The impact of incentive scheme on rural healthcare workforce availability: a case study of Kazakhstan.

BACKGROUND: During the 1990-2000, Kazakhstan experienced a decline in the number of healthcare professionals working in rural areas. Since 2009, the national government has been implementing financial incentives to encourage healthcare professionals to relocate to rural areas. This study aims to investigate the temporal and spatial patterns in the distribution of the rural healthcare workforce and evaluate the impact of this incentive scheme. METHODS: Interrupted Time Series Analysis using ARIMA models and Difference in Differences analyzes were conducted to examine the impact of the incentive scheme on the density of different categories of the healthcare workforce in rural Kazakhstan in the period from 2009 to 2020. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the number of rural healthcare professionals from 2009 to 2020 in comparison to the period from 1998 to 2008. However, this increase was less pronounced in per capita terms. Moreover, a decline in the density of internists and pediatricians was observed. There is substantial variation in the density of rural nurses and physicians across different regions of Kazakhstan. The incentive scheme introduced in 2009 by the government of Kazakhstan included a one-time allowance and housing incentive. This scheme was found to have contributed insignificantly to the observed increase in the number of rural healthcare professionals. CONCLUSION: Future research should be undertaken to examine the impact made by the incentive scheme on other medical subspecialties, particularly primary practitioners. Addressing the shortage of healthcare workers in rural areas is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Aside from financial incentives, other policies could be considered to increase relocation and improve the retention of healthcare professionals in rural areas.

Mosses as bioindicators of air pollution with potentially toxic elements in the Burabay State National Natural Park, Kazakhstan.

The Burabay State National Natural Park is a national park of the great natural and historical values located in the north of Kazakhstan, which has been exposed in recent years to significant anthropogenic impact. The moss biomonitoring was performed in the Borovoye resort community, an important tourist destination in the national park, to identify the level of air pollution. Mosses collected at 29 locations were subjected to neutron activation analysis to determine 36 elements and additionally to ICP-OES to detect the level of Cu and Pb. Factor analysis was applied to check if there are any associations between identified elements and to link them with possible emission sources. According to contamination factor and pollution load indices the investigated area belongs to three classes of pollution: unpolluted, suspected and moderate. Potential ecological risk index calculated for selected elements revealed harmless risk to human health. The level of element obtained in Burabay State National Natural Park was compared with the data available for other national parks.

An analysis of financial protection and financing incidence of out-of-pocket health expenditures in Kazakhstan from 2018 to 2021.

Universal health coverage relies on providing essential medical services and shielding individuals from financial risks. Our study assesses the progressivity of out-of-pocket (OOP) payments, identifies factors contributing to healthcare expenditure inequality, and examines catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) prevalence in Kazakhstan from 2018 to 2021. Using retrospective analysis of National Statistics Bureau data, we employed STATA 13 version for calculations CHE incidence, progressivity, Lorenz and concentration curves. In 2020-2021, OOP expenditures in Kazakhstan decreased, reflecting a nearly twofold reduction in the CHE incidence to 1.32% and 1.24%, respectively. However, during these years, we observe a transition towards a positive trend in the Kakwani index to 0.003 and 0.005, respectively, which may be explained by household size and education level factors. Increased state financing and quarantine measures contributed to reduced OOP payments. Despite a low healthcare expenditure share in gross domestic product, Kazakhstan exhibits a relatively high private healthcare spending proportion. The low CHE incidence and proportional expenditure system suggest private payments do not significantly impact financial resilience, prompting considerations about the role of government funding and social health insurance in the financing structure.

GIS TECHNOLOGIES IN THE STUDY OF NATURAL RESULTS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS DISEASES IN KAZAKHSTAN.

