Genetic diversity of group A rotaviruses in Moscow in 2018-2019.

Here, we present the results of a study in which 639 samples obtained between October 2018 and April 2019 from patients with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis were tested for the presence of a rotavirus infection. The antigen of group A rotavirus was detected in 160 samples (25% of those tested). To study the genetic diversity of group A rotavirus, RNA was isolated from the samples, and polymerase chain reaction combined with reverse transcription (RT-PCR) with primers specific for the VP4, VP6, and VP7 genes of group A rotaviruses was performed. At least one fragment of the group A rotavirus genome was found in 101 samples (15.8%). These fragments were sequenced, and their G and P genotypes-as well as their combinations-were determined. The predominant G genotypes were G9 (35.8% of all genotyped samples) and G4 (28.4%), but the rare G12 genotype was also found (3.0%). The dominant P genotype was P[8]. The spectrum of certain G/P combinations of genotypes included seven variants. The most common variants were G9P[8] (37.2%) and G4P[8] (30.2%).

The DNA of Bacteria of the World Ocean and the Earth in Cosmic Dust at the International Space Station.

Cosmic dust samples from the surface of the illuminator of the International Space Station (ISS) were collected by a crew member during his spacewalk. The sampler with tampon in a vacuum container was delivered to the Earth. Washouts from the tampon's material and the tampon itself were analyzed for the presence of bacterial DNA by the method of nested PCR with primers specific to DNA of the genus Mycobacteria, DNA of the strains of capsular bacteria Bacillus, and DNA encoding 16S ribosomal RNA. The results of amplification followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis indicated the presence of the bacteria of the genus Mycobacteria and the extreme bacterium of the genus Delftia in the samples of cosmic dust. It was shown that the DNA sequence of one of the bacteria of the genus Mycobacteria was genetically similar to that previously observed in superficial micro layer at the Barents and Kara seas' coastal zones. The presence of the wild land and marine bacteria DNA on the ISS suggests their possible transfer from the stratosphere into the ionosphere with the ascending branch of the global electric circuit. Alternatively, the wild land and marine bacteria as well as the ISS bacteria may all have an ultimate space origin.

[Two cases of hydrophobia in the Republic of Tatarstan: in vivo and postmortem laboratory diagnosis].

The results of rabies in vivo and postmortem laboratory detection in two cases registered in the Republic of Tatarstan are reported: a victim bitten by a wolf in 2002 and another one bitten by a stray dog on Goa Island, India, in 2013. In the patient bitten by a wolf cornea imprints studies using the method of fluorescent antibodies (MFA) showed rabies-positive result 6 days before the patient's death. The results were confirmed by postmortem examination of different parts of the brain and salivary glands using the MFA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), optical microscopy, and bioassay methods. In the patient bitten by a stray dog the rabies virus specific antigen was detected by eye cornea studies using the MFA method and saliva studies using the ELISA. The rabies virus genome was also isolated from saliva and tear fluid using nested reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) 9 days before the patient's death. The in viva studies results were consistent with the postmortem study of different parts of the brain using the MFA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), optical microscopy, and bioassay methods. All the infection-positive results of both in viva and postmortem studies were consistent with the clinical studies, i.e. rabies diagnosis was confirmed. The analysis of the rabies virus gene G fragment nucleotide sequence of 238 nd length showed a slight difference between the studied isolates (2 rabies) and the RABV AY9563I9 (1.68%), difference by 10.5% from the Vnukovo-32 vaccine strains and by 10.9% from the SAD B19 rabies strain, respectively (rabies viruses of 1st genotype). It was also significantly different from the lissaviruses of 2,4,5, and 6 genotypes (21 .0-32.7%). The obtained results indicate phylogenetic closeness of the studied isolates (2 rabies) with the RABV AY956319 rabies virus strain belonging to the 1st genotype.

[Engineering by reverse genetics and characterization of the new reassortant influenza virus strain H5N1].

Reverse genetics was applied to engineering of the reassortantvaccine candidate strain against highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of the H5 subtype. The new strain recPR8-H5N1 contains the HA gene from the Russian HPAIV A/Kurgan/05/2005 (H5N1), the NA and internal genes from A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1). The strain recPR8-H5N1 demonstrated the antigenic specificity (H5), high proliferation rate in 12 days chicken embryos, and was lethal for the embryos in 36 hours. An inactivated emulsified vaccine based on the strain recPR8-H5N1 elicited high antibody titers and protected 6-week-old chickens from lethal challenge with the HPAIV A/Kurgan/05/2005 (H5N1) on day 21 after single immunization. Infection of non-vaccinated birds with the strain recPR8-H5N1 did not cause any pathology, and the virus was not detected using PCR in blood and cloacal swabs on day 7 p.i. Specific weak seroconversion caused by infection with the strain recPR8-H5N1 was detected on day 14 p.i. As a result, a new influenza virus strain was obtained with modified properties.

