Markers of antroponotic viral infections in vervet monkeys arrived from their natural habitat (Tanzania).

INTRODUCTION: Various human viruses have been identified in wild monkeys and in captive primates. Cases of transmission of viruses from wild monkeys to humans and vice versa are known. The aim of this study was to identify markers of anthroponotic viral infections in vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) arrived from their natural habitat (Tanzania). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fecal samples (n = 56) and blood serum samples (n = 75) obtained from 75 animals, respectively, on days 10 and 23 after admission to the primate center, were tested for the markers of anthroponotic viral infections (Ebola virus, Marburg virus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, hepatitis C virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), parainfluenza types 1 and 3, intestinal adenoviruses, rotaviruses) by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Among the examined animals, markers of 6 out of 11 tested viral infections were identified. Detection rates of IgG antibodies to HSV-1,2 (15.9%) and CMV (15.9%) were two times as low as IgG antibodies to EBV (31.8%). Among the markers of respiratory viral infections, IgG antibodies to parainfluenza virus type 1 were found (6.8%). 14.3% of the animals had rotavirus antigen, and 94% had simian adenovirus DNA. Markers of hemorrhagic fevers Ebola, Marburg, LCM, hepatitis C, and type 3 parainfluenza were not detected. CONCLUSION: When importing monkeys from different regions of the world, an expanded screening for viral infections is needed considering the epidemiological situation both in the country of importation and in the country of destination.

[Bats of the subtropical climate zone of the Krasnodar Territory of Russia as a possible reservoir of zoonotic viral infections].

Emerging and reemerging infections pose a grave global health threat. The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the resulting COVID-19 pandemic have demonstrated the importance of studying of zoonotic viruses directly in natural foci. For SARS-like coronaviruses, as well as for many other zoonotic pathogens (including hemorrhagic fevers and rabies agents), the main reservoir are horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus spp.), which are widely distributed in Eurasia and Africa. Their range also covers the southern regions of Russia, including the North Caucasus and Crimea. Large colonies of these animals are located on the territory of Sochi National Park (SNP; subtropical zone of Krasnodar Territory, Greater Sochi region, North Caucasus). In total, according to long-term observations, up to 23 species of bats were registered here, including the great (Rh. ferrumequinum), the lesser (Rh. hipposideros), and the Mediterranean (Rh. euryale) horseshoe bats.This review provides information on zoonotic viruses associated with species of bats distributed in the subtropical zone of Krasnodar Territory of Russia, and analyzes their possible role as a natural reservoir of emerging and reemerging infections. Studying the circulation of zoonotic viruses in bats is an important element of monitoring viral populations in natural foci.

[(ASSESSMENT OF RISK FOR ARBOVIRUS INFECTIONS IN RUSSIA)].

The sharply increased incidence and geographical expansion of arbovirus diseases in recent years suggest that some Russian areas are vulnerable to vector-borne diseases and that it is important to elaborate control programs to ensure bio- logical safety in our country. Moreover, the main vectors of the pathogens of arbovirus infections (Zika fever, dengue fever, chikungunya fevers), such as Aedes aegypti and Ae.albopictus, have been registered on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. The programs must be effective, by taking into account the biological features of each kind of a vector.

Potential Contribution of Cytomegalovirus Infection to Prenatal and Early Neonatal Mortality of Monkeys in the Adler Breeding Center.

Scrapings from the cervical canals and uterine cavities of females with a history of miscarriages, pathological deliveries, and stillbirths were tested for the cytomegalovirus DNA. The incidence of the agent in the females with a history of gestosis and abnormal deliveries was significantly higher than in females without anamnesis of this kind. Parenchymatous organs of stillborn neonates and animals dead during the first month of life were studied. This analysis and studies of the umbilical cords and placentas showed generalized cytomegalovirus infection in 22% dead animals, which objectively proved intrauterine infection.

Isolation of two strains of West Nile virus during an outbreak in southern Russia, 1999.

From July to September 1999, a widespread outbreak of meningoencephalitis associated with West Nile virus (Flavivirus, Flaviviridae) occurred in southern Russia, with hundreds of cases and dozens of deaths. Two strains of West Nile virus isolated from patient serum and brain-tissue samples reacted in hemagglutination-inhibition and neutralization tests with patients' convalescent-phase sera and immune ascites fluid from other strains of West Nile virus.