of the country, and sporadic cases of human tularemia were reported in 15 regions of Russia. The unfavorable epidemic situation persists in the Republic of Karelia (189 patients with tularemia), Stavropol Territory (35 people), and a surge in the incidence is also recorded in the Donetsk People’s Republic (53 patients), which accounts for 91 % of all tularemia cases in the country. A total of 82 Francisella tularensis cultures were isolated in 9 entities of the Russian Federation. 923,729 people were vaccinated and revaccinated against tularemia in 2023. Based on the data analysis, obtained in 2023, epidemic complications in the form of sporadic cases of the disease among the unvaccinated population in the following territories are most likely to occur in 2024: the Central Federal District – in the Vladimir, Oryol, Ryazan and Tver Regions, and Moscow city; Northwestern Federal District – in the Republic of Karelia, Arkhangelsk, Vologda Regions and in St. Petersburg; Southern Federal District – in the Republic of Crimea, Volgograd and Rostov Regions; North Caucasus Federal District – in the Stavropol Territory; Volga Federal District – in the Republic of Mordovia, as well as in the Kirov and Saratov Regions; Ural Federal District – in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, KhantyMansi Autonomous District and Tyumen Region; Siberian Federal District – in the territories of certain districts of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, Omsk, Kemerovo, Tomsk, Novosibirsk and Irkutsk Regions; Far Eastern Federal District – in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).

The review provides concise information on the innate ability of cells of the tularemia pathogen, Francisella tularensis subsp. Holarctica, to resist antimicrobials through a variety of mechanisms, leading to its multi-resistance. In total, taking into account new territories, 120 cases of human infection were registered in the Russian Federation in 2022. Epizootic manifestations of the infection of varying degrees of intensity were detected in 58 constituent entities. Against this background, sporadic cases of tularemia in humans were reported in 18 regions of the country. An outbreak of tularemia occurred in the Stavropol Territory; the disease of mild and moderate severity was found in 76 people. The increased incidence of tularemia persists in the Republic of Karelia with severe cases of the disease in the absence of immunoprophylaxis of this infection in the region. A total of 61 cultures of the tularemia pathogen F. tularensis subsp. holarctica, out of which 20 erythromycin-resistant strains were isolated in the Stavropol Territory. In addition, 8 cultures of F. tularensis subsp. mediasiatica from a silt sample and mites Dermacentor silvarum and Haemaphysalis concinna caught in the Republic of Altai were isolated. On the territory of the Russian Federation in 2022, 930 999 people were vaccinated and revaccinated against tularemia. Based on the analysis of the data obtained in 2022, epidemic complications in 2023 in the form of sporadic cases of the disease among the unvaccinated population are most likely to occur in the territories of the Central Federal District – in the Vladimir, Ryazan and Smolensk Regions; Northwestern Federal District – in the Arkhangelsk Region and the Republic of Karelia; Southern Federal District – in the Volgograd and Rostov Regions. The situation in the North Caucasian Federal District will remain tense in the Stavropol Territory; in the Volga Federal District – in the territories of the Saratov Region, as well as in the Kirov Region and the Republic of Mordovia; Ural Federal District – in Khanty-Mansi and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Districts; Siberian Federal District – in certain territories of Omsk, Kemerovo, Tomsk, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk Regions, Altai, Krasnoyarsk Territories; in the Far Eastern Federal District, the most intense epizootic activity of natural tularemia foci is in Primorsky Krai.

Abstract Pollution of the environment by crude oil and oil products (represented by various types of compounds, mainly aliphatic, mono- and polyaromatic hydrocarbons) poses a global problem. The strain Pseudomonas veronii 7–41 can grow on medium-chain n-alkanes (C8–C12) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as naphthalene. We performed a genetic analysis and physiological/biochemical characterization of strain 7–41 cultivated in a mineral medium with decane, naphthalene or a mixture of the hydrocarbons. The genes responsible for the degradation of alkanes and PAHs are on the IncP-7 conjugative plasmid and are organized into the alk and nah operons typical of pseudomonads. A natural plasmid carrying functional operons for the degradation of two different classes of hydrocarbons was first described. In monosubstrate systems, 28.4% and 68.8% of decane and naphthalene, respectively, were biodegraded by the late stationary growth phase. In a bisubstrate system, these parameters were 25.4% and 20.8% by the end of the exponential growth phase. Then the biodegradation stopped, and the bacterial culture started dying due to the accumulation of salicylate (naphthalene-degradation metabolite), which is toxic in high concentrations. The activity of the salicylate oxidation enzymes was below the detection limit. These results indicate that the presence of decane and a high concentration of salicylate lead to impairment of hydrocarbon degradation by the strain.