[Genetic diversity of Siberian bovine coronavirus isolates (Coronaviridae: Coronavirinae: Betacoronavirus-1: Bovine-Like coronaviruses)].

INTRODUCTION: Bovine coronaviruses (BCoVs) are causative agents of diarrhea, respiratory diseases in calves and winter cow dysentery. The study of genetic diversity of these viruses is topical issue. The purpose of the research is studying the genetic diversity of BCoV isolates circulating among dairy cattle in Siberia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens used in this study were collected from animals that died or was forcedly slaughtered before the start of the study. The target for amplification were nucleotide sequences of S and N gene regions. RESULTS: Based on the results of RT-PCR testing, virus genome was present in 16.3% of samples from calves with diarrheal syndrome and in 9.9% with respiratory syndrome. The nucleotide sequences of S gene region were determined for 18 isolates, and N gene sequences - for 12 isolates. Based on S gene, isolates were divided into two clades each containing two subclades. First subclade of first clade (European line) included 11 isolates. Second one included classic strains Quebec and Mebus, strains from Europe, USA and Korea, but none of sequences from this study belonged to this subclade. 6 isolates belonged to first subclade of second clade (American-Asian line). Second subclade (mixed line) included one isolate. N gene sequences formed two clades, one of them included two subclades. First subclade included 3 isolates (American-Asian line), and second subclade (mixed) included one isolate. Second clade (mixed) included 8 sequences. No differences in phylogenetic grouping between intestinal and respiratory isolates, as well as according to their geographic origin were identified. CONCLUSION: The studied population of BCoV isolates is heterogeneous. Nucleotide sequence analysis is a useful tool for studying molecular epidemiology of BCoV. It can be beneficial for choice of vaccines to be used in a particular geographic region.

[Antigenic and immunogenic activity of virus-like particles based on rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (Caliciviridae: Lagovirus) genotypes GI1 and GI2 recombinant major capsid proteins].

INTRODUCTION: Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is an acute highly contagious infection associated with two genotypes of pathogenic Lagovirus. Antibodies to major capsid protein (Vp60) are protective. The aim of the work ‒ is an evaluation of antigenic and immunogenic activity of virus-like particles (VLPs) based on recombinant major capsid proteins of both genotypes of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) (recVP60-GI1 and recVP60-GI2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Baculovirus-expressed VLPs were evaluated using electron microscopy and administered to clinically healthy 1.53 month old rabbits in a dose of 50 g. Rabbits were challenged with 103 LD50 of virulent strains Voronezhsky-87 and Tula 21 days post immunization. Serum samples were tested for the presence of RHDV-specific antibodies. RESULTS: VLPs with hemagglutination activity forming VLP 3040 nm in size were obtained in Hi-5 cell culture. Specific antibody titers in rabbits measured by ELISA were 1 : 200 to 1 : 800 on 21th day post immunization with VLPs. Immunogenic activity of recVP60-GI1 VLPs was 90 and 40%, while it was 30 and 100% for recVP60-GI2 VLPs after the challenge with RHDV genotypes 1 and 2 respectively. The immunogenicity of two VLPs in mixture reached 100%. DISCUSSION: VLPs possess hemagglutinating, antigenic and immunogenic activity, suggesting their use as components in substances designed for RHDV specific prophylaxis in rabbits. Results of the control challenge experiment demonstrated the need to include the antigens from both RHDV genotypes in the vaccine. CONCLUSION: Recombinant proteins recVP60-GI1 and recVP60-GI2 form VLPs that possess hemagglutinating an antigenic activity, and provide 90100% level of protection for animals challenged with RHDV GI1 and GI2 virulent strains.

[Adaptation of african swine fever virus (Asfarviridae: Asfivirus)to growth in the continuous culture PPK-66b cells by the method of accelerated passaging].

