[Clinical and epidemiological features of visceral leishmaniasis in the Republic of Crimea]. / Kliniko-épidemiologicheskie osobennosti vistseral'nogo leishmanioza v Respublike Krym.

The paper analyzes official statistical data, as well as visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases who have visited the Clinical Center, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, and the results of parasitological studies of the materials submitted to the Reference Center for Monitoring of Leishmaniasis, E.I. Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases. Account is taken of the observations made by the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare, and of the literature data available in Russian and foreign (Ukraine) scientific journals and monographs. During the period of 1932 to 2015, a total of 14 VL cases acquired in the Crimea were notified, of which there were 4 cases of VL concurrent with HIV infection. The majority of infections occurred in the eastern part of the peninsula. Given that many areas of Crimea have the status of recreation and annually receive millions of vacationists, it is necessary to conduct a more in-depth study of all aspects of this infection.

MOSQUITOES (DIPTERA, PSYCHODIDAE, PHLEBOTOMINAE) IN THE CRIMEA: SPECIES COMPOSITION, SPREAD, ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES.

Crimea was known to be a mosquito-borne fever (pappataci fever) endemic area in the past. There is information on sporadic cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the vectors for which are also mosquitoes. This disease was registered in Crimea in both the 20h century and the early 21st century. The data available in the literature on the mosquitoes in Crimea, which were published mainly in the first half of the 20th century, have been analyzed. Based on the classification of these insects, which has been proposed by M.M. Artemyev, the authors have established that there are 8 mosquito species: P.papatasi, P.alexandri, P.similis, P.neglectus, P.perfiliewi, P.balcanicus, P.longiductus, and S.dentata in Crimea. There is evidence on the landscape and biotopic association of individual species and on their environmental features.

[MOSQUITOES (DIPTERA, PSYCHODIDAE, PHLEBOTOMINAE) IN CENTRAL ASIA: SPECIES COMPOSITION AND SPREAD].

Based on the data available in the literature and the results of their investigations, the authors analyzed the spread of mosquitoes in Central Asia (Kazikhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). It has been established that there are 27 mosquito species: P. papatasii, P. sergenti, P. caucasicus, P. mongolensis, P. andrejevi, P. alexandri, P. nuri, P. kandelakii, P. keshishiani, P. smirnovi, P. notus, P. wenioni, P. 1ongiductus, P. tuianicus, P. rupester, P. angustus, P. halepensis, P. zufagarensis, S. murgaitensis, S. dentata, S. pawlowsil, S. ciyda, S. pakistanica, S. sogdiana, S. sumbarica, S. grekovi, and G. dreyfussi turkestanica in this region. Five species of them (P. papatasii, P. sergenti, P. smirnovi, P. longiductus, and P. turanicus) are of medical importance. Maps of the spread of the species of medical importance have been compiled. Entomological observations should be made in individual areas of this region due to climate changes in the environment and to man-made interventions.

[THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION OF LEISHMANIASIS IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION: THE FIRST VALID CASES OF LOCAL TRANSMISSION].

The authors have analyzed the data available in the literature and statistical offices and the results of their observations of the epidemiological situation of leishmaniasis in the Russian Federation (RF). In October 1991 to December 2014, the RF registered 89, leishmaniasis cases, including 83 imported cases from 24 countries and 6 local cases. Out of the 83 imported cases, there were those diagnosed with anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (n=31), zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (n=20), visceral leishmaniasis (n=31), and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (n=1). The Republic of Dagestan and Eastern Crimea are visceral Ieishmaniasis-enderpic, areas. The obtained data on the local cases of visceral leisimaniasis in Dagestan and on its sporadic cases in Crimea suggest that it is necessary to conduct epidemiological, epizootological, and entomological surveys in the above areas and to develop a system for visceral leishmaniasis epidemiological surveillance encompassing the whole package of antiepidemic measures. The effective treatment of leishmaniases requires that the RF Ministry of Health should register some current antileishmanial drugs (such as Glucantime) as soon as possible.

[Additional evidence for the species composition of mosquitoes (Diptera, Psichodidae, Phlebotominae) in the visceral leishmaniasis foci of Uzbekistan].