Background. The ongoing pandemic of a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) determines the relevance of the analysis of epidemiological patterns of SARS-CoV-2 spread among the population of the Russian Federation.Aim — study of the manifestations of the epidemic process of COVID-19 in the Russian Federation in 2020–2022.Materials and methods. A retrospective epidemiological analysis of the incidence of COVID-19 in the Russian Federation was carried out from 03/30/2020 to 04/24/2022. The data from the Rospotrebnadzor report No. 970 “Information on cases of infectious diseases in persons with suspected new coronavirus infection”, information portal Stopcoronavirus.rf, etc. were used. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was confirmed by real-time RT-PCR.Results and discussion. The analysis of the manifestations of the epidemic process of COVID-19 in the Russian Federation in 2020–2022 showed the presence of two stages which differed depending on the influence of the biological factor and the ongoing anti-epidemic measures. There was a pronounced trend in the development of the epidemic process, starting from megacities (Moscow, Moscow region and St. Petersburg), which are major transport hubs and centers of migration activity of the population, to the regions of the Russian Federation. The SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity has been shown to decrease with each subsequent cycle of the rise in the incidence of COVID-19 against the background of the increased contagiousness of the virus.Conclusion. As a result of the study, risk areas (megacities) and risk groups were identified.

The review briefly outlines the current taxonomy of the most studied strains of the species belonging to the family Francisellaceae. Due to the significant genetic diversity within the family, the detection of Francisella tularensis, especially in environmental samples, becomes even more difficult and may lead to false positive results. A comparison of the incidence rates in European countries, in which the extensive epidemic manifestations of tularemia are recorded annually, namely Sweden, Finland, Norway and the Czech Republic, and in Russia over the past five years is provided. The paper presents the comparative dynamics of tularemia incidence in the territories of the Federal Districts of the Russian Federation in recent years. The dynamics of the incidence during epidemic outbreaks in the Republic of Karelia and the Omsk Region over the past few years is shown. 17 cases of human infection with the causative agent of tularemia were registered on the territory of the Russian Federation in 2021. Epizootic manifestations of the infection of varying degrees of intensity were detected in 45 constituent entities of the Federation. Against that background, sporadic cases of tularemia in humans were reported in 11 regions of the country. Six cultures of Francisella tularensis subsp. mediasiatica from different types of ticks were isolated in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the Republic of Altai and the Altai Territory. Based on the analysis of the data presented, in 2022, epidemic complications in the form of sporadic cases of the disease are most likely to occur among the unvaccinated population in the territories of the Central Federal District – the Voronezh, Ryazan, Smolensk Regions and in Moscow; Northwestern Federal District – in the Arkhangelsk Region, the Republic of Karelia and in St. Petersburg; Volga Federal District – in the territories of Samara, Kirov Regions and Republic of Tatarstan; Ural Federal District – in the Khanty-Mansiysk and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Districts; Siberian Federal District – in certain districts of the Kemerovo, Novosibirsk, Omsk and Tomsk Regions, Altai and Krasnoyarsk Territories.

Anthrax is a particularly dangerous zooanthroponosis caused by the Gram-positive spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. This disease mainly affects hoofed herbivores, including those used in agriculture, but can occur in other animals and in humans. That is why the majority of studies of this infection are focused on anthrax in humans and farm animals, as the most important issues from a practical point of view. At the same time, the issues of anthrax epidemiology in natural ecosystems are described in the literature in insufficient detail and often very fragmentary. This paper provides a review of the literature describing the main pathways, patterns and risks of the spread of various clinical forms of anthrax infection in nature, primarily among wild animals. Among other things, we cover some non-notable aspects of intestinal infection with anthrax which, for instance, explain the difference in sensitivity to infection in herbivorous and carnivorous mammals and even different sex and age groups within the same species.

