Relevance. The article describes the practical experience of participating in the independent monitoring of the fifth round of supplementary immunization against poliomyelitis in October 2010 in the Republic of Tajikistan, where the largest outbreak in the WHO European Region occurred, caused by an imported wild poliovirus type 1 from India. Aim. To summarize the experience of independent monitoring for assessing vaccination coverage, identifying unvaccinated children, and optimizing safety measures in the field. Materials and Methods . The experience of active identification of unvaccinated children in organized groups, at markets, on the streets, in private households, and among the nomadic population using the method of fingernail marking with a black marker is described. The forms of independent assessment of the immunization campaign are presented. Results. An analysis of coverage was conducted, and the reasons for non-vaccination were identified. Over four days of work in this region, we actively interviewed 302 children. In 31 children, there was no vaccination mark; 20 children were unvaccinated. Children who had no vaccination mark were vaccinated on the spot. Also, issues of ensuring the safety of the epidemiologist in the field when traveling to regions with an elevated level of danger were considered. Conclusion. The marking method allows for objective assessment of coverage and avoids the use of paper documentation among the nomadic population. A timely responsive vaccination campaign can contain a large-scale outbreak, but the ultimate global eradication of poliomyelitis requires the resolution of political and social issues.
Relevance. Vaccination remains the most effective measure for controlling pertussis spread; however, immunization strategies may require revision in light of changing disease patterns. Aims . To identify current trends in pertussis incidence in the Russian Federation and propose modifications to vaccination strategies. Materials and methods . The study was based on analysis of statistical forms "Data on infectious and parasitic diseases" (Form No. 2) and "Data on populations of children and adults vaccinated against infectious diseases" (Form No. 6) for 2013–2025, as well as medical records of 535 infants who experienced pertussis during their first year of life in Moscow in 2023–2025. Results. Pertussis incidence in the Russian Federation demonstrates a sustained upward trend (average annual growth rate: 9.79 %), with infants under one year remaining the most vulnerable group, accompanied by an increase in pertussis-related mortality. Against this background, a substantial proportion of cases occurs among population groups most frequently serving as sources of infection for infants: during the study period, children aged 7–14 years accounted for 33–44 % of cases, while the share of adult cases increased (17 % nationally and 31 % in Moscow in 2025), substantiating the need for national implementation of age-targeted booster vaccination. The unfavorable epidemiological situation is exacerbated by delays in infant immunization (coverage < 50 % by the end of the first year of life) and low adherence to series completion among children following natural infection (among children who experienced pertussis in 2023, only 11.2 % continued immunization; in 2024 — 50.7 %; in 2025 — 7.6 %). Conclusions . To stabilize the situation, critical measures include: implementation of booster vaccination for school-aged children; mandatory maternal immunization to provide transplacental protection to newborns; and strict adherence to completion of vaccination series for children following pertussis infection.
Relevance . Pneumococcal infection remains one of the common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including among at-risk adults and the elderly. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure. However, vaccination coverage among at-risk adults in the Russian Federation remains insufficient, which may be related, among other factors, to low public awareness about the possibility of immunization and to low physician adherence to pneumococcal vaccination. At present, data on this indicator in Russia are limited. Aim. To assess physician adherence to pneumococcal vaccination among at-risk adults. Materials and Methods . A sample-based prospective observational epidemiological study was conducted, comprising four data collection phases (2019, 2021, 2023, 2025). Data were collected using an anonymous questionnaire. Physicians specializing in the treatment, prevention, and counseling of high-risk adult patients for pneumococcal infection (internists, general practitioners, pulmonologists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, etc.) were invited to participate. Invitations were sent using the database of the National Association of Specialists in Control of Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases (NASСI). A total of 27,082 respondents participated (8,695 in 2019, 9,032 in 2021, 4,305 in 2023, and 5,050 in 2025). Representatives from 79 out of 85 federal subjects participated in 2019 and 2021, 66 out of 89 in 2023, and 70 out of 89 in 2025. Statistical analysis employed descriptive statistics. Correlation analysis was performed to identify associations between adherence to vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination coverage in specific risk groups, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results . In 2025, 64.3 % [CI: 63–65.6 %] of physicians reported recommending pneumococcal vaccination. Between 2019 and 2021, this indicator decreased from 64.4 % [CI: 63.4–65.4 %] in 2019 to 58.6 % [CI: 57.6–59.6 %] in 2021. Vaccination was recommended to patients with chronic bronchopulmonary diseases by 91.1 % of physicians overall [CI: 90.4–91.8 %], including 96.7 % [CI: 93.8–99.6 %] of pulmonologists, 92.7 % [CI: 91.6–93.8 %] of internists, and 91.7 % [CI: 89.4–94 %] of infectious disease specialists. For individuals aged ≥ 60 years, 81.8 % [CI: 80.8–82.8 %] of physicians overall recommended vaccination, including 90.5 % [CI: 81.6–99.5 %] of geriatricians, 75.6 % [CI: 71.9–79.3 %] of general practitioners, and 71.1 % [CI: 69.2–73 %] of internists. Approximately half of physicians recommended vaccination to patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases (62.0 % [CI: 60.7–63.3 %] overall; 67.4 % [CI: 62.3–72.5 %] among cardiologists) and endocrine diseases (56.8 % [CI: 55.5–58.1 %] overall; 77.0 % [CI: 72.4–81.6 %] among endocrinologists). The smallest proportion of specialists (less than one quarter) reported recommending pneumococcal vaccination to patients with chronic kidney disease (15.0 % [CI: 14.1–15.9 %] overall; 44.9 % [CI: 31–58.8 %] among nephrologists), liver disease (17.8 % [CI: 16.8–17.8 %] overall), and immunocompromised patients (24.9 % [CI: 23.8–26.0 %] overall; 84.8 % [CI: 72.6–97 %] among hematologists, 60.3 % [CI: 56.3–64.3 %] among infectious disease specialists, and 38.6 % [CI: 32.8–44.4 %] among oncologists). From 2019 to 2025, the proportion of physicians recommending vaccination to individuals aged ≥ 60 years increased by 21.8 %, and to patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases by 19.9 %. Less pronounced growth was observed for patients with endocrine diseases and workers in occupations harmful to the respiratory system (by 7.1 % and 8.4 %, respectively). The proportion of physicians recommending vaccination to individuals in special living conditions (e.g., shift workers), immunocompromised patients, and patients with chronic liver or kidney diseases did not increase and remained low. A direct, strong, statistically significant correlation was found between the level of vaccination adherence in 2023 and 2025 and the increase in pneumococcal vaccination coverage among at-risk adults (r = 0.77, p = 0.005 and r = 0.72, p = 0.013, respectively). A direct, statistically significant correlation of moderate strength was found between adherence in 2023 and vaccination coverage in 2023 (r = 0.59, p = 0.021). Conclusion . Further efforts are needed to improve physician awareness regarding pneumococcal vaccination, specifically: incorporating detailed information on specific prophylaxis into clinical guidelines for managing high-risk patients, including immunization strategies, schedules, timing, and efficacy data; expanding the list of individuals eligible for vaccination under the National Immunisation Schedule and the Vaccination Schedule for Epidemic Indications; and actively involving in educational activities on immunoprophylaxis those clinicians who treat high-risk patients and prevent infectious diseases among them.
Relevance. Secondary spread of pertussis in schools is driven by waning immunity by the age of 6–7 years, low clinical vigilance among healthcare workers regarding pertussis in over 5 years old, and close contact within organized groups. The scope and quality of anti-epidemic measures play a key role in the rapid containment of infection outbreaks. Aims. To evaluate the effectiveness of anti-epidemic measures in cluster outbreaks of pertussis in schools across several regions of the Russian Federation. Materials and Methods . Data from 36 geographically and temporally unlinked cluster outbreaks of pertussis across 9 regions of the Russian Federation in 2023 (the period of the highest incidence peak in 26 years) were analyzed. Standard reporting forms and custom-developed evaluation tables were utilized, capturing parameters such as outbreak duration, number of cases and contacts, laboratory testing coverage, and the timing and scope of implemented interventions (including the transition to remote learning). Results. The mean duration of outbreak monitoring was 41 days (range: 21 to 88 days). In all outbreaks, anti-epidemic measures (isolation, medical surveillance, and room ventilation) were implemented promptly. The transition to remote learning was implemented in 14 outbreaks. A positive correlation was found between the number of cases and both the number of classes switched to remote learning (rs = 0.63, p < 0.001) and the timing of this transition (rs = 0.53, p = 0.001). This indicates that remote learning was resorted to out of necessity in large, prolonged outbreaks, when standard containment measures had already failed to yield results. Conclusions . The prolonged duration and scale of outbreaks indicate a lack of immune protection among schoolchildren. Transitioning to remote learning is effective as an anti-epidemic measure only during the early stages of an outbreak. Monitoring and validation of clear criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of anti-epidemic measures in pertussis outbreaks are required. Medical surveillance and laboratory testing of exposed individuals are critical for the early detection of cases and their prompt removal from the school setting.
