[Taxonomic status of the Chim virus (CHIMV) (Bunyaviridae, Nairovirus, Qalyub group) isolated from the Ixodidae and Argasidae ticks collected in the great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus Lichtenstein, 1823) (Muridae, Gerbillinae) burrows in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan].

Full-length genome of the Chim virus (CHIMV) (strain LEIV-858Uz) was sequenced using the next-generation sequencing approach (ID GenBank: KF801656). The CHIMV/LEIV-858Uz was isolated from the Ornithodoros tartakovskyi Olenev, 1931 ticks collected in the great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus Lichtenstein, 1823) burrow in Uzbekistan near Chim town (Kashkadarinsky region) in July of 1971. Later, four more CHIMV strains were isolated from the O. tartakovskyi, O. papillipes Birula, 1895, Rhipicephalus turanicus Pomerantsev, 1936 collected in the great gerbil burrows in Kashkadarinsky, Bukhara, and Syrdarya regions of Uzbekistan, and three strains--from the Hyalomma asiaticum Schulze et Schlottke, 1930 from the great gerbil burrows in Dzheskazgan region of Kazakhstan. The virus is a potential pathogen of humans and camels. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CHIMV is a novel member of the Nairovirus genus (Bunyaviridae) and closely related to the Qalyub virus (QYBV), which is prototype for the group of the same name. The amino acid homology between the CHIMV and QYBV is 87% for the RdRp catalytic center (L-segment) that is coincident with both QYBV and CHIMV associated with the Ornithodoros ticks and burrow of rodents as well. The CHIMV homologies with other nairoviruses are 30-40% for the amino acid sequences of precursor polyprotein GnGc (M-segment), whereas 50%--for the nucleocapsid N (S-segment). The data obtained permit to classify the CHIMV as a member of the QYBV group in the genus of Nairovirus (Bunyaviridae).

[Genetic characterization of the Sakhalin virus (SAKV), Paramushir virus (PMRV) (Sakhalin group, Nairovirus, Bunyaviridae), and Rukutama virus (RUKV) (Uukuniemi group, Phlebovirus, Bunyaviridae) isolated from the obligate parasites of the colonial sea-birds ticks Ixodes (Ceratixodes) uriae, White 1852 and I. signatus Birulya, 1895 in the water area of sea of the Okhotsk and Bering sea].

Full-length genomes of the Sakhalin virus (SAKH) and Paramushir virus (PRMV) (Sakhalin group, Nairovirus, Bunyaviridae) isolated from the ticks Ixodes uriae White 1852 were sequenced using the next-generation sequencing (Genbank ID: KF801659, KF801656). SAKV and PRMV have 81% identity for the part of RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp) on the nucleotide level and 98.5% on the amino acid level. Full-length genome comparison shows that SAKV have, in average, from 25% (N-protein, S-segment) to 50% (RdRp, L-segment) similarity with the nairoviruses. The maximum value of the amino acid similarity (50.3% for RdRp) SAKV have with the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and Dugbe virus (DUGV), which are also associated with the Ixodidae ticks. Another virus studied is Rukutama virus (RUKV) (isolated from ticks I. signatus Birulya, 1895) that recently was classified (based on morphology and antigenic reaction) to the Nairovirus genus, presumably to the Sakhalin group. In this work the genome of the RUKV was sequenced (KF892052-KF892054) and RUKV was classified as a member of the Uukuniemi group (Phlebovirus, Bunyaviridae). RUKV is closely related (93.0-95.5% similarity) with our previously described Komandory virus (KOMV). RUKV and KOMV form separate phylogenetic line neighbor of Manawa virus (MWAV) isolated from the ticks Argas abdussalami Hoogstraal et McCarthy, 1965 in Pakistan. The value of the similarity between RUCV and MWAV is 65-74% on the amino acid level.

[Isolation of the Chikungunya virus in Moscow from the Indonesian visitor (September, 2013)].

