[Association of polymorphic variants of hemostatic system genes with the course of COVID-19].

INTRODUCTION:   COVID-19 is characterized by a varied clinical course. The aim of the work was to identify associations of SNPs of hemostatic system genes with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA was isolated from patients (n=117) and healthy participants (n=104). All infected patients were divided into 3 groups, depending on disease severity assessment, which was appreciated by NEWS2. Another group consisted of participants, who had asymptomatic infection in the past. Determination of SNPs of the genes FGB (-455 G/A), FII (20210 G/A), FV (1691 G/A), FVII (10976 G/A), FXIIIA1 (103 G/T), ITGA2 (807 C/T), ITGB3 (1565 T/C), SERPINE1 (-675 5G/4G) were performed by PCR using the "Genetics of Hemostasis" kit ("DNA-Technology", Russia). RESULTS: In analyzed SNPs, no significant differences were detected between the group of infected patients and healthy participants. But significant association was revealed in gene SERPINE1 (-675 5G/4G), when patient groups, differing in the disease severity, were analyzed relative to the group of participants with asymptomatic infection (p=0.0381; p=0 .0066; p=0.0009). It was found, that as COVID-19 severity scores increased, the proportion of 5G allele of gene SERPINE1 decreased, and the proportion of the 4G allele increased (p=0.005; p=0.009; p=0.0005). Similar processes were observed for genotypes 5G/5G and 4G/4G. DISCUSSION: The gene SERPINE1 (-675 5G/4G) is associated with the severity of COVID-19. CONCLUSION: For the first time, it was discovered that 5G/5G genotype of gene SERPINE1 (-675 5G/4G) can be a marker of a milder course of COVID-19, and the 4G/4G genotype as a more severe one.

[Peculiarities of the influenza and ARVI viruses circulation during epidemic season 2019-2020 in some regions of Russia].

INTRODUCTION: The surveillance of influenza viruses in ARVI structure and study of their properties in epidemic season 2019-2020 in Russian Federation are actual for investigations due to tasks of Global Influenza Strategy initiated by WHO in 2019. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of epidemiological surveillance on influenza- and ARVI-associated morbidity and hospitalization in different age groups of population were analyzed; virological, genetic and statistical methods were used. RESULTS: Preschool children were involved in epidemic the most. Meanwhile, the highest rate of hospitalization was observed in patients of 18-40 years old. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus dominated in etiology of ARVI in hospitalized patients and pneumonia. The role of respiratory viruses in severe cases of pneumonia and bronchoalveolar syndrome in children was shown. The differences in spectrum of circulating viruses caused ARVI in different regions of Russia were found. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and B/Victoria-like viruses were the main etiological agents that caused of epidemic; its activity among all ARVI was 7.3 and 8.0%, respectively. The differences in antigenic properties of influenza A(H3N2) and B epidemic strains compared to vaccine viruses were found. The populations of epidemic strains were presented by following dominant genetic groups: 6B1.A5/183P for A(H1N1)pdm09, 3С.2а1b+137F for A(H3N2) and V1A.3 line B/Victoria-like for B viruses. The good profile of epidemic strains susceptibility to anti-neuraminidase inhibitors has been saved. The most of the studied influenza strains had the receptor specificity characteristic of human influenza viruses. CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results identified the peculiarities of viruses caused the influenza and ARVI in epidemic season 2019-2020 in different regions of Russia. These results suggested the important role of influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 in severe cases and pneumonia in adults 18-40 years old. The continuing drift in influenza viruses was found, which, apparently, could not but affect the efficacy of vaccine prophylaxis and was also considered in the recommendations of WHO experts on the composition of influenza vaccines for the countries of the Northern Hemisphere in the 2020-2021 season.

[Adamantan derivatives capable of inhibiting the reproduction of a Rimantadine resistant strain of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus (Influenza A virus, Alphainfluenzavirus, Orthomyxoviridae).]

