WEST NILE FEVER IN THE SARATOV REGION IN 2013-2015.

West Nile virus (WNV) circulation in the territory of Saratov region and its role in the infectious pathology were investigated. For this purpose, in studies conducted in 2013-2015, suspensions of bloodsucking arthropods, organs of birds and small mammals were analyzed for the presence of WNV markers (antigens and/or RNA). The seroprevalence level in live-stock animals and population of the region was evaluated; clinical samples from patients with symptoms compatible with West Nile fever (WNF) were analyzed. As a result of the investigations, WNV markers were detected in field samples gathered in natural biotopes and in the city of Saratov. Immunity to WNV was detected in horses. A stable domain of persons with immunity to this agent was revealed among regional population. Patients with WNF have been annually registered in the region since 2012. The obtained results confirm active circulation of WNF in the Saratov region, as well as formation of stable natural and anthropourgic foci.

[Formation of focus of West Nile fever on the territory of Saratov Region].

AIM: Detection of circulation of West Nile virus (WNV) on the territory of Saratov Region and prerequisites for formation of natural focus of West Nile fever (WNF), determination of the role of WNV in infectious pathology on the territory of the region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: of organs of small mammals, birds, blood-sucking arthropods for the presence of WNV markers (antigens and/or RNA) were studied. Clinical material from patients with symptoms not excluding WNF was studied. Donor blood sera samples were analyzed with the aim of detection of immune layer against WNV in population of Saratov Region. RESULTS: In 2010 WNV antigens were detected by EIA in 12 samples (7.1%) of mammal organ suspensions. In 2012 by using RT-PCR and EIA, markers of WNV were detected in 6 samples of bird brain suspensions (6.3%) and 1 sample of mammal organ suspension. Immune layer of population against WNV was 4% in 2011, 2.8% in 2012. In 2012 in 11 of 27 examined patients IgM against WNV in diagnostic titers and/or serconversion of IgG in paired sera were detected. In addition in 5 individuals virus RNA was detected in blood. Based on clinical, laboratory data and epidemiologic anamnesis 11 patients were diagnosed with WNF. CONCLUSION: The results obtained give evidence on the circulation of WNV on the territory of Saratov Region in 2010 - 2012. With the development of complications of WNF epidemiologic situation in 2012 an expansion of WNV areal onto the territory of the region took place and the process of formation of WNF natural foci is ongoing.

[Detection of arbovirus antigens in the mosquitoes and ticks inhabiting the Saratov Region].

The paper gives the results of a study dealing with the detection of the antigens of arboviruses of West Nile, Sindbis, Batai, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, a serocomplex of Californian encephalitis in the field material gathered in the Saratov Region in 2000-2006. The bloodsucking arthropods inhabiting the region were shown to be actively involved in the circulation of arboviruses in natural biotopes. The conclusion that it is expedient to organize an annual monitoring of arbovirus-induced infections in the areas where positive findings have been notified is justified.

[ELISA and PCR test systems used to detect Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus].

Studying the sensitivity and specificity of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the indication of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus antigens and those of reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the detection of CCHF virus RNA, and those of a intercerebral infection method in newborn albino mice systems for the determination of viral infectious activity established that the sensitivity of ELISA was 1-2 orders of magnitude less than that of RP-PCR. The latter proved to be better in studying the sera sampled from patients with CCHF. The results of studying the samples of H. marginatum ticks, the CCHF virus vectors by ELISA and RT-PCR were similar.

[Characterization of Vibrio cholerae eltor in the city of Kazan in 2001]. / Kharakteristika kholernykh vibrionov él'tor, vydelennykh v g. Kazan' v 2001 g.

Information on V. cholerae eltor isolated in the focus of cholera in Kazan in 2001 at different periods of the outbreak is presented. The identity of strains isolated from patients, vibriocarriers and environmental objects, including their antibioticograms (sensitivity to cyprofloxacin and resistance to trimethoprim--sulfamethoxazole, streptomycin, furazolidone and nalidixic acid, which may be regarded as markers), is shown. Variable tandem repetitions in the DNA of 30 isolates strains of different origin have been determined. The results of this determination make it possible to classify all these strains as one genotype, which confirms the suggestion on the circulation of one subclone of the infective agent of cholera in the focus. As revealed in this investigation, the isolated strains are labile with respect to diagnostic phage eltor, while ctx+ strains are resistant to phage eltor ctx+.

[Mutagenesis and cloning of hly determinants of the paP20 plasmid]. / Mutagenez i klonirovanie determinantov hly plazmidy pAP20.

The data obtained indicate that pAP20 plasmid determinants for the synthesis and excretion of Escherichia coli haemolysin are located on the plasmid SalI-fragment f3. The size of f3 fragment is 12 X 10(6) dalton.

[Plasmid pAP20 controlling the hemolytic activity of E. coli]. / Plazmida pAP20, kontroliruiushchaia gemoliticheskuiu aktivnost' E. coli.

The authors investigated pAP20 plasmid identified in E. coli cells isolated from man. According to the evidence obtained pAP20 plasmid determines the synthesis of alpha-hemolysin, being an F-like plasmid of the drd type. Having medium molecular size, the plasmid belongs to the inc FIV group and is partly incompatible with pAP38 plasmid which is a reference plasmid of the inc FVII group.