Relevance. Achieving and sustaining measles control requires optimization of vaccination schedules that account for demographic changes, immunity dynamics, and infection transmission patterns. A comparative assessment of the long-term effectiveness of different immunization schedules using modern modeling techniques is a relevant scientific and practical task. Objective . To conduct a comparative assessment of the long-term epidemiological effect of different measles vaccination schedules using the developed agent-based simulation model. Materials and Methods . A spatially implicit agent-based stochastic model was developed, integrating modules for demography, migration, maternal and vaccine-induced immunity, and age-specific spatial contacts. In a series of 100-year simulations for a population of 100,000 agents, three scenarios were compared: a standard twodose schedule (SRN: 12 months and 6 years), a schedule with an earlier first dose (SR9: 9 months and 6 years, strict timeliness window), and a schedule with a booster dose (SR3: 12 months, 6 and 18 years). The analysis focused on the long-term average incidence, inter-epidemic intervals, and the age distribution of cases. Results. The SR9 scenario demonstrated a statistically significant 2.5-fold reduction in the long-term average incidence compared to the baseline SRN scenario. SR9 was associated with longer inter-epidemic intervals (6.12 years vs. 5.75 years for SRN), a twofold reduction in peak incidence, and smoother outbreak dynamics. The age distribution of cases showed a significant reduction in incidence both among children under one year and among adults (18+) in the SR9 scenario compared to SRN and SR3. The introduction of a booster dose (SR3) did not lead to a significant reduction in long-term average incidence compared to the standard schedule. Conclusions . Optimization of the vaccination calendar involving an earlier administration of the first dose (9 months) combined with strict control over vaccination timeliness can provide a more significant and sustained reduction in measles incidence compared to standard or extended booster schedules. The obtained results highlight the importance of refining the age at vaccination initiation and regulating the timing of vaccine administration as key factors for long-term epidemiological control.
Relevance. The incidence of enterovirus infections (EVI) in the Russian Federation increases in the summer-autumn period, with outbreaks occurring. The highest incidence rates recorded in the Ural and Far Eastern Federal Districts. Aim. To study the manifestations of the EVI epidemic process in the Far Eastern Federal District in 2006–2024. Materials and Methods . A retrospective epidemiological analysis of EVI incidence in the subjects of the Far Eastern Federal District conducted using nonparametric and parametric statistical methods. Results. In the Far Eastern Federal District a trend toward a moderate increase in EVI incidence with an increase in the registration of outbreaks has been identified. Most cases of infection occur in children aged 0 to 6 years, with children aged 1–2 years and up to one year being at risk. Increases in the incidence of enterovirus infections are largely associated with the circulation of certain enterovirus genotypes, with Enterovirus alphacoxsackie species predominating in the etiologic structure since 2017. A downward trend in the incidence of enteroviral meningitis has been observed. Among the clinical manifestations of enterovirus infections, the incidence of herpangina and exanthemic forms has increased. Conclusions . The dominance of E. alphacoxsackie species could has lead to a change in the clinical patterns of enterovirus infections and, likely, the age distribution of affected children, as well as an increase in outbreaks. Multiple transmission routes, high contagiousness, and prolonged shedding of E. alphacoxsackie species require anti-epidemic measures not only during the seasonal but also during the interepidemic period.