INTRODUCTION: Adamantanthane-type drugs such as rimantadine and amantadine have long been used to treat diseases caused by influenza A virus. However, as a result of the mutations, influenza viruses have become resistant to aminoadamantans. The target for these drugs was the protein channel M2. Influenza A virus M2 viroporin in the protein shell forms fairly specific ion channels with a diameter of about 11 Å, specializing in transporting protons inside the viral particle (virion). Restoration of the antiviral properties of adamantanthane-type drugs consists in the selection of advanced functional groups bound by the carbocycle to find new sites of binding to the protein target M2. The purpose of the study is to identify the antiviral properties of new adamantanum derivatives to the pandemic strain of influenza A virus in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Compounds of aminoadamantans with amino acids and other organic molecules were obtained by classical peptide synthesis methods. The structure of the compound was tested by means of physical and chemical methods. Antiviral properties of synthetic compounds were studied in vitro on monolayer MDCK cells infected with pandemic strain of influenza A/California/07/2009 virus in two schemes of administration of investigated compounds and virus. RESULTS: The reference strain of the influenza virus A/California/07/2009(H1N1) was sensitive to the compounds under test in varying degrees. The antiviral activity of the compounds was expressed in a 50% inhibitory concentration (IС50) ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 мкM, which is generally a good indicator for the Rimantadine/Amantadine resistant strain. DISCUSSION: The values of the IС50 for compounds introduced two hours before contact with the virus were slightly higher than those for single-moment introduction of the substance and virus. The effect of increasing the inhibitory concentration in the prophylactic scheme of compounds was valid for all compounds of the experiment. CONCLUSION: The presented synthetic compounds are active against the variant of influenza A virus resistant to Rimantadine and Amantadine preparations. The obtained compounds can be used as model structures for creation of a new drug of direct action against advanced strains of influenza A virus.

DRIFT OF INFLUENA A(H3N2) VIRUS: BIOLOGICAL, ANTIGENIC AND GENETIC PROPERTIES IN EPIDEMIC SEASON 2016-2017 IN RUSSIA AND COUNTRIES OF THE NOTHERN HEMYSPHERE.

The article presents the features of the influenza virus circulation for the period from October 2016 to May 2017 in some territories of Russia collaborating with the D.I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology, Federal State Budgetary Institution "N.F. Gamaleya Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology", Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. One of the 2016-2017 season's peculiarities in Russia and countries of the Northern hemisphere was the earlier start of an increase in ARD morbidity with peak indexes reached towards the end of December 2016 - January 2017. First, influenza A(H3N2) virus was predominant; then, it was followed by influenza B virus activity observed until the end of the season. The indexes of morbidity were higher than in the previous season, while the rates of hospitalization and mortality were lower, lethal cases being detected in persons 65 years old and older. Epidemic strains of influenza A(H3N2) virus belonged to 3c.2a genetic group, reference strain A/Hong Hong/4408/2014, and its subgroup 3c.2a1, reference A/Bolzano/7/2016, that are antigenically similar. Strains of influenza B virus were antigenically similar to the B/Brisbane/60/2008 vaccine virus. Strains were sensitive to oseltamivir and zanamivir. The share participation of non-influenza ARI viruses was similar to preliminary epidemic seasons. WHO has issued recommendations for influenza virus vaccines composition for 2017-2018 for the Northern hemisphere.

DIAGNOSTIC CAPACITY OF DETECTION OF SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES TO PANDEMIC INFLUENZA A(H1N1)PDM09 VIRUS.

Serologic studies occupy a significant place in influenza diagnosis. The article presents an analysis of the developed experimental version of ELISA test-systems for the detection of specific antibodies to the virus influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, and their dynamics at different stages of infection as compared with those of the traditional HAI method. The study included 20 paired samples of serum from patients hospitalized at different stages of the disease with etiology associated with the influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09. Two groups were formed on the basis of HAI data, which showed the presence or absence of significant growth of specific antibodies to the influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09. The control group consisted of 20 serum samples from individuals without influenza but with chronic hepatitis C. To examine the virus specific antibody two types of ELISA test systems were used. The first system was intended for the detection of IgM to the influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09; the second was used for revealing specific IgG. The study showed the accuracy and specificity of detectable IgM and IgG to the virus influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. The dynamics of specific IgG titers in 15 of the 20 pairs of sera was reliable. The increase in titers was more pronounced than in the HAI. IgM against influenza virus could be detected up to 10 days, although reliable dynamics of these antibodies was not detected in paired samples. The test system was specific for the determination of both IgG and IgM antibodies to the influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09 and significantly more sensitive than HAI. Using this ELISA test system, it is possible to monitor the dynamics of IgG to this virus even in the absence of diagnostic increases in antibody titers in HAI.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Several Treatment Combinations Used to Manage Acute Respiratory Infections in Routine Paediatric Practice.

