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Objective of the study: to explore the impact of medical abortion on infections, stress, and the vaginal microbiota, providing essential insights into the associated risks and the need for comprehensive care. Materials and methods. A total of 120 patients were examined, divided into groups: 50 women who underwent medical abortion, 50 women underwent surgical abortion and 20 women with no abortions as the control group. Additionally, the women were categorized based on stress levels into high stress group (29 women), medium stress group (54 women), and low stress group (17 women). Bacteriological studies were conducted to assess the species composition and quantitative composition of the vaginal microbiota in women post-abortion and with varying levels of stress. Results. The study found significant alterations in the vaginal microbiota of women post-abortion, differentiated by the type of abortion and stress levels. Women who underwent medical abortions exhibited higher levels of S. epidermidis, including strains with hemolytic properties, compared to those who had surgical abortions. The concentration of S. epidermidis in the medical abortion group was significantly higher than in healthy women, suggesting a potential link between medical abortion and increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections. Additionally, higher concentrations of E. coli, particularly hemolytic strains, were found in both abortion groups, with a slightly higher prevalence in the medical abortion group, highlighting an increased risk of post-abortion infections. The level of stress significantly affects the composition of the vaginal microbiota. Women experiencing high stress post-abortion showed a more pronounced dysbiosis compared to those with moderate or low stress levels. High-stress individuals had significantly elevated levels of pathogenic microorganisms, including S. aureus, S. agalactiae, and various Enterobacteriaceae, and a marked deficiency in protective Lactobacillus spp. The study also identified a higher incidence of mixed infections in high-stress women, often involving bacterial and viral pathogens such as G. vaginalis, C. trachomatis, U. urealyticum, and herpes simplex virus. Comparative analysis revealed that both types of abortion are associated with microbiota disruptions; however, medical abortions had a more substantial impact on certain pathogenic bacteria. For instance, the levels of Candida spp. were significantly higher in the medical abortion group compared to the surgical group, indicating a higher risk of fungal infections. Conversely, the concentration of Lactobacillus spp. was notably lower in women who underwent surgical abortions, suggesting a more severe impact on beneficial microbiota from surgical procedures. Conclusions. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring and managing the vaginal microbiota in women post-abortion, particularly those undergoing medical abortions and those experiencing high stress levels. Prophylactic and therapeutic measures, including the use of probiotics, should be considered to mitigate the risk of infections and restore the balance of protective bacteria.

The subject of this review paper is to evaluate the underestimated hazard of multiple mycotoxin exposure of animals/humans for the appearance of foodborne ailments and diseases. The significance of joint mycotoxin interaction in the development of foodborne diseases is discussed, and appropriate conclusions are made. The importance of low feed/food levels of some target mycotoxins co-contaminations in food and feedstuffs for induction of target foodborne mycotoxicoses is also studied in the available literature. The appropriate hygiene control and the necessary risk assessment in regard to possible hazards for animals and humans are also discussed, and appropriate suggestions are made. Some internationally recognized prophylactic measures, management of the risk, and the necessity of elaboration of new international regulations in regard to the maximum permitted levels are also carefully discussed and analysed in the cases of multiple mycotoxin contaminations. The necessity of harmonization of mycotoxin regulations and control measures at international levels is also discussed in order to facilitate food trade between the countries and to ensure global food safety.

ABSTRACT: The goat milk industry has unquestionably grown in recent years due to the high demand for dairy products, which are considered nutritious and hypoallergenic. As a result, security measures are required in the production chain to provide consumers with safe products, although the concept of biosecurity is still incipient in Brazilian goat farming. Therefore, this study aimed to review the main biosecurity measures applied to dairy goat farms and suggest a program that contemplates these measures to promote animal health and welfare, given that biosecurity bolsters environmental sustainability and improves this agricultural sector. Biosecurity programs (BP) are composed of a set of measures and procedures aimed at herd health and applied in all stages of animal husbandry, interacting with different sectors that make up the production system and providing a set of policies and operational norms to protect herds against potentially pathogenic agents. Thus, BP require planning, execution, monitoring, audits, updates, understanding of the procedures, and awareness of those involved in the production chain. In addition, it includes continuing education programs and the development of contingency plans for specific emergencies. The information included in this study provides input to dairy goat farms to implement practices that improve the productivity of this agricultural sector.