Relevance. Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and chronic rheumatic heart disease (CRHD) remain important medical and social problems despite a declining prevalence in most developed countries. These conditions are late complications of group A streptococcal infection and are associated with chronic valvular heart disease, disability, and premature mortality. Current evidence indicates persistent regional disparities in disease distribution and possible underestimation of the true disease burden. Aim . To assess long-term trends in the incidence, prevalence, and mortality of ARF and CRHD in the Russian Federation and Moscow during 2012–2024 and to evaluate age-specific and territorial characteristics of disease distribution. Materials and Methods . A retrospective descriptive epidemiological study was conducted. Data were obtained from Federal Statistical Reporting Forms No. 12 and No. 14. Analyses were performed for the total population and for the following age groups: children aged 0–14 years, adolescents aged 15–17 years, adults aged ≥ 18 years, working-age population, and older-than-working-age population. Incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates per 100,000 population, average long-term rates (ALR), average annual growth rates (AAGR), and trend significance coefficients (t) were calculated. Time-series analysis was performed using the least-squares method with trend-line construction. Results. A total of 24,815 cases of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and 110,255 newly diagnosed cases of chronic rheumatic heart disease (CRHD) were registered in the Russian Federation between 2012 and 2024. A statistically significant decline in the main epidemiological indicators was observed. The incidence of ARF decreased 4.3-fold, from 1.76 to 0.41 per 100,000 population (AAGR = -9.6 %; p < 0.001). The incidence of CRHD decreased 1.8-fold, from 7.31 to 4.09 per 100,000 population (AAGR = -6.2 %; p < 0.001), while the prevalence of CRHD decreased 2.0-fold, from 130.88 to 66.06 per 100,000 population (AAGR = -5.8 %; p < 0.001). Mortality from ARF decreased 9.7-fold, from 0.03 to 0.003 per 100,000 population, whereas mortality from CRHD decreased 1.8-fold, from 1.09 to 0.60 per 100,000 population. The highest ARF incidence (ALR = 5.06 per 100,000 population), CRHD incidence (ALR = 13.67 per 100,000 population), and CRHD prevalence (ALR = 194.68 per 100,000 population) were observed in the North Caucasian Federal District. The highest ARF incidence was recorded among adolescents aged 15–17 years (ALR = 3.62 per 100,000 population), whereas CRHD predominantly affected individuals older than working age, with average long-term incidence and prevalence rates of 8.27 and 210.53 per 100,000 population, respectively. In Moscow, the main epidemiological indicators of ARF and CRHD were lower than the national averages and also demonstrated statistically significant declines over the study period. Conclusion . A decrease in the incidence, prevalence, and mortality associated with ARF and CRHD was observed in the Russian Federation and Moscow during 2012–2024. However, pronounced territorial disparities and age-related differences in disease distribution persist. These findings highlight the need for further improvement of epidemiological surveillance, prevention of group A streptococcal infection and its complications, and early detection of post-streptococcal diseases.
Aim. To analyze long-term trends and age-specific patterns of S. sonnei and S. flexneri incidence in the Russian Federation over the period 2009–2024. Materials and methods . A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from the federal statistical surveillance (Form No. 2 «Information on infectious and parasitic diseases») for 2009–2024. Incidence rates were calculated per 100,000 population. Average annual incidence rates (AAIR) were computed as arithmetic means of annual values. The average annual rate of decline (increase) in incidence (AAR) was estimated from the linear regression coefficient to assess long-term trends. Statistical significance of differences was evaluated using Student's t-test, and confidence intervals were calculated by the Wald method. Results . The incidence of both shigellosis forms continued to decline, but the pace slowed down: for S. flexneri , AAR changed from -25.8 % (2003–2009) to -12.6 % (2009–2024); for S. sonnei , from -17.4 % to -11.6 %. Since 2022, the incidence of S. sonnei has for the first time significantly exceeded that of S. flexneri (previously S. flexneri had dominated for many years). Over the study period, the epidemic process of S. flexneri was characterized by a lack of pronounced cyclicity and a persistent shift of the highest incidence towards the youngest age groups (children under 1 year and 1–2 years; AAIR 14.11 and 17.69, respectively), indicating a predominantly contact-household transmission route. In contrast, S. sonnei showed regular periodic rises every 2–4 years, with peak incidence in children aged 3–6 years (AAIR 10.38); the proportion of cases among children aged 7–14 years was high (22.1 %). Discussion. The identified shift in the ratio of pathogens (predominance of S. sonnei since 2022) is consistent with international data and may be considered a marker of improved sanitary and hygienic conditions. The decline in incidence in 2020–2021 is attributed to anti-epidemic measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The parallel dynamics of S. flexneri incidence among children under 2 years of age and adults indirectly indicates a predominantly familial (contact-household) mode of transmission under current conditions of centralized water supply, whereas the distinct dynamics observed among children aged 3–6 and 7–14 years point to the role of organized groups in the spread of S. sonnei. Conclusion . Divergent changes were identified in the age structure and incidence ratio of S. sonnei and S. flexneri shigellosis, particularly pronounced in the post-pandemic period (since 2022).