This study explores the application of GIS technologies in analyzing and visualizing spatial structures of especially dangerous infections (EPI) in Kazakhstan. International collaborations have facilitated projects studying the focal patterns of diseases, improving data analysis and visualization. Extensive electronic databases resulting from field research on EPI foci have elevated the study's depth. The dynamics of natural foci, influenced by intraspecific structures of infection carriers, are impacted by industrial and agricultural developments, urban expansions, and climate change. The study notes changes in the enzootic territory, affecting mammal migration and consequently altering natural focus boundaries. Industrial activities, rotational methods, and habitat changes contribute to the increased epidemic potential in enzootic areas. Despite anthropogenic and climatic influences, the prevalence of plague remains high in Kazakhstan, with a trend towards expanding enzootic territories. Unified electronic databases on plague, tularemia, anthrax, and other zoonoses, developed for GIS analysis, enable mapping and visualization of natural foci. Electronic maps aid in determining enzootic territory boundaries, assessing infectious disease activity, and planning preventive measures based on risk assessment. ESRI's ArcGIS Desktop 10.8 with Arc Toolbox modules facilitated data processing in the geoinformation environment. Data includes epidemiological examination results, species composition of carriers, and laboratory test outcomes, enhancing comprehensive analysis and decision-making for anti-epidemic measures. The study in Kazakhstan identifies and details six natural and twenty autonomous plague foci, categorizing them by main carriers and observing an expansion of natural hotspots. The enzootic territory is classified into four geographic zones, further divided into 105 landscape-epidemiological regions. Laboratory studies inform electronic maps for analyzing plague's dynamic situation. Anthrax prevalence, primarily in chernozem and chestnut soils, is assessed, revealing 1,778 unaffected settlements and spatially clustered points. An epidemiological index aids in zoning for anthrax trouble. Tularemia's landscape occurrence is classified into four types, with spatial analysis revealing clusters and potential epidemic danger in specific regions. Geographic information technologies highlight high-risk areas, justifying preventive measures for dangerous infections. The results obtained serve as a scientific justification for the priority of preventive measures within the boundaries of administrative territories characterized by a high degree of potential epidemic danger and objectively indicate the prospects for the introduction of GIS technologies into the practice of epidemiological surveillance of particularly dangerous infections.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Enterobacteriaceae in the north of Kazakhstan.

Background: An increasing number of drugs are used each year in the treatment of small pets (cats and dogs), including medicines (cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones) used in human therapy. Aim: The purpose of this study was to isolate and explore the antibiotic resistance of opportunistic Enterobacteriaceae (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Ci trobacter, Enterobacter) from cats and dogs, and to isolate resistance genes in the microorganisms. Methods: In 2021, 808 samples of biological material from small domestic animals were collected in veterinary clinics in Kostanay. From these, 210 microorganisms were isolated and identified. Results: A large majority of the strains sampled belonged to E. coli-149 (70.9%), Enterobacter-11 (5.2%), Klebsiella-28 (13.3%), Proteus-12 (5.7%) and 10 Citrobacter isolates (4.8%). In all isolates identified, antibiotic resistance/sensitivity was determined by disc-diffusion method to ampicillin, cefoxitin, gentamicin, levomycetin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, cefoperazone, cefpodoxime, streptomycin, kanamycin, doxycycline, gemifloxacin, nalidixic acid, furazolidone, furadonine, amoxicillin, and enrofloxacin. Conclusion: The study has demonstrated that the greatest number of Enterobacteriaceae were sensitive to the action of meropenem, which belongs to the group of beta-lactam antibiotics; resistance was demonstrated against tetracycline, doxycycline, ampicillin, amoxicillin, ofloxacin, and cefpodoxime. The most common genes encoding antimicrobial resistance were as follows: BlaTEM and OXA in 41 and 28 isolates, respectively, encoding resistance to beta-lactams; StrA and StrB in 45 and 48 isolates encoding aminoglycosides; and tetA and tetB in 43 and 28 isolates encoding tetracyclines. Obtained data demonstrate that uncontrolled and frequent use of beta-lactam and tetracycline antibacterials, in cats and dogs, results in the spread of genotypic resistance among micro-organisms of the family Enterobacteriaceae.

Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, and Ukraine, 2017-2022.

In 2021, the World Health Organization recommended new extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and pre-XDR tuberculosis (TB) definitions. In a recent cohort of TB patients in Eastern Europe, we show that XDR TB as currently defined is associated with exceptionally poor treatment outcomes, considerably worse than for the former definition (31% vs. 54% treatment success).

Discovering smart cities' potential in Kazakhstan: A cluster analysis.