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii protozoan. Toxoplasmosis is particularly dangerous for the foetus and any infection, regardless of the period of pregnancy, may cause disorders in the extra-fetal life. The paper assesses the knowledge of women about toxoplasmosis infection, basic definitions and prophylactic measures. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the level of knowledge of women about Toxoplasma gondii infection, as well as the basic preventive actions. Material and method: The study was conducted in the period from February to June 2016 by means of a diagnostic survey. 63 women aged 20 and over took part in the survey. The tool used in the study was a questionnaire. The most numerous group were the respondents aged 20-29 years and the least aged 40-49 years. The research results were developed in Microsoft Excel and Statistica 13.1. Results: The analysis of the collected data shows that women with higher and secondary education have the greatest knowledge of both defining and basic preventive measures. Conclusions: The level of women's knowledge about Toxoplasma gondii infections varies according to the education of the respondents. The knowledge about basic preventive measures that can significantly reduce the serious consequences of Toxoplasma gondii infections for the developing fetus should be disseminated.

Objective of the study was to collate the lessons learned from application of differential approach to the areas with varying risk of infection while performing prophylactic measures in the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Materials and methods. Archival epizootiological and epidemiological data of the Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Republic of Bashkortostan, Republican Center of Disinfection, Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Republic of Bashkortostan over the period of 2012–2017, as well as official statistics of the Rospotrebnadzor, including from Federal Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology and the data contained in the Form 1 of state statistics “Information on infection and parasitic diseases” were used for the analysis. Statistical processing of the data and results acquisition were carried out using standard software package of Microsoft Office and Statistica 8.0. Results and conclusions. It is established that in 2012–2017 due to selective concentration of preventive (anti-epidemic) activities in zones of high risk of HFRS contraction in Ufa city, significant decrement in HFRS morbidity rates was achieved. In order to deploy the stated tactics across the whole territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan, factors and areas of risk of infection have been identified. It is determined that the total land area with high risk of infection amounts to 14096 square kilometers; i.e. 9.8 % of the whole area of the Republic of Bashkortostan. At that, in 2012–2017 4946 cases of HFRS infection were registered here, which is 50.5 % of the total morbidity rate in the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan. It is substantiated that to stabilize the level of HFRS incidence it is necessary to provide three-fold (spring, summer, and autumn) running of disinfection activities (barrier, community deratization (disinfection)) in the territories of high risk of infection. Prophylactic measures must be aimed at protection of specific contingents falling under the high risk of HFRS contraction and be preventive in nature; i.e. be carried out prior to the periods of contact intensity and population density increase in the areas characterized by high risk of infection.

Objective of the study was to evaluate the state of parasitic systems and activity of the natural plague foci of the Russian Federation in 2016 and to develop epizootiological forecasting for 2017. In 2016 epizooties of plague were registered in the territory of the KoshAgach District of the Altai Republic and Mongun-Taiginsky, Ovyursky, and Tes-Khemsky Kozhuuns of the Republic of Tyva. The total area coverage was 1692.6 km2. Isolated were 87 strains of plague microbe, including the isolates from rodents and lagomorphs – 31, from fleas – 47, lice – 7, and Ixodidae ticks – 2. Verified has been epizootiological forecast for the year 2017, which shows that epidemiological situation will remain tense. In order to reduce the epidemic risks, comprehensive plans of preventive activities have been developed. In the territory of the other natural foci epizootic manifestations of plague are not expected to occur. Only in PreCaspian sandy focus, situated in the territory of Lagan and Chernozemelsky Regions of the Kalmyk Republic, probability of the singly infected animal findings during the autumn season, 2017 is retained.

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii protozoan. Toxoplasmosis is particularly dangerous for the foetus and any infection, regardless of the period of pregnancy, may cause disorders in the extra-fetal life. The paper assesses the knowledge of women about toxoplasmosis infection, basic definitions and prophylactic measures. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the level of knowledge of women about Toxoplasma gondii infection, as well as the basic preventive actions. Material and method: The study was conducted in the period from February to June 2016 by means of a diagnostic survey. 63 women aged 20 and over took part in the survey. The tool used in the study was a questionnaire. The most numerous group were the respondents aged 20-29 years and the least aged 40-49 years. The research results were developed in Microsoft Excel and Statistica 13.1. Results: The analysis of the collected data shows that women with higher and secondary education have the greatest knowledge of both defining and basic preventive measures. Conclusions: The level of women's knowledge about Toxoplasma gondii infections varies according to the education of the respondents. The knowledge about basic preventive measures that can significantly reduce the serious consequences of Toxoplasma gondii infections for the developing fetus should be disseminated.