Relevance. Despite the fact that mumps has been a vaccine-preventable infection for many years, it continues to be an urgent public health problem. Epidemiological surveillance and vaccine prophylaxis for mumps are carried out comprehensively together with measles and rubella. At the same time, mumps is given much less attention than measles and rubella. Aim : to assess the epidemic situation of mumps in the world and in the Russian Federation, the coverage of vaccination, revaccination and the timeliness of their implementation in Russia. To compare the incidence of mumps, measles and rubella. Materials and methods . A retrospective epidemiological analysis of the incidence of mumps in the world for the period 2012–2024 was carried out in comparison with the incidence of measles and rubella, as well as in the Russian Federation for the period 2007–2024, taking into account the distribution of the incidence of mumps and the structure of cases by age group. The coverage of preventive mumps vaccinations for the period 2012-2024 and the timeliness of vaccination for the period 2021–2024 in the Russian Federation are analyzed. The sample was taken from the World Health Organization database and from the federal statistical observation forms (No. 2, No. 6). The reliability of the differences was assessed using confidence intervals. Results . The analysis showed that the incidence of mumps in the world and in the Russian Federation differs from the incidence of measles and rubella. In particular, the incidence increases do not always coincide, there are cyclical features and there are differences in the most epidemiologically significant age groups. The incidence of mumps in Russia, although at low numbers, tends to increase (the average annual growth rate is 7.8 %). The highest incidence rate is observed in the group of children aged 3–6 years (3.19 ± 0.22 per 100 thousand. of the corresponding population group), while the lowest incidence rate is in the group of children under 1 year of age (0.5 ± 0.17 per 100 thousand of the corresponding population group). It should be noted that the measles incidence rate is the highest in the group of children under 1 year of age. At the same time, the incidence of mumps among children under 1 year of age is growing at the highest rate of incidence (an increase rate of 4.6 %). The largest contribution to the structure of cases is made by groups of children aged 7–14 years and 3–6 years, the proportion of the total number of cases is 20.3 % and 19.9 %, respectively. The coverage of preventive vaccinations in the Russian Federation decreased against the background of the pandemic and by 2024 has not yet reached pre-pandemic values, while it should be noted that coverage is achieved only by 24 months. Revaccination coverage in 2023 and 2024 amounted to 71.27 % and 92.3 %, respectively. Conclusion. The presence of an upward trend in the incidence of mumps, high levels of morbidity in children aged 3–6 and 7–14 years, as well as the greatest contribution of these age groups to the structure of cases indicate a worsening epidemic situation for this infection. To a certain extent, the reasons for the deterioration of the epidemic situation are late vaccination and insufficient vaccination coverage. At the same time, differences in the incidence of mumps from the incidence of measles and rubella require consideration of changing approaches to epidemiological surveillance and prevention of mumps.
Introduction . Bronchial asthma (BA) is a heterogeneous disease whose development involves not only genetic predisposition but also important non-hereditary factors, including comorbid conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome. The shared pathogenetic mechanisms based on chronic inflammation suggest the existence of common genetic determinants, which remains understudied. Purpose. To identify molecular genetic markers and risk factors for predisposition to adult-onset BA associated with metabolic disorders. Materials and Methods . A retrospective case-control study was conducted on a sample of 315 individuals (63 BA patients and 252 conditionally healthy controls), matched for age and sex. Alongside the analysis of concomitant pathology, an association analysis was performed for polymorphisms in the genes: ADRB2 (rs1042713), IL6 (rs1800795), HLA-DQ2.5 (rs2187668), SLC30A8 (rs13266634), and TCF7L2 (rs12255372). Statistical analysis was performed using the χ² criterion in the StatTech v. 4.12.1 program (developer – StatTech LLC, Russia). Results . BA patients had a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes/metabolic syndrome-associated disorders (11.1 % vs. 4.0 %, p = 0.034) and diagnosed colitis (14.3 % vs. 3.6 %, p = 0.003). Strong associations with BA were found for polymorphisms in genes key to metabolism: SLC30A8 rs13266634 (C/C genotype: 41.3 % vs. 11.5 %, p < 0.001) and TCF7L2 rs12255372 (G/G genotype: 47.6 % vs. 14.3 %, p < 0.001). No associations were found for polymorphisms in the ADRB2, IL6, and HLA-DQ2.5 genes. Research limitations. The retrospective design and the relatively small sample size, which preclude establishing causal relationships. Conclusion . The obtained data indicate the existence of a "metabolically-associated" phenotype of adult-onset BA, whose pathogenesis is significantly linked to polymorphisms in the SLC30A8 and TCF7L2 genes and corresponding comorbidity. The results justify the expediency of mutual screening of BA patients for metabolic disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Relevance. The population of both the world and the Russian Federation is decreasing every year, including due to a decrease in the birth rate. The upcoming demographic "failure" will undoubtedly affect all aspects of people's lives. According to several studies, the overall decline in the birth rate is also caused by the high prevalence of infertility among both women and men. Aim. Conduct a descriptive epidemiological retrospective study of the incidence and prevalence of male and female infertility within the Russian Federation (RF) and its individual federal districts in 2011–2024. Materials & Methods . The study used data from the Form № 12 «Information on the number of diseases registered in patients living in the medical facility's service area» in 2011–2024, as well as data on the quantity of adult population from Rosstat's statistical bulletins «Population of the Russian Federation by Gender and Age» in 2011–2024. The study population consisted of men aged 18–59 and women aged 18–54. The calculation of the incidence and prevalence rate was made per 100,000 population. Results. The average annual values of the incidence and prevalence of male infertility in Russia were 34,0 0 / 0000 and 94,0 0 / 0000 . For female infertility, the values were 204,1 0 / 0000 and 657,0 0 / 0000 , which exceeded the incidence and prevalence of male infertility by 6,0 and 7,0 times, respectively. However, literature data suggests that male and female factors have an equal impact on infertility in couples. Among the Federal Districts, the highest average annual incidence and prevalence of male infertility were found in the Urals (94,4 0 / 0000 and 217,5 0 / 0000 ) and the North Caucasus (68,5 0 / 0000 and 254,5 0 / 0000 ) federal districts, the lowest in the South (14,0 0 / 0000 and 41,0 0 / 0000 ) and the Far East federal districts (13,9 0 / 0000 and 43,2 0 / 0000 ). The highest rates of female infertility were also recorded in the Ural Federal District (297,0 0 / 0000 and 924,2 0 / 0000 ) and the North Caucasus Federal District (283,3 0 / 0000 and 1146,3 0 / 0000 ), while the lowest rates were recorded in the Southern Federal District (155,6 0 / 0000 and 433,5 0 / 0000 ) and the Central Federal District. Conclusions. The identified regional features indicate the need to improve approaches to comprehensive prevention of male and female infertility, taking into account demographic factors in different territories. Interdisciplinary cooperation as part of systematic efforts to reduce the burden of infertility should be a priority in the organization of reproductive care for the population.
Relevance. In 1973, while searching for the causative agent of HFRS, virus strains were isolated from bank voles that exhibited no cytopathogenicity in continuous human, monkey, and porcine kidney cell cultures. The HFRS virus was not detected in these cell cultures. It was only in 2017 that S. V. Alkhovsky et al. established that bank vole viruses (BVVs) belong to the Paramyxoviridae family. The question of BVVs involvement in human pathology remained open.Аim. Establish the involvement of BVV in human pathology based on the detection of antibodies to this virus among outpatients and donors in the Tula and several other regions of the European part of Russia.Materials & Methods. Viruses: paramyxovirus RP-12 strain, GenBank # MP943130. Sera from patients with suspected HFRS, as well as donor sera from several regions of Russia, were investigated. Antibodies to the BV virus detected by ELISA and immunoblotting.Results. The BVV virus circulation and its etiological role in human disease was established according to virological testing, PCR analysis of the organs of bank voles and serological examination of patients diagnosed with fever of unknown etiology and other categories of patients, in the Tula, Ryazan, Voronezh, Saratov, Lipetsk, Moscow, Ulyanovsk regions and the Republic of Bashkortostan.The distribution of this new infection, as well as its clinical and epidemiological characteristics in European Russia, are consistent with HFRS associated with the Puumala virus.Conclusion. We discover the new zoonotic human infection associated with bank vole paramyxovirus similar in epidemic characteristics to HFRS. In addition, two genotypes of the BV virus identified in the forest zone of European Russia.