The potential for developing smart cities in Kazakhstan is evaluated using cluster analysis. Built on previous research focused on clustering the regions of Kazakhstan, this study applies the same method to the cities of the country. The analysis uses indicators related to human capital, infrastructure, education, information technology, production, and other factors to assess the potential of each city. The clustering is performed using Single Linkage, Complete Linkage, and Ward's methods. The results show that Almaty and Astana are the cities with the highest potential for becoming smart cities. Aktobe is identified as a city with distinctive features that may help or hinder its development as a smart city. The remaining cities are clustered into two groups, with one group having the potential to catch up and maintain the trend of developing smart cities, while the other group is less suitable for starting smart city projects and may require more investment per capita. The study highlights the deep regional inequality affecting the potential to successfully develop and manage smart cities in Kazakhstan. The analysis also reveals some limitations and challenges in the data and variables used, including the lack of data for some variables and the difficulties in "translating" some factors and indicators into quantitative variables for clustering. The study concludes that future research should address these challenges and consider clustering inside certain regions to focus on their unique features. The study recommends launching pilot projects in small cities, with the most successful practices then scaled and implemented in the core smart cities and possibly Aktobe, if it manages to use its advantages to compensate for risks. Overall, this study provides insights into the potential of smart city development in Kazakhstan and can inform policymakers in their efforts to support smart city projects in the country.

A new remarkable species of Xyletinus Latreille, 1809 (Coleoptera: Ptinidae: Xyletininae) from southern Kazakhstan.

Xyletinus (Xeronthobius) diaphanus sp. n. from southern Kazakhstan is described, illustrated, and compared with the known members of the subgenus.

Assessment of potential ecological risk of heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils in Kazakhstan.

Accumulation of heavy metals in soil can lead to the deterioration of soil quality, reduce soil fertility and crop yields, and thus threaten human and animal health. The study aimed to assess the potential ecological risk of heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils in Kazakhstan. The study was carried out in 2021 on the soils of the Zhdanovskoye owner-operated farm in the Sokolovsko-Sarybai district of the Kostanay region. The quantitative content of heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd), was determined, and concentrations of trace elements, such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn), were calculated for the considered contaminated lands. The potential ecological risk index (RI) proposed by L. Hakanson was used in the study concerning heavy metal contamination of soil. As a result, the presence of trace elements and heavy metals in the considered areas of the Kostanay region was shown. The RI values for all sites ranged from 137 to 447, corresponding to the level of ecological risk grading from low to high. The average RI for As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Cu amounted to 328, which indicates a high ecological risk. Detected levels of As, Cd, Zn, and Pb in long-term abandoned mining areas were well above national thresholds, indicating the impending need to fully investigate and assess the suitability of the land for further agricultural use. The availability of such data will allow predicting cluster-based development of processing infrastructures in the vicinity of agricultural lands.

Analysis of chronic kidney disease epidemiology in Kazakhstan using nationwide data for 2014-2020 and forecasting future trends of prevalence and mortality for 2030.

According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, chronic kidney disease (CKD) was prevalent in 697.5 million individuals worldwide in 2017. By 2040, it is anticipated that CKD will rank as the fifth most common cause of death. This study aims to examine the epidemiology of CKD in Kazakhstan and to project future trends in CKD prevalence and mortality by 2030. The retrospective analysis was performed on a database acquired from the Unified National Electronic Health System for 703,122 patients with CKD between 2014 and 2020. During the observation period, 444,404 women and 258,718 men were registered with CKD, 459,900 (66%) were Kazakhs and 47% were older than 50. The incidence rate notably decreased: 6365 people per million population (PMP) in 2014 and 4040 people PMP in 2020. The prevalence changed from 10,346 to 38,287 people PMP, and the mortality rate increased dramatically from 279 PMP to 916 PMP. Kazakhstan's central regions, Turkestan and Kyzylorda were identified as the most burdensome ones. The ARIMA model projected 1,504,694 expected prevalent cases in 2030. The predicted mortality climbed from 17,068 cases in 2020 to 37,305 deaths in 2030. By 2030, the prevalence and mortality of CKD will significantly increase, according to the predicted model. A thorough action plan with effective risk factor management, enhanced screening among risk populations, and prompt treatment are required to lessen the burden of disease in Kazakhstan.