A prospective, two-center, open-label, randomised clinical trial assessing the efficacy and tolerability of treatment strategies involving the administration of Ergoferon and Kagocel in paediatric outpatients aged over 3 years was carried out. The study was conducted with the objective of obtaining a comprehensive evaluation of drug-based therapy options used in routine paediatric practice to treat acute respiratory infections (ARI) during the 2012-2013 epidemic season. A total of 90 ARI-diagnosed child-age patients able to initiate treatment within 48 hours of infection onset entered the trial. Nine participants were excluded from final analysis due to protocol violation. The patients were randomised into 2 groups (Ergoferon (group 1): 41 subjects and Kagocel (group 2): 40 subjects) with similar distribution of sex, age, baseline clinical data, and time of treatment initiation. The study involved clinical assessment including daily body temperature monitoring (morning/evening measurements) and three PCR assays of nasal swabs. At visits 2 and 3, the number of patients achieving normal body temperature (primary endpoint) was estimated and severity of intoxication and catarrhal syndromes and individual symptoms as well as the rate of virus elimination were evaluated. In addition, visit 3 included the assessment of the volume and cost of treatment in conjunction with clinical benefit and treatment safety/tolerability (as judged by the physicians and parents). By the end of the first day of treatment, the number of children with body temperature of above 38 C was significantly decreased as compared to the morning baseline (p=0.008) and respective values in group 2 (p=0.02). At visit 2 (treatment day 4), the state of 80% of patients in either group was assessed as satisfactory and over 70%, respectively, could maintain normal body temperature throughout the day. Total intoxication scores were reduced by 7-10 points and were less than 9 in 100% of patients. The overall scores of catarrhal symptoms were 2.5-3 points lower than the baseline levels and were less or equal to 9 in 80-90% of children in either group. By visit 3, 'satisfactory' health assessments were reported for 95% of patients in respective groups. Signs of catarrh were completely resolved in 37% of participants in group 1 and 15% in group 2 (p=0.03). At the same point, 66% of patients in group 1 and 55% in group 2 were observed to have no (or isolated or negligible) signs of infection which did not require continuation of treatment (p>0.05). The percentage of children achieving recovery was 3 times greater in group 1 than in group 2 (p=0.01). No bacterial complications were presented by any of the study subjects. The severity of individual symptoms of catarrh varied significantly between the groups as observed at visits-2 and 3. At visit 2, 92% of subjects in group 1 had no or only minor (requiring no drug intervention) obstruction breathing through the nose and 26.8% reported no nasal blockage (p=0.04), while the latter was observed to persist in 60% of children in group 2 (p<0.001). By the time of visit 2, the number of patients attaining complete resolution of serous nasal discharge was increased by more than 2.5 in group 1 - up to 31.7% (p=0.01), while this number in group 2 was 17.5% and did not significantly differ from the baseline level (visit 1, p=0.4). There were also differences in cough pattern changes between the groups, i.e. the dry cough was converted into a productive cough in 44% of subjects in group 1 vs. 20% in group 2 (p=0.06). As reported at visit 3, the number of patients having no difficulty breathing nasally was 88% in group 1 vs. 38% in group 2 (p=0.008). The percentage of children exhibiting complete resolution of cough as observed at visit 3 was 2 times higher in group 1 then in group 2 (respectively, 24% vs.12%; p>0.05). No adverse events related to medications used as part of the treatments administered were reported during the study. The mean CGI scores (overall safety and efficacy index) were similar between the groups: 3.5±0.6 in group 1 vs. 3.3±0.6 in group 2 (p=0.25). The percent of maximum scores was 51% and 38% in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Mean efficacy scores in patient groups were 3.9±0.6 and 3.6±0.6, respectively (p=0,036), with respective tolerability ratings represented by scores of 4.3±0.7 and 3.8±0.5 (p=0,002). The mean number of drugs prescribed was 4.7±1.0 in group 1 vs. 6.0±1.3 in group 2 (p<0.001). The percent of cases where not more than 4 medications were administered to a subject and the number of occasions when a child was prescribed to receive 6 drugs or over varied significantly between the groups and were 46% vs.10% and 27% vs. 70% , respectively (p<0.001). Similarly, there were differences in the duration of treatment with drugs belonging to distinct pharmacological groups: 6.0±1.4 vs.8.8±1.5 days (p<0.05) for antihistamines; 6.1±2.0 vs. 7.1±2.4 days (p=0.15) for decongestants; 6.0±1.1 vs.7.1±2.4 days (p=0.07) for mucolytics; and 6.9±1.4 vs. 8.4±2.3 days (p=0.04) for locally-acting anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agents, as reported for group 1 vs. group 2, respectively. The mean treatment cost per ARI case was 1353±320.2 rubles in group 1 compared to 1768±491.0 rubles in group 2 (p=0.008). Swab specimens from 76 children (41 subjects from groupl and 35 from group 2) were tested using PCR. Baseline specimens were mostly positive for rhinoviruses, influenza A(H3N2) virus, and parainfluenza virus types 2 and 3. By visit 2, virus elimination was demonstrated for 46% of cases in group 1 and 23% in group 2 (p<0.03). By the time of visit 3, the tests were indicative of virus removal for 66% of children in group 1 and 49% in group 2. Thus the antiviral drugs used as part of combination treatment of ARIs were shown to enable fast recovery and prevent the development of bacterial complications, proving to be well-tolerated. Patients in the Ergoferon group demonstrated faster resolution of ARI symptoms and shorter elimination of respiratory viruses, had less need for additional medications, and.required 23% less spending on treatment, resulting in a greater number of favorable assessments of.Ergoferon by both the physicians and parents.