Relevance. The high contagiousness of measles makes organized groups of children and adults epidemiologically significant due to the ease of aerosol transmission and the risk of persistent secondary transmission. The literature describes various measles outbreaks, varying in duration and number of cases. The evaluation of the anti-epidemic measures implemented in these outbreaks was assessed based on the timeliness of the initiation of anti-epidemic measures, including vaccination of contacts of eligible individuals, the outbreak duration, the ratio of outbreaks with one case to outbreaks with spread of infection, and the number of cases in absolute and relative terms. However, we did not find any studies evaluating the quality of anti-epidemic measures in terms of the magnitude of prevented financial losses and the number of prevented cases.Aims. To evaluate the effectiveness of antiepidemic measures using the example of a measles outbreak among university students.Materials and methods. The materials used for this study included emergency notifications, a report on the investigation of the outbreak with the establishment of a cause-and-effect relationship, «Epidemiological Investigation Cards for Measles Cases and Suspected Cases», and laboratory test results for the presence of IgM and IgG to the measles virus. The study utilized descriptive retrospective epidemiological analysis, serological, and statistical methods.Results. A measles outbreak was recorded in May-June 2024 among 266 dormitory residents. The total number of contacts, including the university, was 502 and was small relative to the total number of students and staff. This was due to the end of academic term and the academic exam period from May 12th to 30th, followed by examinations from June 3rd. Immediately after receiving the emergency notification, an epidemiological investigation was initiated and anti-epidemic measures were implemented. The contact circle and the boundaries of the outbreak were determined. Since the source of infection for the first three simultaneous cases of measles was unclear and all contacts had been vaccinated against measles twice, serological testing was conducted using the ELISA method to detect M antibodies and G anti-measles antibodies. The suspected source of infection was identified among the international students in the dormitory who had not sought medical care. 48 students with questionable G antibody results were vaccinated, and a restrictive measure in the form of distance learning was introduced.Discussion. Although serological testing of contacts is not included in the list of mandatory anti-epidemic measures, given the risk of infection spread, it was conducted. This allowed us to identify not only suspected sources of infection but also individuals who were conditionally seronegative for the measles virus but had been vaccinated against it. This study is the first to use an objective approach to assessing the effectiveness of anti-epidemic measures, expressed in economic terms as the amount of losses prevented. We believe this is very important and promising.Conclusion. The anti-epidemic measures proved effective, limiting the outbreak to 13 days, preventing the infection of 1,822 people, and preventing losses totaling 173,454 rubles.
Relevance. Group of immunocompromised patients is large and diverse and has high risk of infection and severe outcomes. Despite evidence that vaccination is effective and safe for this group, official Russian clinical guidelines remain limited in their recommendations. This circumstance poses a risk to the lives and health of immunocompromised individuals. Aim. To analyze whether Russian clinical guidelines and other official documents include recommendations for the vaccination of immunocompromised patients and to assess how detailed they are. Materials and methods. We analyzed Russian clinical guidelines for specific infectious diseases and conditions that may potentially be accompanied by immunosuppression available on the online platform «Rubricator of Clinical Guidelines of Russian Federation» and other official documents. We assessed whether they include recommendations on vaccination for immunocompromised individuals and evaluated the level of detail of these recommendations. Results. Recommendations for the vaccination of immunocompromised individuals are not included in 11 of the 19 (57,9 %) reviewed clinical guidelines for the management of patients with conditions that may potentially be accompanied by immunosuppression (including «Breast cancer», «Chronic kidney disease» and «Living kidney donation»), and in 3 of the 13 (23,1 %) reviewed clinical guidelines for specific infectious diseases (including «Viral Pneumonia», «Community-acquired pneumonia in children» and «Acute bronchiolitis»). There are also no specific guidelines on the vaccination of immunocompromised patients in the Russian National Immunization Schedule. Many of the clinical guidelines that recommend vaccination provide only general recommendations and do not specify the vaccination schedules or vaccine types. Conclusion. The reviewed clinical guidelines contain gaps in recommendations for the vaccination of immunocompromised patients. When vaccination is mentioned, the recommendations are usually incomplete and lack details regarding vaccine types and immunization schedules. Incorporating evidence-based vaccine recommendations into clinical guidelines may help raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the importance of vaccinating immunocompromised individuals, increase vaccination coverage, and reduce the risk of infectious diseases and their consequences in this vulnerable population.