Objective of the study is to evaluate the state of parasitic systems and activity of natural plague foci of the Russian Federation in 2015 and to develop epizootiological forecast for 2016. In 2015, plague epizooties were detected in the territory of Gorno-Altaisk high-mountain, Tuva mountain, and Pre-Caspian sandy natural plague foci with a total area amounting to 1573.4 square kilometers. Isolated were 46 strains of plague microbe, including the isolates from rodents and leporines - 18, and from fleas - 28. Substantiated is epizootiological prognosis for sustaining challenging epidemiological situation in Gorno-Altaisk high-mountain and Tuva mountain natural foci in 2016. Demonstrated is the fact that consequently to effective prompt prophylactic measures (field deratization, disinsection) in 2015 decreased epizootic activity of Pre-Caspian sandy focus is observed. Specified is retention of low numbers of carriers and vectors of plague in natural foci of North and North-Western Caspian Sea Region, Pre-Caucasian, Caucasian, and Transbaikal Territories. Identified is upward trend for numbers of the little souslik in Pre-Caspian North-Western steppe, Volga-Ural steppe, Dagestan lowland-piedmont, and Pre-Caspian sandy natural plague foci.

A review of the main infectious pathogens potentially transmissible to health care professionals during Dentistry and Odonto-Stomatological procedures is carried out, with particular attention focused on parenteral exposure in the dental, stomatological, and surgical environment. Epidemiological issues and specific risk factors are treated systematically based on available literature sources, together with all available, recommended chemo-prophylactic and immune-prophylactic strategies, as updated by the state of the art in this field.

Background: Injuries with sharp, potentially infected objects represent a danger, particularly due to the possibility of viral transmission, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus, and consequentially, the possibility of infections with these viruses. The possibility of a tetanus infection should always be excluded as well. In percutaneous exposure of patient’s blood to hepatitis B the possibility of infection ranges between 5–30%, while in exposure to hepatitis C it is 3–10% and in exposure to human immunodeficiency virus this rate is 0.3% (in exposure of mucous membranes 0.09%).Methods: The prospective investigation carried out in the period from 1997 to July 2004 was aimed at establishing the frequency and type of incidents as well as the categories of the affected health care workers along with the procedures and types of sharp objects involved in those incidents. A protocol with 20 incident-related questions was prepared. Post-exposure prophylaxis (immunoprophylaxis) against hepatitis B (specific anti-hepatitis B immunoglobulin and/or anti-hepatitis B virus vaccine) and against human immunodeficiency virus infection (chemoprophylaxis) was carried out by infectologists according to state-of-the-art doctrine. Considering the possibility of infection with hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus, the injured persons were subjected to a clinical, laboratory and serological follow up for at least 6 months or more following the incident. Exactly the same follow-up approach after injury was used also in the rest of the injured persons from Celje region. In co-operation with the Commission for Control of Nosocomial Infections, the infectologists prepared written guidelines regarding the post-exposure prophylaxis for health care workers in hospitals with the risk for hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus transmission, and also participated in the implementation of immunoprophylaxis program against hepatitis B infection.Results: In the seven-year study period, there were 373 cases of percutaneous injuries with sharp objects and exposures of open wounds or eye mucosa to the blood or visibly hemorrhageous body fluids treated in 116 men and 257 women at a mean age of 36 years. The majority of incidents occurred in medical nurses and technicians (181), which were followed by orderlies and cleaning service staff (43), physicians (41) and other personnel (11). In 97 cases the incident occurred outside the hospital setting, to persons who were not employed in health care. In the majority of cases, i. e. in 255 instances (68.4%), the injury was caused by piercing with a hollow needle. The source of possible infectious substance was identified in 225 (60.3%) cases. The source of infection was found in hepatitis B virus carriers in 26 cases, in anti-hepatitis B virus antibody carriers in 4 and in human immunodeficiency virus carriers in 3 cases. At the time of incident, a sufficient quantity of protective antiHBs antibodies (≥ 10 ml U/ml) was established in 183 (49.1%) of the injured persons, mostly health care workers of the General Hospital Celje, due to previous immunoprophylaxis. Following the incident, the majority of the injured, i. e. 194 (52.0%) persons, received at least one revitalizing dose of vaccine against hepatitis B while 68 (18.2%) persons also received a passive prophylaxis with specific anti-hepatitis B immunoglobulin; a 4-week chemoprophylaxis against human immunodeficiency virus was required in 2 persons. In the course of 6-month follow up, none of the injured persons showed evidence of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus or human immunodeficiency virus in the blood nor the presence of seroconversion; the 32 persons injured in 2004 are still being followed up.Conclusions: In health care institutions, the incidence of injuries with sharp objects can be reduced by ensuring a safe working environment, safe medical-technical equipment, organization of continuous education and training in the use of different techniques (workshops), as well as by appropriate use of sealed containers for sharp object collecting. The staff should be currently informed about the Commission for Control of Nosocomial Infections guidelines regarding the measures to be taken in the case of an incident, and, after having received a first aid intervention, should have the possibility of reporting as fast as possible (within 2–3 hours) to the infectological service for possible immuno- or chemoprophylaxis. In the future, it will be necessary to ensure an even wider vaccination of health care workers against hepatitis B, take care of an accurate registration of all incidents, and enable expert data analyses along with a permanent care for further improvement of the situation.