The species composition of mosquitoes was studied in the foci of visceral leishmaniasis in the Navoiy and Samarkand Provinces of Uzbekistan. The human settlements where these observations were made were located at 1000-1200 m above sea level. Seven species: Phlebotomus sergenti, P. caucasicus, P. longiductus, P. papatasi, P. alexandri, Sergetomyia sumbarica, and S. grecovi were found. The predominant species was P. sergenti; P. longiductus was a vector for visceral leishmaniasis, which was present in all the collected samples. Bovine animal and small cattle yards were ascertained to be the hatching of mosquito eggs.

Development, production and characterization of SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles (Coronaviridae: Orthocoronavirinae: Betacoronavirus: Sarbecovirus).

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has created serious health problems worldwide. The most effective way to prevent the occurrence of new epidemic outbreaks is vaccination. One of the modern and effective approaches to vaccine development is the use of virus-like particles (VLPs). The aim of the study is to develop a technology for production of VLP based on recombinant SARS-CoV-2 proteins (E, M, N and S) in insect cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Synthetic genes encoding coronavirus proteins E, M, N and S were used. VLP with various surface proteins of strains similar to the Wuhan virus, Delta, Alpha and Omicron were developed and cloned into the pFastBac plasmid. The proteins were synthesized in the baculovirus expression system and assembled into VLP in the portable Trichoplusia ni cell. The presence of insertion in the baculovirus genome was determined by PCR. ELISA and immunoblotting were used to study the antigenic activity of VLP. VLP purification was performed by ultracentrifugation using 20% sucrose. Morphology was assessed using electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. RESULTS: VLPs consisting of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 proteins (S, M, E and N) were obtained and characterized. The specific binding of antigenic determinants in synthesized VLPs with antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 proteins has been demonstrated. The immunogenic properties of VLPs have been studied. CONCLUSION: The production and purification of recombinant VLPs consisting of full-length SARS-CoV-2 proteins with a universal set of surface antigens have been developed and optimized. Self-assembling particles that mimic the coronavirus virion induce a specific immune response against SARS-CoV-2.

[The species composition and epidemiological significance of mosquitoes (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in the foci of visceral leishmaniasis in the Papsky District, Namangan Region, Uzbekistan].

In 2008, mosquito observations were made in 4 populated areas of the Papsky District, Namangan Region, Uzbekistan (Fergana Valley), where visceral leishmaniasis cases had been registered. The mosquitoes were caught in Oltinkan, Gulistan, Chodak, and Chorkesar in July and in Oltinkan in September. A total of 7245 mosquitoes were caught in the living and utility premises during the observation period. The mosquito fauna of this focus was found to represent 10 species: P. papatasi, P. sergenti, P. alexandri, P. caucasicus, P. nuri, P. keshishiani, P. angustus, P. longiductus, S. grecovi, and S. sumbarica. It also contained P. papatasi, a vehicle for transmission of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis, P. sergenti, an anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis vehicle, and P. longiductus, a visceral leishmaniasis one. The major site of hatching and habitat for mosquitoes were utility premises for large and small cattle. A polymerase chain reaction was used to determine mosquito infestation with L. infantum. A total of 38 female pools of 5 species: P. papatasi, P. sergenti, P. keshishiani, P. angustus, and P. longiductus were tested. Testing of female mosquitoes for L. infantum yielded a negative result.

[The spread and epidemiological value of mosquitoes (Diptera, Psichodidae, Phlebotominae) of the Caucasus].

The Caucasus mosquito fauna was studied on the basis of the papers published in the 20th century. Due to the new classification developed by M.M. Artemyeva, the presence of 17 mosquito species: P.papatasi, P.sergenti, P.caucasicus, P.alexandri, P.jacusieli, P.kandelakii, P.neglectus, P.per-filiewi, P.tobbi, P.transcaucasicus, P.wenyoni, P.balcanicus, P.brevis, P.halepensis, S.dentate dentate, S.palestinensis, and S.hodsoni pawlowskyi should be considered most significant. The ecology of the mosquito species that are of medical importance is described. Maps of the spread of the mosquitoes that are of epidemiological importance have been complied on the basis of the materials by different authors on the registration of specific mosquito species in the human settlements of the Transcaucasia and North Caucasus. The spread of mosquitoes in the North Caucasus remains inadequately studied today.