Evaluating Changes in The Clinical Presentation of Acute Obstructive Bronchitis in Preschool Children Using Antiviral Therapy.

A randomized double-blind controlled study was carried out to evaluate changes in the clinical presentation of acute obstructive bronchitis in preschool children using antiviral, anti-inflammatory therapy. The study enrolled 54 subjects'(aged 3-6 years old) hospitalized with verified diagnosis of acute obstructive bronchitis. Their parents had given their informed consent for participation. Group 1 (n=26) received etiotropic therapy with the drug having complex antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effect (Ergoferon), group 2 (n=28) received placebo. Meanwhile all children received complex therapy of ARI. To evaluate therapeutic efficacy the following parameters were compared: time to elimination of the clinical manifestations of the disease; extent of alleviation of the key symptoms, incidence of wheezing episodes and complications. RESULTS: According to PCR, rhinoviruses prevailed in both groups in oropharyngeal swabs (31% in.group 1 and 57% in group 2); furthermore, RNA of influenza B virus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus types 2 and 4 and metapneumovirus were also detected; 3 children in each group simultaneously had RNA of various viruses; no differences between the groups were observed. In group 1 average duration of increased body temperature (morning measurement) was 1.6 (1.4-1.9)±0.6 days, respectively, and all children reached normal values of morning and evening body temperature by the end of 3-day therapy. In group 2 morning body temperature reached normal values on types 2.7 (2.1-3.3)±1.2 days, respectively (U-test, P==0.002), while complete normalization in all children took place on day 6 of the follow-up. Area under curve for daily body temperature was statistically lower in group 1: 514.3 (513.8-514.9)±1.4 ('C X days) vs. 516.3 (515.1-517.5)±2.5(*C X days) in group 2 (U-test, P=0.002). Intoxication in group 1 was eliminated within 2.8 (2.5-3.1)±0.80 days on average, in group 2 - within 4.5 (4.1-4.8)±0.96 days (P<0.001). Intensity of catarrhal symptoms (nasal congestion, rhinitis, cough) resolved faster in group 1 (P<0.05). Average elimination term for catarrhal symptoms was 6.0 (5.7-6.3)±0.8 days vs. 9.0 days for groups 1 and 2 (P<0.001), respectively. Wheezing resolved within 4.1 (4.0-4.2)±0.3 days on average in group 1 and within 6.9 (6.7-7.0)±0.4 days in group 2 (P<0.001). Despite the treatment, eight children in group 2 showed moderate reinforcement of wheezing within the first 3-4 days of therapy, 3 of them had body temperature increased to subfebrile values requiring antibacterial treatment. Neither of children in group 1 had any bacterial complications or reinforced wheezing. All children from group 1 had complete recovery on day 8. Neither of subjects recovered completely on day 9 in group 2. Average recovery term in group 1 was 6.0 (5.7- 6.3)±0.8 days vs. 9.0 days in group 2 (P<0.001). No adverse effects associated with the medicinal products were recorded during the study. Average rating of therapeutic efficacy by the investigator