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The review presents an analysis of the epidemiological and epizootiological situation on Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in the Russian Federation in 2021. 49 cases of CCHF were detected in 2021, which is 1.53 times higher than in 2020. The mortality rate was 6.1 %. Sporadic cases of CCHF were registered in the Stavropol Territory, Rostov, Volgograd Regions, the Republics of Dagestan and Kalmykia. The incidence rates of CCHF were below the long-term average annual values in the majority of the constituent entities. Epizootiological survey of stationary observation points has revealed that the number of Hyalomma marginatum imago corresponded to the average long-term indicators in 2021, the peak of H. marginatum activity was noted in the II–III decades of May. The proportion of Ixodidae tick pools positive for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus markers exceeded the long-term average indexes in a number of regions. On the territory of the natural focus of CCHF, the circulation of the CCHF virus of the genetic lineages “Europe-1” and “Europe-3” was detected in 2021. Based on the analysis of the epidemiological data of the previous year and natural and climatic factors affecting the abundance and vital activity of H. marginatum ticks, risk-based quantitative forecast for the incidence of CCHF in the Stavropol Territory for 2022 has been compiled.

The purpose of the research is the assessment of the Francisella tularensis occurrence in nature in ticks of the genus Dermacentor; understanding the physiological age in terms of tick infection with tularemia pathogen.Materials and methods. For the period from 2015 to 2019, we examined 8449 specimens of Dermacentor marginatus (916 pools), 8674 specimens of D. reticulatus (705 pools), and 109 specimens of D. niveus (40 pools) for tularemia infection. To assess the dependence of tularemia pathogen found in ticks of different physiological ages, we examined 2440 specimens of D. marginatus (360 pools), and 3349 specimens of D. reticulatus (412 pools) for the period from 2016 to 2019. Studies of ixodid ticks infected with tularemia pathogen were performed by the Natural Focal Infection Laboratory of the Stavropol Anti-Plague Institute. Pools of ixodid ticks were examined for the pathogen DNA of tularemia using reagent kits for identifying Francisella tularensis DNA by polymerase chain reaction with fluorescence hybridization of results recorded in real time.Results and discussion. The infection rate of the tularemia pathogen in ticks in the Central Pre-Caucasian region ranged from 0.044–1.127% in D. marginatus and 0.035–1.455% in D. reticulatus in different years. The greatest number of F. tularensis was isolated from the III physiological age ticks. For D. reticulatus ticks, no statistically significant dependence of the detected tularemia pathogen on physiological age was found.

The review presents an analysis of the epidemiological and epizootiological situation on Crimean hemorrhagic fever in the Russian Federation in 2020. During the stated period, 32 CHF cases were registered, which is the minimum indicator since the activation of the natural focus of CHF in 1999. The mortality rate was 3.1 %. The incidence was recorded in the Rostov, Astrakhan Regions, Stavropol Territory, the Republics of Dagestan and Kalmykia. A significant decrease in the incidence of CHF was noted in all entities of the Southern Federal District and the North-Caucasian Federal District. An imported from the Republic of Crimea case of CHF was detected in Moscow. The seasonality of morbidity, occupational, and age composition of CHF patients, modes of transmission, features of the clinical course of the disease in 2020 corresponded to the data of long-term observations. Epizootiological monitoring of the territory of the CHF natural focus showed that the abundance of Hyalomma marginatum adults and the percentage of Ixodidae tick pools positive for the presence of CCHF virus markers corresponded to the average long-term indicators at stationary observation points in 2020 , which indicates the persisting epizootiological disadvantage of the territory of the natural CHF focus in the Russian Federation. The persisting high numbers and infection rate of H. marginatum ticks can contribute to the development of an unfavorable epidemiological situation in the south of the country with a possible increase in the incidence of CHF in the Russian Federation in 2021.

New technologies based on remote sensing, has been actively developing now for the increasing the effectiveness of nature plague foci monitoring. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) «GeoScan–101» was used for monitoring and for orthophoto creating. The monitoring was carried out at Caspian nature plague focus on a stationary square 4 ha. The accounting of rodents’ holes had been implemented previously. Gerbils Meriones tamariscinus is the host of plague microbe in the Caspian natural plague focus. The monitoring using UAV allows identifying 78,26 % of Meriones tamariscinus holes as well as Microtus socialis and Ellobius talpinus. The comprehensive using remote sensing from space and data from drone (a high-resolution picture in real time) for elaboration data of remote sensing allows increasing the effectiveness of nature plague foci survey, where the hosts have the holes small diameter: the gerbils' genus Meriones and the voles’ genus Microtus.