The results of the virological identification of the Chikungunya fever case in Moscow (September, 2013) in an Indonesian visitor are presented. The clinic, electron microscopy, and molecular genetic data are discussed. The Ghikungunya virus (CHIKV) strain CHIKVILEIV-Moscow/1/2013 belonging to the Asian genotype (ID GenBank KF872195) was deposited into the Russian State Collection of viruses (GKV 1239; 18.11.2013).

[Detection of conservative and variable epitopes of the pandemic influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09 hemagglutinin using monoclonal antibodies].

The goal of this work was to analyze the antigenic structure of the hemagglutinin (HA) of the pandemic influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09 using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and to develop a sandwich ELISA for identification of pandemic strains. Competitive ELISA demonstrated that 6 MAbs against HA of the pandemic influenza A/ IIV-Moscow/01/2009 (H1N1)pdm09 virus identified six epitopes. Binding of MAbs with 22 strains circulating in Russian Federation during 2009-2012 was analyzed in the hemagglutination-inhibition test (HI). The MAbs differed considerably in their ability to decrease the HI activity of these strains. MAb 5F7 identified all examined strains; MAbs 3A3 and 10G2 reacted with the majority of them. A highly sensitive sandwich ELISA was constructed based on these three MAbs that can differentiate the pandemic influenza strains from the seasonal influenza virus. The constancy of the HA epitope that reacts with MAb 5F7 provides its use for identification of the pandemic influenza strains in HI test. MAbs 3D9, 6A3 and 1E7 are directed against the variable HA epitopes, being sensitive to several amino acid changes in Sa, Sb, and Ca2 antigenic sites and in receptor binding site. These MAbs can be used to detect differences in HA structure and to study the antigenic drift of the pandemic influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09.

[Taxonomic status of the Artashat virus (ARTSV) (Bunyaviridae, Nairovirus) isolated from the ticks Ornithodoros alactagalis Issaakjan, 1936 and O. verrucosus Olenev, Sassuchin et Fenuk, 1934 (Argasidae Koch, 1844) collected in Transcaucasia].

The Artashat virus (ARTSV) was originally isolated fom the Ornithodoros alactagalis Issaakjan, 1936 (Argasidae Koch, 1844), which were collected in the burrow of small five-toed jerboa (Allactaga elater Lichtenstein, 1825) in Armenia in 1972. Later, the ARTSV was isolated from the O. verrucosus Olenev, Sassuchin et Fenuk, 1934 collected in the burrows of Persian gerbil (Meriones persicus Blanford, 1875) in Azerbaijan. Based on the virion morphology, the ARTSV was assigned to the Bunyaviridae viruses. In this work, the ARTSV genome was partially sequenced (GenBank ID: KF801650) and it was shown that the ARTSV is a new member of the Nairovirus genus. ARTSV has from 42% (Issyk-Kul virus) to 58% (Raza virus, Hughes group) similarity with the nairoviruses for nucleotide sequence of part of RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp). The similarity on the amino acid level is 65-70%. Low level of homology and the equidistant position of the ARTSV on phylogenetic tree indicate that the ARTSV is a new prototype species of the Nairovirus genus (Bunyaviridae) forming a separate phylogenetic branch.

[The peculiarities of the influenza epidemics in some areas of Russia during 2012-2013 season. The influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus domination in European countries].

The peculiarities of the influenza viruses circulation in 2012-2013 are discussed. The results were obtained in 10 cities of Russia, where basic laboratories of the Influenza Ecology and Epidemics Center of on the basis of Ivanovsky Institute of Virology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, are situated. The increasing rate of the ARD morbidity caused by influenza viruses was observed in January-March 2013. The highest indices of the morbidity were detected during 6-7 weeks with the following decreasing rate till threshold levels to week 14. The influenza A (H1N1) pdm09, A (H3N2), and B viruses were the cause of the epidemic, but their activity differed over areas of Russia. The results of study of the antigenic and genetic properties of the influenza strains demonstrated closed relatives with respect to vaccine strains. In addition, some heterogeneity of the circulating strains and their drift variants were found as well. All tested strains were sensitive to oseltamivir (excluding one A (H1N1) pdm09 strain), zanamivir, arbidol, and remained resistant to rimantadine. The ratio of the ARD viruses was comparable with the last epidemic seasons.