Assessment of hypercholesterolemia prevalence and its demographic variations in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Kazakhstan. Understanding its prevalence is vital for effective public health planning and interventions. This study aimed to assess the scale of hypercholesterolemia in the Republic of Kazakhstan and to identify differences among distinct population groups. A cross-sectional study involving 6720 participants (a nationally representative survey.) aged 18-69 was conducted from October 2021 to May 2022 across all 17 regions of Kazakhstan. The magnitude of hypercholesterolemia was 43.5%. Cholesterol levels were determined through blood biochemical analysis. Age, sex, geographic location, and ethnicity served as covariates. The majority of participants (65.49%) were from urban areas with an almost equal gender distribution (50.07% male and 49.93% female). The predominant age groups were 18-29 years (25.71%) and 30-39 years (25.12%), and 65.09% identified as Kazakh. The prevalence increased with age, with the 60-69 age group showing the highest rate at 71.14%. Women had slightly higher rates than men. Geographical differences were evident, with regions like Astana city and Almaty region showing significant disparities. Kazakhs had a lower rate compared to other ethnicities. Age, region, and BMI were significant predictors for hypercholesterolemia in both binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The study revealed a significant prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in Kazakhstan, with increasing age as a major determinant. Women, especially those over 50, and certain regions showed higher cholesterol levels. The disparities observed across regions and ethnicities suggest the need for targeted public health interventions to address this pressing health concern.

The prevalence and risk factors of pressure ulcers among residents of long-term care institutions: a case study of Kazakhstan.

Limited information is available regarding the prevalence of pressure ulcers (PUs) in residential homes in Central Asia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the prevalence rates and risk factors associated with PUs among residents of long-term care medical institutions in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This cross-sectional study was conducted in four long-term care institutions in Kazakhstan. The study sample consisted of 640 patients who were assessed for the presence of PUs and associated risk factors. The evaluation was performed using the International Prevalence Measurement of Care Quality (Landelijke Prevalentiemeting Zorgkwaliteit, LPZ), the Braden scale, and the Care Dependency Score (CDS). The overall prevalence of PUs, classified as categories I-IV, was found to be 37%. When excluding category I PUs, the prevalence decreased to 35.6%. The odds ratios (ORs) for presenting with PUs were as follows: history of stroke (OR 5.22), diseases of the digestive system (OR 10.01), presence of spinal cord lesions/paraplegia (OR 20.50), recent reported confusion within the last 7 days (OR 184.00), and limited extent dependency according to the CDS (OR 4.44; 95%CI 1.31-16.1). It is imperative to establish specialized training programs aimed at equipping medical personnel, relatives, and patients themselves with the necessary skills to provide optimal care for individuals affected by PUs.

Trends in the dynamics of morbidity and mortality from hypertension in the Republic of Kazakhstan from 2010 to 2019.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: The purpose of the research is to study trends in the dynamics of morbidity and mortality from arterial hypertension in the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2010-2019. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the study, a set of methods was used: analytical, graph-analytical, statistical, sociological, clinical and economic analysis, organizational experiment. RESULTS: Results: The survey of 318 hypertension patients highlighted a common profile: hypertensive men aged 45-59, smokers, alcohol drinkers, urban dwellers, married with children, industrially employed, physically active at their country house, and facing stress. Gender differences showed 74.4% of hypertensive women were over 50, while a fifth of men were under 45, with higher risk factors in men: smoking (1.87), alcohol (2.53), occupational hazards (2.76), and harsh climates (2.54). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The analysis findings reveal noteworthy trends within the hypertension patient population in Kazakhstan. Despite a decline in hypertension prevalence and initial occurrences, along with reduced relative hospitalization rates between 2010 and 2019, mortality linked to hypertension-related causes and the occurrence of heart attacks have remained relatively steady in recent times.

Safety Assessment: a Comparative Analysis of Quantitative Content of Bacterial Endotoxins and Evaluation of Pyrogenicity of the Kazakhstan Vaccine QazCovid-in® against COVID-19.

We measured the levels of bacterial endotoxins in the bulk vaccine product (BVP) and finished vaccine QazCovid-in® and evaluated the effect of aluminum hydroxide (adjuvant) on the results of LAL test and pyrogenicity of samples in vivo (in rabbits receiving intravenous injection into the marginal ear vein). Administration of BVP with LPS resulted in a dose-dependent increase in body temperature in rabbits similar to that caused by LPS alone, which suggests that aluminum hydroxide in the vaccine did not affect the pyrogenic response in rabbits. Moreover, the LAL test showed that the aluminum hydroxide did not hinder LPS activity after serial dilution of samples.