INTRODUCTION: African swine fever virus (ASF) is a large, enveloped virus with an icosahedral capsid morphology and a double-stranded DNA genome ranging in size from 170 to 190 kb. The replication cycle proceeds in two phases, the early phase lasting 4-6 hours and the late 8-20 hours after infection. The adaptation of the ASF virus to growth in continuous cell lines makes efficient and reliable genetic analysis and more accurate interpretation of its results. OBJECTIVE: Adaptation of a new isolate of the ASF virus to growth in a continuous cell line by the method of accelerated passages and preliminary genetic analysis of the resulting strain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For virus isolation and passaging of the ASF virus, a porcine leukocyte cell culture (PL) and continuous cell cultures of porcine origin (ST, PK, PPK-66b) were used with Eagle MEM and HLA essential media with 10% porcine or fetal serum. RESULTS: The article presents data on the isolation and analysis of the changes in the reproductive properties of a new African swine fever (ASF) virus isolate in the process of adaptation to growth in a continuous piglet kidney cell culture clone b (PPK-66b). The current state of the problem of cultivation of the ASF virus, the features of its reproduction, and the basis of the genetic differentiation of its isolates are described in detail. Understanding the uniqueness of the nature of the ASF virus determined the approaches to the processes of its cultivation and adaptation. In this regard, the results of studies of cultural properties, and analysis of the nucleotide sequence of 6 genes of the new isolate, as well as phylogenetic analysis of these genes with already known strains and isolates of the ASF virus are presented. CONCLUSION: A new strain obtained in the process of cell adaptation of ASVF/Znaury/PPK-23 ASF virus by the accelerated passaging method reaches a high level of reproduction in 72 hours with an accumulation titer of 7.07 lg HAdE50/cm3. Primary genetic analysis allowed to establish the main phylogenetic relationships of the newly isolated strain with previously known variants of the current ASF panzootic.

[Problems of specific prevention of African swine fever].

This review presents the current state of the problem of development and application of the specific prevention of African swine fever (ASF) with a brief description of its etiology and pathogenesis. The unique nature of the ASF virus (ASFV) determines some limitations and the complexity of solving the problem of vaccine development. Such situation stimulated the development of highly specific diagnostic methods for rapid and accurate detection of the ASFV. In this regard, results of studies, including our own, concerning the comparative analysis of the genome of vaccine and virulent strains of the ASFV, as well as immunodiagnostic approaches to determine causes of high virulence and low protective activity of the ASFV, are briefly presented. Special attention is given to the issue related to the development of safe and effective vaccines against ASF. In this context disadvantages and possible advantages of live attenuated (LAV) and recombinant (RV) vaccines are considered in details. Results of recent studies on the assessment of the immunogenicity of genetically modified vaccines (GMV) which developed in various laboratories around the world are presented. The obtained data indicate that ASF vaccination is currently the most promising measure to stop the spread of this disease in our country and in the world, however, previous experience with ASF vaccination has revealed some problems in its development and application. The significant contribution of foreign researchers to the study of the basics of virulence of this pathogen and the study of its genes functions are noted. The possible further expansion of ASF in Europe and Asia in bordering Russia territories, as well as the established fact of the persistence of ASFV in wild boar population indicate a constant threat of its re-introduction into our country. In conclusion, the importance of developing a safe effective vaccine against ASF and the assessing of the possible risks of creating the artificial sources of the infection in nature as a result of its use is emphasized.

[Synthesis and characterization of human rotavirus A (Reoviridae: Sedoreovirinae: Rotavirus: Rotavirus A) virus-like particles].

INTRODUCTION: Rotavirus infection is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis among infants. The development of new vaccines against rotavirus A is urgent because the virus has many genotypes, some of which have regional prevalence. Virus-like particles (VLP) is a promising way to create effective and safe vaccine preparations.The purpose of the study is to develop the technology for the production of VLP, containing VP2, VP4, VP6 and VP7 of viral genotypes prevalent on the territory of the Russian Federation, and to give its molecular genetic and virological characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The virulent strain Wa G1P[8] of human RV A adapted to MARC-145 cell culture has been used. It was cultured and purified according to the method described by the authors earlier. Standard molecular genetic and cytological methods were used: gene synthesis; cloning into transfer plasmids; recombinant baculoviruses production in Bac-to-Bac expression system; VLP production in the insect cells; centrifugation in sucrose solution; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); electron microscopy (EM); polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and western blot analysis. RESULTS: VP4 and VP7 of the six most represented in Russia genotypes: G1, G2, G4, G9, P4, P8, as well as VP2 and VP6 were selected for VLP production. Recombinant baculoviruses were obtained with codon frequencies optimized for insect cells. Cabbage loopper (Trichoplusia ni) cell culture was coinfected with different combinations of baculoviruses, and VLP consisting of 2-4 proteins were produced. VLP were purified by centrifugation. The size and morphology of the particles matched the rotavirus A virion (by EM). The presence of rotavirus A proteins in VLP was confirmed by the ELISA, SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis. CONCLUSION: The technology for the synthesis of three-layer VLP consisting of VP2, VP4, VP6 and VP7 has been developed and optimized. The resulting VLP composition represents 6 serotypes of VP4 and VP7, which are most represented on the territory of Russia, and can be used for vaccine development.

[Detection of bovine herpesvirus 4 DNA in cattle by realtime PCR.]