A quantitative UV-spectrophotometric method for determining ribavirin was proposed. The method was demonstrated to be suitable in validation tests. Spectrophotometric determination of ribavirin in tablets was demonstrated to be possible.

Aim. Chracteristic of number and distribution of mosquitoes Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in the Republic of Abkhazia and a risk assessment of virus Zika spread. Materials and methods. The accounting of mosquitoes number was made by the method «on the observer» in 20 minutes at the 70 nature landscapes points in april-oktober 2016. Results. The Black sea coast of the Republic of Abkhazia has favorable ecological conditions for the mosquitoes ingrowth of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. At 2016 the mosquitoes Ae. albopictus having vector competence to spread a Zika virus, has been revealed in the open stations in the territory from Ochamchirsky district to border with the Russian Federation. Their number is correlated with the air temperature in the region. The control of efficiency of the insecticidal works showed that in the open stations Ae. albopictus were not found within 3 - 7 days after the disinsection actions. However, their number of recovered as a result of settling from nearby natural biotopes. Conclusion. The risk of local Zika virus transmission has estimated as a low. Considering the gravity of the disease caused by the Zika virus carrying out a wider complex of the control methods of the mosquitoes number in areas of their dwelling, especially on the epidemiologically significant objects is necessary. The most effective of the population protection action is riddance of the reproduction mosquitoes places and sanitation of territory.

Aim.The analysis of causes of deterioration epidemiological situation on Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in the Russian Federation in 2016. Materials and methods. Data of statistical documentation of Departments of Rospotrebnadzor, Centers of Hygiene and Epidemiology in subjects of the Russian Federation, Plague Control Research Institutions and Anti-Plague stations from 8 subjects of the Southern and 7 subjects of the North-Caucasian Federal Districts were used. The findings have been treated using by Excel program. Results. In 2016, epidemiological manifestations of CCHF are identified on the territory of 6 subjects of the south of Russia. An increase in the incidence of CC H F occurred in the Stavropol Territory, the Republic of Kalmykia, Astrakhan and Volgograd Regions. The main cause of the deterioration epidemiological situation on CCHF was increasing of the number and the period of activity of ticks marginatum, in the epidemic season as a result of favorable climatic conditions; incorrect dates of the realization and inadequacy of the acaricide treatments livestock and natural biotopes. Conclusion. For the improvement epidemiological situation on CCHF timely realization of the acaricide treatments in the early spring (March-April) livestock and natural biotopes using effective insecticides and with its further entomological control it is necessary.

Aim. Analyze epizootologic manifestations of natural-focal infections (NFI) in the south of Russia in 2015. Materials and methods. Reports provided by administrations of Federal Service of Surveillance for Protection of Consumers Rights and Human Welfare, Centers of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Research Institutes for Plague Control and Station for Plague Control were used. Data processing was carried out using Excel program. Results. A total of 37 738 samples of field material were studied, most of those - for tularemia (8268), Crimea hemorrhagic fever (6894) and West Nile fever (4875). Causative agents of 15 nosologic forms of NFI were detected during epizootologic examination of the territory of south of Russia, predominating amount of positive samples was obtained during study of material for tick-borne borreliosis (612), Crimea hemorrhagic fever (279) and tularemia (237). Conclusion. Analysis of epizootologic situation on natural-focal infections in the south of Russia gives evidence on the increase of activity of natural foci of bacterial (tularemia, tick-borne borreliosis), rickettsia (tick-borne spotted fevers) and viral infections (Crimea hemorrhagic fever, West Nile fever, tick-borne viral encephalitis), and thus problems of prophylaxis of natural-focal infectious diseases and constant monitoring of natural foci in subjects of Southern, North-Caucasian and Crimea federal districts are of particular importance.