[Taxonomy of previously unclassified Tamdy virus (TAMV) (Bunyaviridae, Nairovirus) isolated from the Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum Schülce et Schlottke, 1929 (Ixodidae, Hyalomminae) in the Middle East and transcaucasia].

Complete genome sequencing of three Tamdy (TAMV) virus strains was carried out. The prototype strain TAMV/LEIV-1308Uz was isolated for the very first time from the Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum Schülce et Schlottke, 1929 (Ixodidae, Hyalomminae) collected in the August 1971 from sheep in the arid area near Namdybulak town (41 degrees 36' N, 64 degrees 39' E) in the Tamdinsky district of the Bukhara region (Uzbekistan). TAMV was revealed to be a prototype member of the new phylogenetic group within the limits of the Nairovirus. The TAMV homology for RdRp (L-segment) amino acid sequence is not less than 40% with Crimea-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Hazara virus (HAZV), and Dugbe virus (DUGV), which are also linked with Ixodidae ticks. The TAMV homologies with the Issyk-Kul virus (ISKV) and Caspiy virus (CASV) for RdRp are 37.6% and 37.7%, respectively. These data conformed to the low values of GnGc (M-segment) and nucleocapsid protein N (S-segment) homology. The TAMV homologies with the nairoviruses for GnGc is in average 25%; with the nairoviruses linked with Ixodidae ticks (CCHFV, DUGV, HAZV) - 33%; with Argasidae ticks (ISKV, CASV) - 28%. The TAMV/LEIV-1308Uz, LEIV-6158Ar, and LEIV-10226Az have high level of identity. The TAMV/LEIV-10226Az from Azerbaijan has 99% homology for both nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the prototype TAMV/LEIV-1308Uz RdRp. The TAMV/LEIV-6158Ar from Armenia is more divergent and has 94.2% and 96.3% homologies with the TAMV/LEIV-1308Uz, respectively. The homology between the TAMV/LEIV-1308Uz and TAMV/LEIV-10226Az for GnGc is 93%. The TAMV/LEIV-6158Ar has 90% homology for this protein with the TAMV/LEIV-1308Uz and 93% with the TAMV/LEIV-10226Az, respectively. Differences in nucleocapsid protein between three TAMV strains are 5-7%.

[Molecular-genetic characterization of the Okhotskiy virus (OKHV) and Aniva virus (ANIV) (Orbivirus, Reoviridae) isolated from the ticks Ixodes (Ceratixodes) uriae White, 1852 in high latitudes of the Northern Eurasia].

Molecular-genetic characteristics of the Okhotskiy virus (OKHV) and Aniva virus (ANIV) were studied (ID GenBank KF981623-32). These viruses are distributed over the shelf and Island areas in the high latitudes in the Okhotsk, Bering, and Barents seas and linked with nesting colonies of Alcidae seabirds and their obligatory parasites, the Ixodes uriae (Ixodidae) ticks. OKHV and ANIV are observed to be independent species within the limits of the Great Island virus (GIV) group of the Orbivirus genus of the Reoviridae family. The majority of the genes of OKHV and ANIV have high homology (VP1 - 96%, T2 - 99%, VP7 (T13) - 98%, NS1 - 94%, NS2 - 98%, NS3 - 72%, VP6 - 93%). Nevertheless, the envelope proteins containing the main specific antigenic determinants (VP2 and VP5) of OKHV and ANIV are sufficiently different (62% and 68% homology for amino acid sequences, respectively).

[Taxonomic status of the Tyulek virus (TLKV) (Orthomyxoviridae, Quaranjavirus, Quaranfil group) isolated from the ticks Argas vulgaris Filippova, 1961 (Argasidae) from the birds burrow nest biotopes in the Kyrgyzstan].