INTRODUCTION: BoHV-4 is poorly understood. Data on the circulation of the virus among animals and its role in infectious diseases insufficient. Aimes and goals. Development of real-time PCR for detecting the BoHV-4 and studying the frequency of its presence in samples from sick animals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The nucleotide sequences of the glycoprotein L gene served as a target for amplification. The sequences of reference strains published in GenBank were used to analyze and design the primers. Studies were conducted in 3 regions of Western Siberia on 5 large dairy farms. RESULTS: 27.7% of samples contained the virus. The virus was present as a monoagent in nasal cavity of calves (80.0%), lungs (46.2%) and bronchial lymph nodes (38.5%) in pneumonia. In the cases of diarrhea the virus was detected in 20%, and in cows with gynecological pathology in 10.0%. In respiratory diseases of calves the virus was detected in association with BoHV-1 (21.6%) and BoCV (20.3%), and in gynecological pathology of cows with BVDV1 (6%). DISCUSSION: According to the phylogenetic analysis of 5 identified virus isolates, four belonged to the American branch and one to the European branch. The circulation of American strains occurred in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan (1), Tyumen (1) and Novosibirsk (2) regions, and the European - in the Novosibirsk region. CONCLUSION: The search for viruses involved to the infectious pathology, as well as studying the genetic diversity of viruses circulating on a particular farm including imported from other countries, is relevant.

[Evaluation of the molecularbiological properties of human rotavirus A strain WA.]

BACKGROUND: Rоtaviruses are amоng the leading causes of severe diarrhea in children all over the Wоrld. Vaccination is considered to be the mоst effective way to cоntrоl the disease. Currently available vaccines for prevention of rоtavirus infection are based on live attenuated rotavirus strains human оr animal origin. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this investigation was to study the biological and genetic properties of an actual epidemic human rotavirus A (RVA) strain Wa G1P[8] genotype. METHODS: RVA Wa reproduction in a monolayer continuous cell lines, purification and concentration of RVA antigen, PAAG electrophoresis and Western-Blot, electrophoresis of viral genomic RNA segments, sequencing. RESULTS: Human RVA G1P[8] Wa strain biological and molecular genetic properties were assessed in the process of the adaptation to MARC145 continuous cell line. Cell cultured RVA antigen was purified, concentrated and then characterized by the method of PAAG electrophoresis and immunoblot. To verify RVA Wa genome identity, electrophoresis of viral genomic RNA segments was performed. The lack of accumulation of changes in the RVA Wa genome during adaptation to various cell cultures and during serial passages was demonstrated by sequencing fragments of the viral genome. CONCLUSIONS: RVA Wa strain is stable, it possesses high biological activity: it has been successfully adapted to the MARC145 cell line and RVA Wa virus titer after the adaptation reached 7,5-7,7 lg TCID50/ml. The identity of the cultivated RVA to the original strain Wa G1P[8] was confirmed.

PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF BOVINE PESTIVIRUSES DETECTED IN SIBERIA.

The results of phylogenetic analysis of three species of bovine pestiviruses circulating in six regions of Siberia, as well as those detected in fetal embryonic serum (FBS) and continuous cell cultures, are presented. The typing was made based on comparison of sequences from the 5' untranslated region (5'-UTR) of the viral genome. Among the highly productive dairy cattle, circulation of five subtypes of the BVDV1 (a, b, d, f, r) and BVDV2 was established. The predominant subtype was 1b (48% positive samples). The number of subtypes of BVDV1 was as follows: BVDV1: 1а (8%), 1b (48%), 1d (8%), 1f (16%) и 1r (8%) and BVDV2 (12%). Cell cultures revealed BVDV1a. The distribution of types and subtypes of viruses had geographical differences. BVDV1b, BVDV1d, BVDV1f и BVDV1r were detected in cattle or persistently infected (PI) animals in farms with respiratory distress. BVDV 1a revealed in the serum of PI heifer without manifestation of clinical symptoms. BVDV2 were detected in cattle with pathology of reproduction. The presence of the BVDV3 (atypical pestivirus) of the Italian group was established in seven lots of FBS obtained from two manufacturers. No evidence has been found for circulating of the atypical virus among cattle of various breeds, including imported, reindeers and red deers. Studies on the molecular epizootology of pestiviruses can be used to select and optimize the control strategy and address the issue of vaccine use in a particular region.

FEATURES OF EPISOTIC PROCESS AND MOLECULAR-GENETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF VIRUS ISOLATES OF RABIES IN TVER REGION.

Rabies epidemic situation in the Tver Region has been studied. Animals of different species that had confirmed clinical rabies were statistically analyzed. It was established that the features of the course of epizootics in the Tver region correspond to the regularities characteristic of rabies of the natural-focal type. As a result of sequencing of the rabies virus N gene and phylogenetic analysis, the isolates studied were assigned to the central phylogenetic group. With the help of the geoinformatic system, nosological maps of the Tver region were obtained and the spatial- temporal features of the course of the epizootic process of rabies infection were studied.