The purpose of the review is to assess the trends in the development of epizootic activity in various territories of the Russian Federation in order to identify the regions of increased risk of infection of the population with tularemia pathogen in 2021 and to plan and carry out high-priority measures in these regions, such as vaccination, investments in water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, epizootiological monitoring of natural foci and other measures aimed at suppressing the activity of natural foci and the development of herd immunity to this infection. In 2020, 41 cases of human infection with tularemia pathogen were registered on the territory of the Russian Federation, 60 % of which occurred in the Northwestern Federal District. Epizootic manifestations of the infection of varying intensity were detected in 55 constituent entities of Russia. Against this background, sporadic cases of tularemia in humans were registered in 14 regions of the country. The most pronounced epidemic complications continue in the territory of Karelia – 23 patients. 12 cultures of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica from the ambient environment were isolated in the Vologda (3), Rostov Regions (6), in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District (2), and in St. Petersburg (1). Based on the analysis of the data presented, in 2021, epidemic complications in the form of sporadic cases of the disease among the unvaccinated population in the following territories are most likely to occur: Central Federal District – in the Oryol, Ryazan and Yaroslavl Regions, as well as in Moscow; Northwestern Federal District – in the Arkhangelsk and Leningrad Regions, the Republic of Karelia and in St. Petersburg; Volga Federal District – in Tatarstan, Mordovia, Chuvash Republic, Kirov and Orenburg Regions; Ural Federal District – in the Khanty-Mansiysk, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Districts and the Tyumen Region; Siberian Federal District – in the Novosibirsk, Kemerovo, Tomsk and Omsk Regions, as well as in the Altai Territory; Far Eastern Federal District – in some regions of Kamchatka and Khabarovsk Territories.

Nosocomial bacterial Isolates collected within 2003-2004 (n=411) and 2005-2007 (n=422) were highly resistant to cephalosporins III-IV and antibacterials of other groups (aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolons, chloramphenicol, and co-trimoxazole). Genes encoding TEM, SHV, CTX-M, OXA-2, and AmpC types of beta-lactamases (BLs) in the E.coli, Klebsiella spp., and Enterobacter spp. isolates were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Prevalent CTX-M-type BLs were detected in 85% of the E.coli, 87% of the Klebsiella spp., and 38% of the Enterobacter spp. isolates of the first strain collection and in 94% of the E.coli, 91% of the Klebsiella spp., and 38% of the Enterobacter spp. isolates of the second one. Genes belonging to three subtypes of blaCTX-M genes were identified: blaCTX-M-1 (228 blaCTX-M-15 and six blaCTX-M-3 of the first strain collection; 275 blaCTX-M-15, three blaCTX-M-3, and one blaCTX-M-22 of the second one), blaCTX-M-2 (one blaCTX_M_5 of the first strain collection and one blaCTX-M-2 of the second one), blaCTX-M-9 (17 blaCTX-M-14 and one blaCTX-M-9 of the first strain collection; seven blaCTX-M-14 and one blaCTX-M-9 of the second one). Three isolates of the first strain collection and one isolate of the second one carried two genes belonging to two different subtypes i. e. blaCTX-M-15 and blaCTX-M-14 simultaneously. The bacterial isolates had high levels of associative resistance to ciprofloxacin, co-trimoxazole, gentamicin, amikacin, and chloramphenicol associated with the resistance gene cassettes aadA1, aadA2, aadA5, aadB, aacA4, aac(6)Ib; dfrA1, dfrA5, dfrA12, dfrA17, cmlA1, ereA2, and catB8 in the class 1 integrons and the resistance gene cassettes dfrA1, sat1, and aadA1 in the class 2 integrons.

The therapeutic efficacy of enterocin S760, a broad spectrum antimicrobial peptide produced by Enterococcus faecium LWP760 was tested on mice infected with Bacillus anthracis M-71 to induce anthrax (second Tsenkovsky's vaccine). Intraperitoneal four-, two- or one-fold administration of the peptide in a dose of 25 mg/kg for 10 days for prophylactic (1 hour after the contamination) and therapeutic (24 hours after the contamination) purposes prevented or cured the infection in 90-100% of the mice versus the 100-percent lethality in the control (untreated animals). The antimicrobial activity of enterocin S760 against B.anthracis M-71 in vivo correlated with activity in vitro. Enterocin S760 is considered a novel promising antimicrobial for the treatment of grampositive and gramnegative infections.

Antimicrobial activity of bacteriocin S760 (enterocin) produced by Enterococcus faecium strain LWP760 was studied. Bacteriocin S760 is a cationic, hydrophobic, and heat stable peptide with the molecular weight of 5.5 kDa and pI of 9.8. Enterocin S760 is shown to inhibit in vitro the growth both of sensitive and resistant to antibacterials gramnegative and grampositive bacteria of 25 species. MICs of the bacteriocin S760 vary between 0.05-1.6 mg/l for Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella enteritidis, Campylobacter jejuni, Yersinia enterocolitica, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium perfringens, that are main food-borne pathogens, and from 0.4-1.6 mg/l for Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Corynebacterium diphteriae. It is also active against antibioticresistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae, Acinetobacter baumannii (with MICs of 0.05-3 mg/l), Klebsiella pneumoniae (with MICs of 6 mg/l), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (with MICs of 0.4-25 mg/l), as well against fungi belonging to species of Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Aspergillus niger (with MICs of 0.1-0.2 mg/l). Enterocin S760 is a novel antimicrobial agents useful in medicine, veterinary and food industry.