This paper presents analysis of epidemiological situation on Crimean hemorrhagic fever (CHF) in Russia in 2016. Summarized are the results of epizootiological survey of the territory of the natural CHF focus in the south of the European part of Russia, discussed are the results of genetic typing of CCHFV RNA isolates. In 2016, the Russian Federation reported 162 cases of CHF. Increase in the incidence of CHF occurred in the Astrakhan, Volgograd Regions, Republic of Kalmykia, and Stavropol Territory. For the first time CHF case was identified in Kabardino-Balkar Republic. In 2016 in stationary points for the long-term observation of the natural CHF focus, high abundance rates of larvae and nymphs of H. marginatum remain. In case of successful Ixodidae ticks wintering and late onset of the hot and dry season in the summer, 2017, there is probability that high numbers of H. marginatum will be retained and the period of the imago activity is prolonged, which may in its turn contribute to the increase in CHF morbidity rates.

The results of epizootological monitoring of the Southern European part of Russia (Southern and North- Caucasian Federal Districts), which has been tested for 18 nosological forms of natural focal infections are presented. There have been tested the laboratory studies of 45 615 samples of field material, the markers of pathogens of 15 nosological forms are identified. The circulation of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus is identified in 10 subjects, the pathogen of tularemia – in eight regions, Lyme borreliosis – in seven, Q fever – in six; pathogens of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, West Nile fever, leptospirosis and human granulocytic anaplasmosis – in five subjects. The markers of pathogens of human monocytic ehrlichiosis and tick-borne viral encephalitis were detected in four subjects, pseudotuberculosis and intestinal yersiniosis – in three and Arboviruses (Sindbis, Inkoо, Tahyna) – in one region.

Analysis ofresults of epidemiologic monitoring especially dangerous, natural-foci and other infectious diseases, asill as epizootologic activity of natural foci of infection on,the terri- tory, of city-resort Sochi.Laboratory studies of 820. samples by PCR; im- mune- and bacteriologic methods were carried out, among those 344 - clinical material, 12 - water from open bodies and 321 - field material. Molecular-genetic identification of-143 strains of Vibrio-cholerae, isolated from open water bodies of city-resort Sochi, was-carried out,.Circulation of causative agents of Q fever, tularemia and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome of Dobrava-Adler genotypes was established, -as well as rickettsia of tick spotted fever group Predomination of rotaviruses (70.9%) was detected during study of samples of clinical material in etiologic structure of sporadically emerging acute intestine infections. Relatively high temperature values of river water during summer months (from 18, to 30 C), exit of sulfide mineral waters into the riverbed, that create-alkaline medium, seasonal reduction of river debit and speed of water current facilitated sustenance of contamination of water of Agura river by V.cholerae.Activity of natural foci of the infectious disease and contamination of Agura iver by V.cholerae Ο1, (atoxigenic) gives evidence on the necessity of constant control of epidemiologic situation by dangerous and natural-foci infectious diseases on the territory of city-resort Sochi, as well as study regional features, of their causative agents, including using genetic methods.

Analyze epizootologic manifestations of natural-focal infections (NFI) in the south of Russia in 2015.Reports provided by administrations of Federal Service of Surveillance for Protection of Consumers Rights and Human Welfare, Centers of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Research Institutes for Plague Control and Station for Plague Control were used. Data processing was carried out using Excel program.A total of 37-738 samples of field material were studied, most of those - for tularemia (8268), Crimea hemorrhagic fever (6894) and West Nile fever (4875). Causative agents of 15 nosologic forms of NFI were detected during epizootologic examination of the territory of south of Russia, predominating amount of positive samples was obtained during study of material for tick-borne borreliosis (612), Crimea hemorrhagic fever (279) and tularemia (237).Analysis of epizootologic situation on natural- focal infections in the south of Russia gives evidence on the increase of activity of natural foci of bacterial (tularemia, tick-borne borreliosis), rickettsia (tick-borne spotted fevers) and viral infec- tions (Crimea hemorrhagic fever, West Nile fever, tick-borne viral encephalitis), and thus problems of prophylaxis of natural-focal infectious diseases and constant monitoring of natural foci in su- bjects of Southern, North-Caucasian and Crimea federal districts are of particular importance.