The Tyulek virus (TLKV) was isolated from the ticks Argas vulgaris Filippova, 1961 (Argasidae), collected from the burrow biotopes in multispecies birds colony in the Aksu river floodplain near Tyulek village (northern part of Chu Valley, Kyrgyzstan). Recently, the TLKV was assigned to the Quaranfil group (including the Quaranfil virus (QRFV), Johnston Atoll virus (JAV), Lake Chad virus) that is a novel genus of the Quaranjavirus in the Orthomyxoviridae family. In his work, the complete genome (ID GenBank KJ438647-8) sequence of the TLKV was determined using next-generation sequencing (Illumina platform). Comparison of deduced amino acid sequences shows closed relationship of the TLKV with QRFV and JAV (86% and 84% identity for PB1 and about 70% for PB2 and PA, respectively). The identity level of the TLKV and QRFV in outer glycoprotein GP is 72% and 80% for nucleotide and amino acid sequences, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the TLKV belongs to the genus of the Quaranjavirus in the family Orthomyxoviridae.

[Genetic characterization of the Batken virus (BKNV) (Orthomyxoviridae, Thogotovirus) isolated from the Ixodidae ticks Hyalomma marginatum Koch, 1844 and the mosquitoes Aedes caspius Pallas, 1771, as well as the Culex hortensis Ficalbi, 1889 in the Central Asia].

The prototype strain LEIV-K306 of the Batken virus (BKNV) was isolated from the Ixodidae ticks Hyalomma marginatum Koch, 1844 collected from sheep near town Batken (Kirgizstan) in the April 1970. Later, the BKNV was isolated in Kirgizstan from the mixed pool of the Aedes caspius Pallas, 1771 and Culex hortensis Ficalbi, 1889 mosquitoes. From the very beginning, the BKNV was discussed to be very close to the Dhori virus (DHOV) (Orthomyxoviridae, Thogotovirus) isolated from the Ixodidae ticks Hyalomma dromedarii Koch, 1844 in India. In this work, virtually complete genome sequence (MiSeq, Illumina) of the BKNV was determined (ID GenBank KJ396672-4). Structural and non-structural proteins of the BKNV have a high level of homology with DHOV - 98% (PB1) and 96% (PB2, PA, NP, M). Homology of HA protein between the BKNV and DHOV is 90%, which accounts for antigenic difference between these close relative viruses. Since the differences in the other structural and non-structural proteins are about 96-98%, the BKNV could be suggested as the topotypic DHOV strain for Central Asia, Transcaucasia, and Northern Caspian region. The evolution divergence of the BKNV and DHOV for HA could be explained by local ecologic peculiarities of the BKNV areal.

[The antiviral activity of the adamantane derivatives against the influenza virus A (H1N1) pdm2009 model in vivo].

For the first time in vivo, the model of the viral pneumonia in mice was used to study the antiviral activity against influenza A virus (H1N1) pdm09 synthetic derivatives of adamantane series including the amino acid residues and lipoid acid. It was found that the adamantane derivatives with histidine, serine, and lipoid acid could inhibit the rimantadine-resistant strain of the influenza A (H1N1) pdm09. As a result, the lifespan of the mice infected with the virus has increased by 1.6 times with respect to viral control. Thus, the possibility of restoration of antiviral properties of rimantadine both in vitro and in vivo by introducing into its molecular structure new functionally active groups was tested.

[Genetic characterization of the Zaliv Terpeniya virus (ZTV, Bunyaviridae, Phlebovirus, Uukuniemi serogroup) strains isolated from the ticks Ixodes (Ceratixodes) uriae White, 1852, obligate parasites of the Alcidae birds, in high latitudes of Northern Eurasia and the mosquitoes Culex modestus Ficalbi, 1889, in subtropics Transcaucasus].