The review provides the data on the epidemic condition of tularemia foci in countries neighboring Russia and ongoing preventive measures in these territories. The highest tularemia incidence in the stated countries and in the world as a whole is observed in Finland. In 2019, 42 cases of human infection with tularemia pathogen were recorded in the territory of the Russian Federation, 85 % of which occur in three Federal Districts: North-Western, Central, and Siberian. Epizootic manifestations of infection of varying degrees of intensity were detected in 51 entities of the Federation. Against this background, sporadic cases of tularemia are registered in 17 regions of the country. The most severe epidemic complications continue in Karelia – 9 patients. Seventeen Francisella tularensis cultures were isolated from environmental objects in the Tver, Yaroslavl, Vologda Regions, in the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic. The paper gives an opinion on the regions in which epidemic complications of tularemia are most likely to occur in 2020.

Here, we review the data on mechanisms inhibiting cytotoxic effect of anthrax toxin on the immune system cells. Various disease forms, immunopathogenesis and contemporary methods for anthrax treatment are discussed. In addition, an anthrax toxin was outlined, whereas structural and functional organization of the protective antigen, lethal and edema factors was detailed. A mechanism for association of a protective antigen and lethal factor, protective antigen and edema factor leading to formation of a lethal toxin and edema toxin, respectively, was described. Participation of protective antigen domains in the process of interaction with surface receptors of imunocompetent cells as well as features of binding a protective antigen with lethal factor and edema factor are discussed. A mechanism of endosomal toxin complex internalization and subsequent transfer of effector molecules to the cytosol are described. Effects of the lethal factor and the edema factor on components of eukaryotic cells as well as cytotoxicity mechanisms are analyzed. The approaches to block anthrax toxin action at various stages of toxicoemia have been analyzed based on previously uncovered sequential signs of cytotoxic activity for Bacillus anthracis toxins. Currently available chimeric and humanized monoclonal antibodies are capable of neutralizing B. anthracis toxins at diverse assembly stages, particularly considering the drugs inhibiting: inter-receptor interaction between protective antigen with eukaryotic cells; furin-like enzymes activating prepore assembly; protective antigen oligomerization; binding of the lethal factor or edema factor to the protective antigen; translocation of the lethal factor or the edema factor into cell cytosol; transport of protective antigen with lethal factor or edema factor from endosomes; enzymatic activity of lethal factor or edematous factor. The anti-toxin agents approved for anthrax prevention and treatment in Russia and worldwide are discussed. The limitations of anti-toxin agents and perspectives for their improvement are also described including inhibition of lethal factor activity, interference with integration of toxin components, blockade of interactions between toxic complexes and immune cell receptors.

Objective of the study – assessment of epizootic and epidemic situation on tularemia in 2018 and forecasting the risk of infection in the territory of the Russian Federation in 2019. Analysis of epidemiological situation was carried out on the basis of the data from monitoring activities performed by the Rospotrebnadzor institutions and the data contained in the reports of the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute of Siberia and Far East, Plague Control Center, Federal Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology, as well as federal statistical survey forms No 5 “Information on preventive vaccination” and No 2 “Information on infectious and parasitic diseases” over the period of January-December 2018 in eight Federal Districts including 85 constituent entities. Given are the retrospective data on tularemia epidemic situation in the territory of the Russian Federation over the past decade. 1944 human tularemia cases were registered in Russia between 2009 and 2018, 1005 out of which occurred during epidemic outbreak in 2013 in Khanty-Manssiysk Autonomous Region. High sporadic and small cluster incidence was mainly observed in the territories of the North-estern and Siberian Federal Districts over the recent years. In 2018, 71 cases of human infection with tularemia agent were reported. Epizootic manifestations of varying degree of intensity were detected in 52 entities of Russia. Against that background, sporadic cases of human infection were registered in 19 regions of the country. For three years epidemic complications expressed to the maximum were observed in the Omsk Region – 18 cases of tularemia infection, and Karelia – 14 cases, respectively. 15 Francisella tularensis cultures were isolated from ambient environment objects in Pskov, Leningrad Regions, Altai Territory, Republics of Altai and Tuva. Conclusions have been drawn in relation to the regions where epidemic complications associated with tularemia are most likely to emerge in 2019.