A nose for trouble: ecotoxicological implications for climate change and disease in Saiga antelope (S. t. tatarica).

In recent decades, Saiga antelope (Saiga t. tatarica) mass die-offs have become more common. The mass die-off of 2015 in central Kazakhstan, recorded 140,000 individual deaths across multiple herds. Previously, research has shown atmospheric humidity, the bacterium Pasteurella multocida serotype B, and resultant haemorrhagic septicaemia, were the primary cause. However, other synergistic factors may have impacted this process. Here we use a multivariate compositional data analysis (CoDA) approach to assess what other factors may have been involved. We show a pollutant linkage mechanism where relative humidity and dewpoint temperature combine with environmental pollutants, potentially toxic elements (e.g., Hg, As), complex carbon compounds (e.g., Acetone, Toluene), and inorganic compounds (e.g., CHx, SO2) which affected the Saiga during the calving season (start and peak) and at the onset of the mass die-off. We suggest a mechanism for this process. Upon arrival at their carving grounds, the Saiga experienced a sudden precipitation event, a spike in temperatures, and resultant high humidity occurs. The infectious bacterium P. multocida serotype B then spreads. Further, environmental pollutants contained within steppe soils are released to the air, forming localised smog events, these synergistically combine, and mass die-off occurs.

Sex differentials in the prevalence of behavioral risk factors and non-communicable diseases in adult populations of West Kazakhstan.

Introduction: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing worldwide. Several modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol drinking, physical inactivity, and obesity, have been linked to the development of NCDs in both genders. Understanding the prevalence of these risk factors and their associated factors is crucial for effective intervention planning in adult populations. This study aimed to provide an overview of the prevalence and associated factors of these risk behaviors among different genders of adults in West Kazakhstan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four regions of West Kazakhstan. A stratified multistage sampling technique was utilized to obtain a representative sample size of 4,800 participants aged 18 -69 years. Trained researchers administered face-to-face interviews using validated questionnaires to gather information pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics, smoking habits, alcohol drinking, dietary patterns, physical activity levels, body mass index (BMI), and prevalent diseases. Results: This study, which included 4,800 participants from West Kazakhstan, revealed some striking numerical findings. The overall prevalence rates of behavioral risk factors and metabolic conditions were as follows: smoking was 13.6% (95%CI: 3.2-24.0%), alcohol drinking was 47.0% (27.7-66.3%), current obesity was 22.3% (9.0-35.6%), and physical inactivity was 80.7% (55.4-106.0%). In addition, the overall prevalence rates of metabolic conditions were 25.6% (11.3-39.9%) for hypertension, 7.5% (0.2-15.2%) for diabetes, 11.8% (2.1-21.5%) for high cholesterol, and 13.0% (2.8-23.2%) for cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, a higher prevalence of high cholesterol was observed in men, and a greater prevalence of heart disease was identified in women. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that physical inactivity was associated with hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, while obesity was linked to hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Discussion: This study in West Kazakhstan identified variations in the prevalence of behavioral risk factors and NCDs, highlighting gender, age, and regional disparities. Notably, men showed higher rates of smoking and alcohol drinking, while women exhibited a greater prevalence of physical inactivity and obesity. Gender and regional differences were evident, with the West Kazakhstan region standing out for distinct patterns. Tailored interventions are crucial to address these disparities and enhance public health in the region.

Cardiology Service of Kazakhstan Today: Acute Coronary Syndrome, Chronic Heart Failure, Atherosclerosis.

The article focuses on the prevalence of circulatory diseases, organization and implementation of new programs in the system of cardiological care services in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Currently, three key programs are functioning at the republican level: "Acute coronary syndrome", "Chronic heart failure", and "Atherosclerosis and dyslipoproteinemia". The National Scientific Cardiac Surgery Center (Astana) is the coordinator of all these programs.

Predictors of Job Satisfaction and Association with Psychological Distress Among Academic Medicine Faculty in Kazakhstan.