Aim. Analysis of results of epidemiologic monitoring of especially dangerous, natural-foci and other infectious diseases, as well as epizootologic activity of natural foci of infection on the territory of city-resort Sochi. Materials and methods. Laboratory studies of 820 samples by PCR, immune- and bacteriologic methods were carried out, among those 344 - clinical material, 12 - water from open bodies and 321 - field material. Molecular-genetic identification of 143 strains of Vibrio cholerae, isolated from open water bodies of city-resort Sochi, was carried out. Results. Circulation of causative agents of Q fever, tularemia and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome of Dobrava-Adler genotypes was established, as well as rickettsia of tick spotted fever group. Predomination of rotaviruses (70.9%) was detected during study of samples of clinical material in etiologic structure of sporadically emerging acute intestine infections. Relatively high temperature values of river water during summer months (from 18 to 30°C), exit of sulfide mineral waters into the riverbed, that create alkaline medium, seasonal reduction of river debit and speed of water current facilitated sustenance of contamination of water of Agura river by V. cholerae. Conclusion. Activity of natural foci of the infectious disease and contamination of Agura river by V. cholerae 01 (atoxigenic) gives evidence on the necessity of constant control of epidemiologic situation by dangerous and natural-foci infectious diseases on the territory of city-resort Sochi, as well as study regional features of their causative agents, including using genetic methods.

Epidemic outspread of Zika fever has given WHO authority to declare emergency situation in the sphere of international healthcare. Major risks for the Russian Federation are associated with the import of the disease by persons, infected in epidemiologically hazardous territory, or import of Zika virus vectors by transport means of international traffic. In this context, developed and normatively regimented is the complex of measures aimed at prevention of Zika virus disease, comprising activities to control import of the infection from enzootic territories, monitoring over the vectors of virus, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus , and procedure for disinfection operations. Developed and introduced into practice is a home-made preparation for laboratory diagnostics and detection of Zika virus RNA using PCR. The article covers the issue of possible dissemination of the vectors in southern regions of Russia in view of climate warming. It is concluded that nowadays probability of local Zika virus transmission in “human-mosquito” cycle is extremely low and no complications of epidemiological situation on arboviral Ae. aegypti- and Ae. albopictus- borne infections are predicted.

Aim. Analysis of epidemic manifestations of natural-foci infections (NFI), clarification of spectrum of their causative agents, determination of epizootic activity of natural foci in the Crimea Federal District (KFD). Materials and methods. Epizootologic examination of 10 administrative districts of KDF was carried out. 291 pools (2705 specimens) of ixodes ticks and 283 samples of organs of small mammals were studied by PCR method for the presence of DNA/RNA of causative agents of a number of NFI. Results. Morbidity by NFI in KFD was registered by 6 nosologies: Lyme borreliosis, Marseilles fever, leptospirosis, tularemia, intestine yersiniosis and tick-borne viral encephalitis, wherein, transmissive infections made up 91.6%. Circulation of causative agents of Crimea hemorrhagic fever, Q fever, group of tick-borne spotted fever, Lyme borreliosis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, human monocytic ehrlichiosis, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, West Nile fever, tularemia and leptospirosis was established. Conclusion. Due to activity of natural foci of NFI further monitoring of epidemiologic and epizootologic manifestations of these infections in the Crimea, including using genetic methods of analysis, is necessary for ensuring sanitary-epidemiologic welfare of KFD population.

This work represents the results of the genetic identification of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHF virus) strains isolated in the Crimean Federal District in conducting the epidemiological survey of the imported case of CCHF from Crimea in 2015. One sample of the serum from a patient and 61 pools (506 specimens) of ticks collected during the epizootiological survey of 6 administrative districts of the Crimean Federal District were tested using PCR for the presence of the CCHF virus RNA. RNA of the CCHF virus was detected in serum from a patient and 10 samples of ticks. The genetic identification of the CCHF virus was performed by sequencing the virus genome S-, M-, and L-segments. The result of the molecular-genetic analysis revealed a high degree of identity between the samples of the CCHF virus in human serum and three samples of ticks and their belonging to a new genetic Crimea subclade (Vd) of the genotype Europe 1. Whole genome sequencing of two samples of CCHF virus belonging to the Crimea subgroup (Vd) was performed. CCHF virus variants of the Crimea subclade (Vd) of the Europe- lgenotype were described for the first time. These variants were endemic to the territory of the Crimean peninsula.