Discussed are the problems of implementation of requirements for the provision of biological safety at a potentially hazardous biological facility by the example of Federal Budgetary Institution of Science “State Scientific Center of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology” of the Rospotrebnadzor. Identified are the necessary and sufficient organizational-andpreventive and control measures and procedures on management of works with microorganisms of the I-IV groups of pathogenicity (hazard) in isolated labs of the Center. Issues associated with exploitation of biological safety engineering systems and assessment of their protective efficiency, problems of medical support of the activities and response to the emergency situations of biological character with the involvement of doctors from a specialized medical wing of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of the Russian Federation, serving the facility on a constant basis, are analyzed. Determined have been approaches to and principles of establishing the requirements for the system of biological safety at a potentially hazardous biological facility taking into account all the range of biological risks when working with microorganisms. Complex approach and realization of appropriate necessary measures in the sphere of biological safety provision, creating an environment for the reduction of biological risks up to acceptable level while working with pathogenic microorganisms, can be an effective solution of the problem on the whole.

168 cases of human infection with Francisella tularensis were registered in the Russian Federation in 2017. 80 % of the cases are accounted for by three Federal Districts: North-Western, North-Caucasian, and Siberian ones. Epizootic manifestations of the infection of varying intensity were reported in 61 constituent entities of the Russian Federation. High morbidity rates in 2017 were observed in the Stavropol Territory – 49 tularemia cases, in the Republic of Karelia – 40, Omsk Region – 20, and Saint Petersburg – 12. To assess epizootic and epidemic situation in each constituent entity of the Federation, the numbers of small mammals and their species composition, infection rates of rodents, ticks, mosquitoes, horseflies, hunting animals, nests, regurgitates of birds of prey and excrements of carnivores, surface water bodies, agent culture numbers, isolated from clinical samples, animals, ticks and water, as well as the data on incidence and vaccination of the population in the region were analyzed. The conclusion has been drawn in regard to the territories where epidemic complications are most likely to occur in 2018.

The article summarizes the new microbiological culture media produced in FSIS SRCAMB to improve the efficiency of diagnosis of infectious diseases, describes the advantages of these environments compared to foreign analogs, technological achievements in the field of drug development.

123 cases of human infection with Francisella tularensis were registered in the territory of the Russian Federation in 2016. 90 % of the total number was reported by three Federal Districts: North-Western, Siberian, and Central ones. Epizootic manifestations of varying intensity were detected in 56 regions. A considerable number of tularemia cases were observed in the Republic of Karelia, Nenets Autonomous District, Omsk and Ryazan Regions, and in Saint-Petersburg. Conspicuous are some recent peculiarities of tularemia manifestations: non-specificity of clinical symptoms, especially at early stages of the disease, their increasing variability against the background of mixed infections with tularemia and other natural-focal infections agents. The most expressed symptoms are fever and lymphatic adenitis; the patients are diagnosed with tularemia during initial days of the sought treatment in 40-45 % of the cases. Based on the data on morbidity rates in humans, epizootiological condition of natural tularemia foci, the numbers of isolated cultures and incidence of the vectors and carriers of the agent, as well as taking into consideration the scope of preventive vaccination in the regions, identified were the territories in which epidemic complication are most likely to occur in 2017.