Complete genome sequences were obtained for the LEIV-13841Ka (ID GenBank KF767463-65) and LEIV-279Az (ID GenBank KF767460-62) virus strains, which were classified as different strains of the Zaliv Terpeniya virus (ZTV). LEIV-13841Ka was isolated from the ticks Ixodes (Ceratixodes) uriae White, 1852 collected on Ariy Kamen (Commander Islands) in 1986. LEIV-279Az was isolated from the mosquitoes Culex modestus Ficalbi, 1889, collected in heron colony (Ardea Linnaeus, 1758) in Azerbaijan (1969) and was initially identified as Uukuniemi virus (UUKV). According to the results obtained LEIV-279Az is ZTV strain as well. LEIV-13841Ka and LEIV-279Az RdRp sequences have high level of homology (99%) with previously sequenced ZTV/LEIV-271Ka. The L-segment nucleotide sequences are homological with ZTV/LEIV-271Ka on the level of 94% and 98% for LEIV-13841Ka and LEIV-279Az, respectively; M-segment--89% and 88%, respectively. Such homologies for the amino acid sequences of Gn/Gc polyprotein are 98.3% and 97.7%. NP proteins of ZTV/LEIV-13841Ka and LEIV-279Az have 88.7% and 84.6% homologies with ZTV/LEIV-271Ka both for amino acid and nucleotide sequences, respectively. Thus, for the very first time we demonstrated ZTV strain isolated from mosquitoes in subtropical Transcaucasia zone. Obtained results permit to expand suggested areal of ZTV and to fill up data upon the ecology of the Uukuniemi virus group.

[Genetic characterization of viruses from the antigenic complex Tyuleniy (Flaviviridae, Flavivirus): Tyuleniy virus (TYUV) (ID GenBank KF815939) isolated from ectoparasites of colonial seabirds--Ixodes (Ceratixodes) uriae White, 1852, ticks collected in the high latitudes of Northern Eurasia--and Kama virus (KAMV) isolated from the Ixodes lividus Roch, 1844, collected in the digging colonies of the middle part of Russian plane].

Genetic research into the Tyuleniy virus (TYUV) (ID GenBank KF815939) isolated in high latitudes from the Ixodes uriae White, 1852, ticks collected in the nesting colonies of the Alcidae (Leach, 1820) birds and Kama virus (KAMV) (ID GenBank KF815940) isolated from the I. lividus ticks collected in the nesting bird colonies in the middle part of the Russian Plane was carried out. Full-genome comparative analysis revealed 70% homology between KAMV and TYUV on the nucleotide level and 74% on the amino acid level. Thus, KAMV is a new member of the TYUV complex belonging to the seabird tick-borne virus group (STBVG) of Flavivirus (Flaviviridae). KAMV is a separate virus and forms separate phylogenetic line together with the TYUV, Meaban virus (MEAV), and Saumarez Reef virus (SREV).

[Genetic characterization of the Caspiy virus (CASV) (Bunyaviridae, Nairovirus) isolated from the Laridae (Vigors, 1825) and Sternidae (Bonaparte, 1838) birds and the Argasidae (Koch, 1844) ticks Ornithodoros capensis Neumann, 1901, in Western and Eastern coasts of the Caspian Sea].

Full-genome sequencing of the Caspiy virus (CASV - Caspiy virus) (ID GenBank KF801658) revealed its attribution to the Nairovirus genus of the Bunyaviridae family as a separate species. CASV forms separate line, which is the most close to the Hughes virus (HUGV) and Sakhalin virus (SAKV) groups containing viruses linked with seabirds and ticks parasitizing on them and distributed over the shelf and island ecosystems in the Northern Eurasia, as well as the North and South America.

[Taxonomy of the Sokuluk virus (SOKV) (Flaviviridae, Flavivirus, Entebbe bat virus group) isolated from bats (Vespertilio pipistrellus Schreber, 1774), ticks (Argasidae Koch, 1844), and birds in Kyrgyzstan].