BACKGROUND: The growing concern for the faculty's well-being is allied with the emotionally demanding nature of teaching, which has an adverse effect on physical and mental health. There is abundant evidence that academic medicine faculty are subjected to high rates of dissatisfaction, distress, burnout, and turnover among medical educators. This study is dedicated to the exploration of the association between job satisfaction and psychological distress among academic medicine faculty in Kazakhstan. METHODS: The observational cross-sectional study was conducted among medical educators in Kazakhstan between 1 October and 25 December. The survey was completed by 715 representatives of academic medicine staff. The sample size was calculated by Epi Info Sample Size Calculator, version 7.0. Multinomial logistic regression analysis using the forced entry procedure was applied to identify the factors associated with job satisfaction. RESULTS: The prevalence of job satisfaction, depression, anxiety, and stress was 19.2%, 40.6%, 41.3%, and 53%, respectively. Three variables were significantly associated with job satisfaction: having a partner (AOR=0.79; 95% CI 0.38-1.659), having work experience of 5-10 years (AOR=0.32; 95% CI 0.14-0.74), and holding a Ph.D. degree (AOR=0.40; 95% CI 0.18-0.91). Job satisfaction was significantly associated with depression (p=0.005) and stress (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to previous research in this area, our findings reported a higher prevalence of psychological distress and dissatisfaction. Potential reason for higher rates of dissatisfaction may be the global disruption due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Social anxiety of the citizens of Kazakhstan: The dynamics of change and its impact on public consciousness.

The purpose of the study is to analyze the factors associated with the formation of social anxiety and to explore trends in their impact on society in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The authors have used comparative, descriptive, and deductive methods to achieve the research goals. The results of the study determined that anxiety phenomena have become increasingly common over time and social anxiety is one of the most dangerous due to its degree of limitation. The vast majority of people experience some form of social anxiety, which occurs when distorted reality intervenes and certain moments signalize as dangerous. As a product of individual experience and sociopolitical construct, fear becomes the element organizing the state order. The social aspects are notably relevant to the process when the common sense of public consciousness puts security in the foreground as a matter of the greatest importance and urgency.

Polycladomyces zharkentensis sp. nov., a novel thermophilic cellulose- and starch-degrading member of the Bacillota from a geothermal aquifer in Kazakhstan.

A thermophilic, aerobic and heterotrophic filamentous bacterium, designated strain ZKZ2T, was isolated from a pipeline producing hydrothermal water originating from a >2.3 km deep subsurface geothermal source in Zharkent, Almaty region, Kazakhstan. The isolate was Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, heat-resistant and capable of producing a variety of extracellular hydrolases. Growth occurred at temperatures between 55 and 75 °C, with an optimum around 70 °C, and at pH values between 5.5 and 9.0, with an optimum at pH 7.0-7.5 with the formation of aerial mycelia; endospores were produced along the aerial mycelium. The isolate was able to utilize the following substrates for growth: glycerol, l-arabinose, ribose, d-xylose, d-glucose, d-fructose, d-mannose, rhamnose, d-mannitol, methyl-d-glucopyranoside, aesculin, salicin, cellobiose, maltose, melibiose, sucrose, trehalose, melezitose, raffinose, starch, turanose and 5-keto-gluconate. Furthermore, it was able to hydrolyse carboxymethylcellulose, starch, skimmed milk, Tween 60 and Tween 80. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and C16 : 0. Our 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis placed ZKZ2T within the genus Polycladomyces, family Thermoactinomycetaceae, with the highest similarity to the type species Polycladomyces abyssicola JIR-001T (99.18 % sequence identity). Our draft genome sequence analysis revealed a genome size of 3.3 Mbp with a G+C value of 52.5 mol%. The orthologous average nucleotide identity value as compared to that of its closest relative, P. abyssicola JIR-001T, was 90.23 %, with an in silico DNA-DNA hybridization value of 40.7 %, indicating that ZKZ2T represents a separate genome species. Based on the phenotypic and genome sequence differences from the other two Polycladomyces species, we propose that strain ZKZ2T represents a novel species, for which we propose the name Polycladomyces zharkentensis sp. nov. The type strain is ZKZ2T (=CECT 30708T=KCTC 43421T).