Rationale: Enterococci are the leading cause of a number of nosocomial and community-acquired human diseases. In the last decade, these pathogens are becoming resistant to antibacterials, including vancomycin. Multidrug-resistant enterococci have been also isolated from agricultural animals in many countries worldwide, which raises concern of scientists because of possible horizontal transfer of resistance genes. Aim: To assess antibacterial sensitivity of Enterococcus spp. isolates collected from the poultry in the Russian Federation from 2013 to 2016, and to identify vancomycin-resistance genes in their genomes. Materials and methods: Eighty-seven enterococci isolates belonging to E. faecalis (n = 47, 54%), E. faecium (n = 25, 28.7%) and other species (n = 15, 17.2%) were collected from clinical samples of 297 heads of poultry (liver, lungs, heart, spleen, contents of the nasal and sinus cavities) from 17 poultry farms of the Northwest, Central, Volga, Ural and Southern Federal districts of the Russian Federation. Sensitivity of enterococci to antibacterials was determined by disk-diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Vancomycin resistance genes van was detected by polymerase chain reaction with specific primers. Results: Most enterococci isolates were resistant to erythromycin (74/87, 85.1%), gentamicin (70/87, 80.5%), ceftriaxone (61/87, 70.1%), ciprofloxacin (56/87, 64.4%), tetracycline (57/87, 65.5%), and rifampicin (48/87, 55.2%), fewer ones to trimethoprim (38/87, 43.7%), ampicillin (28/87, 32.2%), linezolid (15/87, 17.2%) and chloramphenicol (5/87, 5.7%). The vanC type genes (vanC1 and vanC2/3) were identified in 10 isolates. Vancomycin minimal inhibitory concentrations for these isolates were 2 to 8 mg/L. E. faecium with vanC1 gene was isolated from poultry probably for the first time ever. Conclusion: Commercial poultry in the Russian poultry farms is an important reservoir and source of antibiotic-resistant enterococci populations, including enterococci carrying vanC1 and vanC2/3 vancomycin resistance genes.

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.

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.

In 2016, in the territory of Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District an outbreak of anthrax took place, 2650 reindeers were infected. As a consequence of contacts with affected and fallen animals, 36 cases of human infection occurred, of which one was fatal. Performed full-extent complex of anti-epidemic, anti-epizootic, and preventive measures, prompt organization of operations at the regional level allowed for localization of large-scale anthrax focus within the minimum possible time. Based on the lessons learned, identified were the ways to further enhancement of epidemiological surveillance and prophylaxis of anthrax under current conditions.

Analyzed are the data on epizootiological and epidemiological surveillance of tularemia foci, situated in the territory of 85 constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Positive findings, obtained in the process of examination of small mammals, Ixodidae ticks, mosquitoes, and environmental objects, using immunological and molecular-genetic methods; isolated tularemia agent cultures; as well as tularemia incidence rates among the population have made provisions for the assessment of circulation and infection activity in the Regions. In period of 2015, 71 cases of human infection with tularemia have been registered. Given is a brief characteristics of activity of the natural tularemia foci and epidemic situation in the territory of the Russian Federation in 2015. Specified are the regions where preventive vaccination is on a low level. Given is the differentiation of RF territories according to the risk of exposure to tularemia infection for 2016.

F. tularensis strain 15/23-1 recA is different from the vaccine strain F. tularensis line 15 NIIEG by lacking one from the two copies of iglC gene and recA gene has reduced its reactogenicity for experimental animals (BALB/c mice and guinea pigs): transient weight reduction is less expressed, as well as leukopenia and thrombocytopenia during the first week after the immunization, compared to vaccine strain. The concentration of gamma-interferon in mice blood serum after 7 days immunized with strain 15/23-1 recA, was 5 times less than in mice immunized with strain 15 NIIEG. The virulence of the modified strain for mice is less than for the strain 15 NIIEG by more than two orders of magnitude. According to histological studies F. tularensis strain 15/23-1 recA stimulates morphologically a more expressed immune rearrangement in the spleen and lymph nodes as compared to F. tularensis strain 15 NIIEG. The difference of strain 15/23-1 recA from vaccine is that it is not detected in the spleens of experimental animals at 21 days after immunization. The level of specific antibodies in sera of immunized mice and guinea pigs were almost identical in both variants and there was no significant difference in the amount of gamma interferon synthesized by splenocytes of mice under specific induction. Immune mice were protected against subcutaneous challenge with virulent strain of tularemia 503 (subsp. holarctica) and protective immunity formed by the strains was lasting more than 180 days.

Given is a general overview of the SAET performance during the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Winter Games, 2014 in Sochi. Discussed are the peculiarities of work management of the SAET diagnostic facilities; represented are the data on the structure and scope of laboratory investigations of clinical material and environmental samples. Analyzed is the experience of operation under major international mass event. Consequently, it is concluded that current SAET structure, its stuffing and equipping, the laid-up stock of preparations and test-systems have allowed for coping with a diverse task complex in the laboratory diagnostics of infectious diseases and indication of their agents.