using CGI scale was 3.7 (3.5-3.8)±0.49 scores in group 1 vs. 2.6 (2.3-2.9)±0.69 scores in group 2 (P<0.005). Rating of wheezing therapy efficacy was similar: 3.7 (3.4- 3.9)±0.57 and 2.2 (1.7-2.7)±1.29 for groups 1 and 2, respectively. Safety of the products according to CGI scale reached maximum in both groups. Parents' rating of the treatment in group 1 was 50% higher as compared to group 2: 3.6 (3.4- 3.8)±0.57 scores and-2.5 (1.8-2.9)±1.31 scores (P<0.005). CONCLUSION: Ergoferon in complex therapy of acute obstructive bronchitis in preschool children ensures rapid therapeutic effect including elimination of wheezing symptoms, prevention of bacterial complications, wheezing progression and is well tolerated by the subjects.

Virological, epidemiological, clinic, and molecular genetic features of the influenza epidemic in 2015-2016: prevailing of the influenza A(H1N1)09 pdm virus in Russia and countries of the Northern hemisphere.

This work describes the specific features of the influenza virus circulating in the period from October 2015 to March 2016 in 10 cities of Russia, the basic laboratories of CEEI at the D.I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology "Federal Research Centre of Epidemilogy and Microbiology named after the honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. The increase in the morbidity caused by influenza viruses was detected in January-February 2016. The duration of the morbidity peak was 4-5 weeks. The most vulnerable group included children at the age from 3 to 6; a high rate of hospitalization was also detected among people at the age of 15-64 (65%). In clinic symptoms there were middle and severe forms with high frequency of hospitalization as compared with the season of 2009-2010, but much higher in comparison with the season of 2014-2015. Some of the hospitalized patients had virus pneumonias, half of which were bilateral. Among these patients, 10% were children; 30%, adults. The mortality in the intensive care unit of the hospital was 46%. Almost all lethal cases were among unvaccinated patients in the case of late hospitalization and without early antiviral therapy. The predominance of the influenza A(H1N1)09pdm virus both in the Russian Federation and the major part of the countries in the Northern hemisphere was noted. The results of the study of the antigenic properties of influenza strains of A(H1N1)pdm09 virus did not reveal any differences with respect to the vaccine virus. The sequencing data showed the amino acid substitutions in hemagglutinin (receptor binding and Sa sites) and in genes encoding internal proteins (PA, NP, M1, NS1). Strains were sensitive to oseltamivir and zanamivir and maintained resistance to rimantadine. The participation of non-influenza ARI viruses was comparable to that in preliminary epidemic seasons.

[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.

[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.

[Efficiency of the influenza A and B viruses isolation from nasopharyngeal swabs taken in the test tubes Sigma-Virocult (M40 Compliant, Sigma Virocult) and Virocult (M40 Compliant, Virocult) in 2010-2011 epidemic season].