Complete genome sequencing of the Sokuluk virus (SOKV) isolated in Kyrgyzstan from bats Vespertilio pipistrellus and their obligatory parasites--Argasidae Koch, 1844, ticks was carried out. SOKV was classified as attributed to the Flaviviridae family, Flavivirus genus. The maximum homology (71% for nucleotide and 79% for amino acid sequences) was detected with respect to the Entebbe bat virus (ENTV). ENTV and SOKV form a group joining to the yellow fever virus (YFV) within the limits of the mosquito flavivirus branch. Close relation of SOKV with bat covers and human housings permits to assume SOKV potentially patogenic to human health.

[Genetic characterization of the Geran virus (GERV, Bunyaviridae, Nairovirus, Qalyub group) isolated from the ticks Ornithodoros verrucosus Olenev, Zasukhin and Fenyuk, 1934 (Argasidae) collected in the burrow of Meriones erythrourus Grey, 1842 in Azerbaijan].

The full-length genome of the unclassified Geran virus (GERV, strain LEIV-10899Az) isolated from the ticks (Ornithodoros verrucosus Olenev, Zasukhin and Fenyuk, 1934 (Argasidae, Ornithodorinae)) collected in the burrow of the red-tailed gerbils (Meriones (Cricedidae) erythrourus Grey, 1842) near the Geran station (Azerbaijan) was sequenced using the next-generation approach (GenBank ID: KF801649). It was shown that the GERV is a new representative of the Nairovirus genus (family Bunyaviridae). The comparative analysis of the full-length genome sequences of the GERV with other nairoviruses showed that the highest level of homology (55.6% for N protein (S-segment) of 54.2% for the polyprotein Gn/Gc (M-segment) and 74.8% for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L-segment)) GERV had with the Chim virus (CHIMV) that is also associated with the shelters biocenoses (rodent burrows) in Central Asia and was previously assigned to the Qalyub virus group (QYBV). Comparing the GERV with the QYBV sequences (partial sequence 413 n.o. of RdRp gene) revealed a high level of homology: 74.3 and 97.4% for the nucleotide and amino acid sequences, respectively. The data obtained in this work provided an opportunity to classify the GERV to the QYBV group; the Nairovirus genus, to the family Bunyaviridae.

[Genetic characterization of the Uzun-Agach virus (UZAV, Bunyaviridae, Nairovirus), isolated from bat Myotis blythii oxygnathus Monticelli, 1885 (Chiroptera; Vespertilionidae) in Kazakhstan].

The complete genome of Uzun-Agach virus (UZAV), isolated from the liver of Myotis blythii oxygnathus (Monticelli, 1885 (Chiroptera; Vespertilionidae)) bats in Alma-Ata district (Kazakhstan) in 1977 have been sequenced. Based on full-length genome comparison it is shown that UZAV is a new member of the Nairovirus genus (family Bunyaviridae). L-segment and M-segments of UZAV have 69,3% and 64,1% identity with Issyk-Kul virus (ISKV) that also was isolated from bats. S-segment of UZAV have 99,6% identity with the same of ISKV. This allow us to claim that UZAV is a reassortant virus that have S-segment derived from ISKV, and L- and M-segments from another virus that is phylogenetically related to ISKV, but divergent from it. The obtained data that the reassortment between ISKV and UZAV exists in nature suggest that they cocirculated in one ecological niche (bats of the Vespertilionidae family) and the areal of UZAV may coincide with the areal of ISKV.

[Genetic characterisation of Powassan virus (POWV) isolated from Haemophysalis longicornis ticks in Primorye and two strains of Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) (Flaviviridae, Flavivirus): Alma-Arasan virus (AAV) isolated from Ixodes persulcatus ticks in Kazakhstan and Malyshevo virus isolated from Aedes vexans nipponii mosquitoes in Khabarovsk kray].