The paper contains the data on isolation of Francisella tularensis cultures from humans and rodents during tularemia epidemic in Khanty-Mansiisk in August-September, 2013. All the obtained F. tularensis strains (six cultures of tularemia microbe from patients, and four cultures - from small rodents caught in the territory of the city and its suburbs) fall under Holarctic subspecies, are highly virulent for the laboratory mice, resistant to erythromycin, ampicillin, and cephalosporin, but sensitive to amikacin, tetracycline, doxycycline, and gentamycin. Using 25-locus-MLVA typing it is demonstrated that the strains under study form a common cluster on the phylogenetic tree along with F. tularensis strains previously isolated in the territory of the Southern Urals and Kazakhstan. All the strains from the foci are closely related ones, and based on the investigations of hyper-variable Ft-M3 locus, fall into four groups. The strains, isolated from humans, combine into three groups, and the strains isolated from rodents - into two, and notably that one of the groups of Khanty-Mansiisk cluster comprises the strains isolated from both humans and rodents.

as framework for the production of tools for CCHF virus detection and identification in artificially contaminated samples and clinical specimens containing CCHF antigens was proven efficient.

The paper contains the data on the management of work of the specialized anti-epidemic team (SAET) of the Stavropol Anti-Plague Institute during the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Winter Games (2014) in Sochi. Reviewed are the issues of SAET’s preparedness provision: staffing of the team, facility equipping, fitting with diagnostic preparations, professional training and development in view of the mass event mission - participation in interagency exercises, educational courses, seminars, and response drills. For the first time ever, SAET’s reinforced personnel comprised 60 specialists from research institutions and some other Rospotrebnadzor Organization. Provided was preparedness to perform laboratory diagnostics and indicate the agents of 82 nosological forms, including exotic ones. The team conducted investigations at the premises of the two facilities and bacteriological laboratory mounted on the trucks.

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.

for BALB/c mice by an order while retaining protective properties. Strain Francisella tularensis 15 lacking two copies of the iglC gene cannot replicate in mice organism, induces weak humoral response, is fully avirulent, and has decreased protective activity. Treatment of mice with sera obtained from the animals immunized on day 49 post immunization both with the stock F. tularensis 15 strain and its variants with one or two inactivated iglC genes has provided for 100 % protection from challenge with 200 DCL of F. tularensis 15 strain. However in case of BALB/c mice exposure to virulent F. tularensis 503 and F. tularensis Schu strains (50 DCL and 25 DSL, respectively), treated with immune sera 24 hours before, registered has been only mean lifetime increase.

Specified are the priority areas as regards anti-epidemic activities relevant to the carrying out of the event itself. Characterized are the factors that require participation of auxiliary force for straightening of laboratory control within the frames of epidemiological surveillance. Justified is the involvement of mobile specialized anti-epidemic teams (SAET) with a view to provision of laboratory control over ambient environment objects for the presence of PBA of the I–II groups of pathogenicity. Discussed is the tactics of SAET mobilization for the provision of mass event support. Outlined is the necessity of application of the state-of-the-art methods for express- and rapid diagnostics within the frames of laboratory support as concerns monitoring activities in the course of the Summit as such.

Established are the basic principles of sanitary-epidemiological welfare provision in the preparations to and managing of the public event by the example of “G-20” Summit. Outlined is the significance and essentiality of epidemiological risk assessment. Specified are the areas of priority as regards anti-epidemic activities in the run-up period. Established is the priority of epidemiological surveillance and laboratory control over the places of residence of participants, caterers and supplying companies, and public catering facilities.

Using site-specific mutagenesis constructed were the variants of the vaccine strain F. tularensis subsp. holarctica 15 with the deleted iglC genes. Identified was the fact that genome of the strain 15 contained two copies of iglC gene. Deletion of one of them as well as both had little effect on the cultural-morphological and growth properties of the microbe. At the same time F. tularensis 15 lacking one copy of the iglC gene propagated in mice macrophages several times slower, than the original strain. Inactivation of both of the copies in the chromosome leaded to the emergence of a variant incapable of intracellular reproduction. This capacity in F. tularensis 15/23-2 with two inactivated iglC gene copies was partially recovered after integration of a complementing plasmid. Therewith the data mentioned above testifies to the significance of iglC gene for the process of reproduction in macrophages.

Within the frames of activities attributed to the Reference Center for tularemia monitoring at SRC AMB, genetically identified are 4 isolates of Francisella tularensis , isolated in 2011 in the Altai Territory. These bacteria prove to be virulent for BALB/c mice, DCL being lower than 10 CFU. Using single-primer PCR-typing and MLVA assay distinguished have been the subspecies of the isolates. Three of them refer to the Central Asian subspecies, one – to the Holarctic, the former being isolated in the territory of the Russian Federation for the first time ever.

lymphocytes) isolated from mice, immunized against tularemia. Put forward is the proposition to use tularin in serological surveys and reactions in vitro for identification of postinfectious or postvaccinal immunity to tularemia.