This work represents the results of the genetic identification of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHF virus) strains isolated in the Crimean Federal District in conducting the epidemiological survey of the imported case of CCHF from Crimea in 2015. One sample of the serum from a patient and 61 pools (506 specimens) of ticks collected during the epizootiological survey of 6 administrative districts of the Crimean Federal District were tested using PCR for the presence of the CCHF virus RNA. RNA of the CCHF virus was detected in serum from a patient and 10 samples of ticks. The genetic identification of the CCHF virus was performed by sequencing the virus genome S-, M-, and L-segments. The result of the molecular-genetic analysis revealed a high degree of identity between the samples of the CCHF virus in human serum and three samples of ticks and their belonging to a new genetic Crimea subclade (Vd) of the genotype Europe 1. Whole genome sequencing of two samples of CCHF virus belonging to the Crimea subgroup (Vd) was performed. CCHF virus variants of the Crimea subclade (Vd) of the Europe- lgenotype were described for the first time. These variants were endemic to the territory of the Crimean peninsula.

The territory of the Crimean Peninsula is an endemic one as regards various natural-focal infections. The paper contains the data on epizootiological survey of 8 administrative regions of the Crimean Federal District (CFD). Carried out has been small mammals and Ixodidae ticks census. Identified is their species composition. Performed have been the field samples collection and laboratory studies for the presence of bacterial and viral infection agents. Established is the fact that H. marginatum is a dominating species among the ticks, collected during the spring season, while the house mouse prevails among the small mammals. As for the autumn collection of samples, the dominating species are H. punctata and common vole, respectively. Laboratory investigation results indicate the circulation of the agents of Ku fever, tick-borne spotty fever, Ixodidae tick-borne borreliosis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, monocytic ehrlichiosis, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and leptospirosis.

Crimean hemorrhagic fever (CHF) is one of the priority infections in the south of the European part of the Russian Federation. Persistently high morbidity rates are retained within the past five year term, with case fatality amounting to 4.3 % on the average. In 2014 registered were 91 CHF cases. Therewith, displayed is the analysis of epidemiological situation on CHF in the territory of Russia in 2014, consolidated are the results of epizootiological surveillance of the CHF natural focus area, represented are the findings of genetic typing of CCHF virus which circulated in Russia in 2014. Using the data on epizootiological monitoring, made has been the forecast of CHF epidemiological situation development for 2015.

Crimean hemorrhagic fever remains one of the priority infections in the South of Russia. Within the past five years morbidity rates are retained consistently high in a number of regions; mortality rates are on average 4.4 %. In 2013 registered were 79 cases of CHF in the Southern and North-Caucasian Federal Districts. Therewith performed has been analysis of epidemiological situation on CHF in the Russian Federation for 2013, summarized have been the results of epizootiological surveillance of the natural CHF focus area in the South of European Russia, discussed are the results of genetic CCHF virus typing, identified in 2011-2013 in the South of Russia. Based on epizootiological surveillance data made has been the forecast of epidemiological situation development as regards CHF for 2014.

Forty-eight patients with duodenal peptic ulcer disease infected with Helicobacter pylori were examined. All patients undergo conventional 1-week eradication therapy. After its ending the patients were randomized to two groups: those who will be treated by synbiotics or control group. Normoflorin B and Normoflorin L, which contain bifidobacteria or lactobacilli in complex with different microelements, vitamins, aminoacids, organic acids, and antioxidants, were used as synbiotics. Morphologic study of biopsy samples of small intestine mucosa were performed in patients from both groups. It was determined that eradication therapy worsened existing symptoms of dyspepsia in 80.9% of cases or lead to their emergence, connected with dysbiotic manifestations, in 55.5% of patients. Inclusion of synbiotics in complex therapy resulted in rapid and effective elimination of dyspeptic symptoms, promoted recovery of affected morphologic and functional states of small intestine mucosal epithelium, and optimized metabolic processes important for the digestion.

The article deals with the results obtained in the study of the natural sensitivity of the nature populations of Ixodes ticks to 4 insecticides. As revealed in this study, the ticks are highly sensitive to commercial preparations in different phases of their development. The selective sensitivity of different species of ticks to these preparations is noted.

The paper gives the indices of abundance of fleas of different species of rodents in their fur and in their burrows and lays emphasis on the general mechanisms by which the density of these blood-sucking insects is a species-specific (populational) sign and does not greatly differ from the mean many-year values. By using Citellophylus tesquorum and other specias as an example, the authors present the results of a study of natural mortality in fleas, which suggest that the mean longevity of imagoes and death in the preimaginal phases of development are a hereditary sign. An example of calculation of the death ratio "K" in the imaginal phases is given and evidence is provided for compiling the signs of the density of fleas in taking individual samples of a field material and calculating the abundance indices of specific species.