The goal of this work was to compare the efficiency of the influenza A and B viruses Isolated during 2010-2011 epidemic season. The clinical samples were taken in the test tubes with the transport medium on the.basis of the medium EMEM and commercial test tubes Sigma-Virocult (M40 Compliant, Sigma Virocult) and Virocult (M40 Compliant, Virocult). The results of this work demonstrated higher efficiency of influenza A and B viruses isolation from nasopharyngeal swabs of the patients taken in the test tubes Sigma-Virocult (M40 Compliant, Sigma Virocult) and Virocult (M40 Compliant, Virocult) with the transport medium as compared with the efficiency of influenza strains isolation from nasopharyngeal swabs taken in test tubes with the medium EMEM with respect to all estimated indicators: efficiency of isolation, a passage of isolation and the titer of isolates. The possibility of the long-term storage of a clinical material at room temperature and at 4 degrees C was confirmed, without resorting to freezing, which is significant in the absence of the necessary equipment.

[Development of the influenza epidemic in season 2011-2012 in some areas of Russia: results of activity of the Influenza Etiology and Epidemiology Center of the Ivanovsky Institute of Virology].

The results of analysis of the peculiarities of the epidemic 2011-2012 development in the areas of 10 cities of Russia obtained by basic laboratories of IEES on the base of D.I. Ivanovsky Research Institute of Virology, Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of Russia, are presented. The increasing ARD morbidity caused by the influenza viruses was detected rather late--in February-March 2012. The highest indices of the morbidity were detected during weeks 10-13 followed by decreasing to threshold levels by week 27. Children 0-2 and 3-6 years old were involved the most, meantime the high rate of hospitalization was found for 15-64 years old aged group (25%). Influenza A(H3N2) and B viruses were the cause of the epidemic. The results of studies of the antigenic and genetic properties of the influenza strains showed most of them to be close relatives to the vaccine strains. Some heterogeneity of circulating strains and their drift variants were found as well. All tested strains were sensitive to arbidol, oseltamivir and zanamivir, and saved resistance to rimantadine. The ratio of ARD viruses was comparable with the last epidemic seasons.

[The specific features of the cocirculation of influenza viruses in the 2010-2011 postpandemic period according to the results of activities of the D. I. Ivanovsky Research Institute of Virology, Ministry of Health and Social Development of Russia].

The paper gives the results of monitoring the circulation of influenza viruses in the 2010-2011 season, that covers the second year of circulation of pandemic A(H1N1)v virus strains, and their interaction with seasonal A (H3N2) and B strains. Unlike the previous season, the beginning of an increase in morbidity was recorded in January 2011; its peak in the most of contiguous areas was noted at 5-7 weeks of 2011, with its further decline to threshold levels at week 11 of 2011. Preschool and school children were most involved in the epidemic process. Three influenza virus strains (A(H1N1)v, A(H3N2), and B) were found to circulate. Differences were found in the level of participation of the isolated strains in individual areas of the Russian Federation. Detailed typing of the isolated strains determined the compliance of the vast majority of them with vaccine viruses. The pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v virus strains retained their susceptibility to oseltamivir and were resistant to rimantadine. The participation of non-influenza acute respiratory viral infection pathogens was estimated as follows: 11.9% for parainfluenza viruses, 5.9% for adenoviruses, and 3.5% for PC viruses, and 0.7% for pneumonia Mycoplasma, which was comparable with the previous epidemic seasons.

[Monoclonal antibodies with high virus-neutralizing activity against pandemic influenza virus A/llV-Moscow/01/2009 (H1N1)swl].

The authors have obtained a panel of 7 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against pandemic influenza virus A/IIV-Moscow/01/2009 (HIN1)swl isolated in Russia. One MAb is directed to a NP protein linear epitope and interacts with all the influenza A viruses under study. Six other MAbs are directed to H1 hemagglutinin conformation-dependent determinants and detect homologous virus in the hemagglutination-inhibition test, enzyme immunoassay, immunofluorescence and virus neutralization tests. MAbs differentiate pandemic influenza viruses A(H1N1)swl from seasonal influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B viruses. The high neutralizing activity of MAbs permits their use to study the fine antigen structure of influenza virus hemagglutinin and to differentiate the A(H1N1) pandemic influenza viruses and offers promise for obtaining humanized antibodies in order to make specific prevention and treatment of influenza.