Immobilization of anti-B. anthracis monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) on latex microparticles was studied, the optimal load of these MAbs was determined to be 20 µg for 50 µl of the stock latex suspension. The highest sensitivity of latex agglutination test was observed for 1E6 MAbs. Latex suspensions with immobilized MAbs were lyophilized. Their sensitivity and specificity were shown to be highly competitive with those of the stock liquid latex suspension. Latex diagnosticum for Bacillus anthracis spores detection was constructed on the basis of these lyophilized reagents, developed and approved was the regulatory documentation that included their application instructions and technical specifications. Carried out were inter-laboratory and commission tests of experimental prototypes of the designed latex diagnosticum. These preparations demonstrated high sensitivity (from 1·105 to 2·106 spores/ml and even more) and specificity (absence of cross-reactions with spores of different species of sporogenous bacilli at concentration of 108 spores/ml).

Technology of O-antigen obtaining from Vibrio cholerae M41production strain, using the hollow fiber ultrafiltration modules, is developed and introduced into cholera vaccine manufacturing. Application of ultrafiltration makes it possible to obtain native high-activity O-antigen preparations which comply with the current regulatory requirements. Besides, it provides for economy (10-15-fold) of ammonium sulphate, used for antigen precipitation, reduces the duration of technological cycle (2 times), and the labor inputs. The technology of protective antigen concentrating is tested on V. cholerae strains MO45 and KM137 of O139 serogroup. Three series of experimental V. cholerae O139 vaccine are obtained.

Studied is the UV irradiation and nalidicsic acid effect on the RecA-protein synthesis in Francisella tularensis 15/10 cells. Obtained is the specific murine serum to the recombinant RecA-protein. The results of immunoblotting with this specific serum demonstrate that the amount of RecA-protein in Francisella tularensis 15/10 cells is not increased after the exposure to these damaging factors.

At present, in compliance with sanitary and epidemiologic regulations in force, equipping of microbiological laboratory with modern engineering and technical systems and equipment is considered to be the important condition ensuring adherence with the biological safety requirements. The abovementioned systems and equipment, together with the rules and techniques of the safe work with pathogenic microorganisms, should provide the set of biological safety measures for the laboratory personnel. Biological safety cabinets of the second and the third classes serve as additional protection means. Considered are peculiarities of the design and benefits of different biosafety cabinets used in BSL 2-3 laboratories, and some of their shortcomings are determined.

Evaluated was the ability of plague microbe antigens F1 and V to activate specifically in the in vitro system subpopulations of T-lymphocytes of BALB/c mice immunized against plague. The level of CD69 expression at the lymphocytes surface was proposed to be evaluated as the marker of lymphocytes activation. Expression of CD69 early marker of activation in subpopulations of T-helpers and cytotoxic lymphocytes, reciprocated by the in vitro stimulation with Y. pestis F1, correlated with the intensity of the anti-plague postvaccinal immunity induced by immunization with F1 or F1and V antigens mixtures.

National and foreign literature was analyzed. Considered were nutrient media for plague agent growth, isolation and differentiation. Present state of nutrient media production was highlighted.

per a recipient cell). pSa′ plasmid molds several topological shapes with variable electrophoretic mobility in E. coli C600, while in tularemia microbe, this plasmid has only one shape. After the transfer of the plasmid from E. coli cells into F. tularensis cells each individual clone of tularemia microbe possesses a plasmid which differs in its electrophoretic mobility from plasmids of other clones.

Deletion of recA gene in Francisella tularensis 15/10 genome leads to the increase in its sensitivity to ultraviolet irradiation, reduction of the homologous recombination capacity, and a slight decline of virulence for mice. Efficacy of Francisella tularensis 15/10ΔrecA reproduction within microphage-like cells, its resistance to normal rabbit serum, and protective properties on the mouse model of tularemia are the same as in original Francisella tularensis 15/10.

Presented are experimental data of size distribution of amplicons obtained with the help of the primer consisting of Escherichia coli chi-sequence and DNA from different subspecies of Francisella tularensis strains. Analysis of this distribution permitted to determine five informative regions on the electrophoregrams (in the regions of 190, 280, 500-570, 830 and 950 b.p.), that made it possible to perform subspecies differentiation of tularemia microbe strains. Thus, the subspecies of F. tularensis clinical isolates can be identified by safe, fast and convenient method - the PCR analysis using only one primer Chi 1f despite the slight genetic heterogeneity of tularemia agent strains.