The complete genomes of the three tick-borne flaviviruses (genus Flavivirus, fam. Bunyaviridae) were sequenced: Povassan virus (POWV, strain LEIV-3070Prm, isolated from Haemophysalis logicornis in Primorsky Krai, Russia in 1977), Alma-Arasan virus (AAV, strain LEIV-1380Kaz, isolated from Ixodes persulcatus ticks in Kazakhstan in 1977) and Malyshevo virus (isolated from a pool of Aedes vexans nipponii mosquitoes, in the Khabarovsk Krai, Russia in 1978). It is shown that AAV and Malyshevo virus are the strains of Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and belong to Sibirian and Far-Eastern genotypes, respectively (GenBank ID: AAV KJ744033; strain Malyshevo KJ744034). Phylogenetically AAV is closest related (94,6% nt and 98,3% aa identity) to TBEV strains, isolated in Sibiria (Vasilchenko, Aino, Chita-653, Irkutsk-12). Malyshevo virus is closest related (96,4% nt and 98,3% nt identity) to strains of TBEV, isolated in Far Eastern part of Russia (1230, Spassk-72, Primorye-89). POWV LEIV-3070Prm has 99.7% identity with the prototype strain POWV LB, isolated in Canada and 99.5% of isolates with Far-Eastern strains of POWV (Spassk-9 and Nadezdinsk-1991).

[Complete genome characterization of the Kyzylagach virus (KYZV) (Togaviridae, Alphavirus, Sindbis serogroup) isolated from mosquitoes Culex modestus Ficalbi, 1889 (Culicinae) collected in a colony of herons (Ardeidae Leach, 1820) in Azerbaijan].

Complete genome sequencing of the Kyzylagach virus (KYZV) LEIV-65A strain isolated from the Culex modestus Ficalbi, 1889 (Culicinae), which was collected in the colony of the Ardeidae Leach, 1820 birds on the coast of Caspian sea, Kyzyl-Agach bay, in the southern part of Azerbaijan, was carried out. KYZV has high homology (about 99%) with the Chinese XJ-160 strain of the Sindbis virus (SINV) isolated from Anopheles sp. in Xinjiang Uyghur autonomic region (north-eastern China). Homologies of KYZV and XJ-160 with European SINV strains are 82% and 93% for the nucleotide and amino acid sequences, respectively (GenBank ID: KF981618). The difference between the nucleotide sequences of KYZV and Australian SINV/SW6562 strain is 19%; amino acid sequences, 12%. Since XJ-160 strain is extremely similar to KYZV, the first could be considered as the KYZV strain. The geography of the KYZV and XJ-160 isolation points and their genetic distance from the European viruses allow the KYZV to be suggested as a SINV (genotype IV) topotypic variant typical of Transcaucasia and Central Asia.

[Molecular genetic characterization of the Gissar virus (GSRV) (Bunyaviridae, Phlebovirus, Uukuniemi group) isolated from the ticks Argas reflexus Fabricius, 1794 (Argasidae) collected in dovecote in Tajikistan].

The Gissar virus (GSRV) was originally isolated from the ticks Argas reflexus, Fabricius, 1794 collected in a dovecote of Gissar village in Tajikistan (38 degrees 40' N, 68 degrees 40' E). Using electron microscopy, GSRV was classified to Bunyaviridae without referring to genus due to the absence of the antigenic relation with known bunyaviruses. In the present paper genome of GSRV was sequenced (MiSeq, Illumina). Molecular genetics and phylogenetic analysis showed. GSRV has a high level of homology with the Grand Arbaud Virus (GAV) (94% for nucleocapsid protein, 87.5% for RdRp, and 82% for the envelope proteins GnGc) isolated from the ticks A. Reflexus in a dovecote in France. GSRV and GAV have a narrow ecological niche associated with the icks A. Reflexus and birds (predominantly Columbidae). According to the conducted study, GSRV is classified as the topotypic for Central Asia variant of GAV, Uukuniemi group, genuses of the Phlebovirus (Bunyaviridae) (ID GenBank KJ425423, KJ425424, KJ425425).