Relevance: Vaccination is an effective method of prevention for many infectious and non-infectious diseases. However, distrust in immunization has become a global public health challenge. Personalized tools for assessing attitudes toward vaccination are necessary to improve population adherence to vaccination programs.Aims. To develop a binary logistic regression model for personalized assessment of an individual's attitude toward immunization.Materials and methods. The study utilized results from an anonymous survey of 3,082 respondents (2,087 medical students and 995 non-medical students). The data were split into training (80 %) and testing (20 %) datasets. A binary logistic regression model was constructed based on responses to seven survey questions. Model evaluation was performed using ROC analysis, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and the F1-score.Results. The developed model is statistically significant (p < 0.001) and explains 50.1 % of the variance in attitudes toward vaccination. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.888, indicating high discriminative ability. On the test dataset, the model demonstrated a sensitivity of 82.3 %, specificity of 86.7 %, and accuracy of 83.3 %.Conclusion. The developed binary classifier exhibits high predictive capability for personalized assessment of an individual's attitude toward immunization. Its application can enable healthcare professionals to effectively identify individuals with uncertain or negative attitudes toward vaccination and conduct targeted educational interventions to improve vaccination adherence. To enhance the model's universality and accuracy, further training incorporating representatives of various social groups is required.
Relevance. In patients with circulatory system diseases, Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates carrying both hypervirulence and multidrug resistance are one of the most common causative agents of healthcare-associated infections (HAI). The main sequence types (ST395, ST307) of Klebsiella pneumoniae are shown, virulence marker genes (AbST, YbST and RmST), determinants of beta-lactam resistance (bla , bla , bla ), including carbapenems (bla , are identified.Aim. To investigate the determinants of antibiotic resistance and virulence markers of clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae in patients with circulatory system diseases (CSD).Materials and methods. We studied 69 isolates of Klebsiella spp., collected from November 2022 to October 2023 from samples of pathological materials from patients of two large centers for the treatment of patients with CSD who had registered cases of HAIs according to NASCI criteria. The species identity of isolates to the Klebsiella spp. genus confirmed by mass spectrometry. PCR was used to determine the presence or absence of carbapenemase and aerobactin genes for strain typing. Antibiotics susceptibility was determined by the disk diffusion method and broth microdilution method. The complete set of genes determining resistance and virulence was identified in 17 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates using whole genome sequencing. Functional annotation of genomes was performed by the bioinformatic resource Kleborate v3. and Kaptiv.Results. The studied Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were characterized by different degrees of phenotypic drug resistance: predominantly broad/extreme XDR) – 78.57 %, multiple (MDR) – 14.29 %, pan-resistance (PDR) –7.14 %. Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 17) for which whole genome sequencing was performed belong to 4 sequence types: to ST395 – 11 isolates (64.71 %), to ST307 – 4 (23.53 %), and one of each to ST416 and ST6 (5.88 % each). Sequence-type ST395 isolates demonstrated the properties of resistance to classes 13–14 of antibiotics, ST307 to classes 9, ST416 and ST6 did not have resistance to antibiotics. A high prevalence of the hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) pathotype was observed: rmpA2 (82.35 %), iucA (82.35 %), a hypermucoid phenotype (Hm, 58.93 %) and carbapenem resistance (mediated by OXA-48 carbapenemase, 64.71 %).Conclusion. Analyzed Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates are represented by 4 sequence types, widespread in European countries. HvKP isolates characterized by XDR, PDR and simultaneously carrying carbapenem resistance genes require prompt and accurate diagnosis to effectively treat patients with CSD.
Relevance. Research on the development of new, more advanced vaccines against Covid-19, both based on modern technologies and traditional inactivated ones, remains relevant. In the "48 Central Research Institute" of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, together with the Yaroslavl Factory of ready-made Dosage Forms of JSC R-Pharm, a cultural (based on Vero (B) cell culture) inactivated with beta-propiolactone chromatographically purified vaccine against coronavirus infection Covid-19 was developed. The aim of the work is to evaluate the results of preclinical studies on its immunogenicity and protective effectiveness in animal experiments. Materials and methods. The immunogenicity and protective activity of experimental vaccine samples with adjuvants aluminum hydroxide and CpG 1018 were evaluated, including in comparison with Sputnik V, after double immunization of Syrian hamsters with an interval of 21 days with intranasal infection with the virulent SARS-CoV-2 virus at a dose of 105 Plaqueforming units/individual. In an experiment on monkeys, the effects of the vaccine on double immunization were evaluated: humoral (virus neutralizing antibodies titer) and cellular immunity indicators for 1 year. Results and discussion. The optimal dose of the vaccine was selected – 15 mcg of protein and the composition of the adjuvants included in it was determined: 500 mcg of aluminum hydroxide and 10 mcg of synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide CpG 1018. The inactivated sorbed vaccine against Covid-19 coronavirus infection, when administered twice with an interval of 21 days, induces the formation of viral neutralizing antibodies in 80-100% of Syrian hamsters at titers of 1:20 or more 21 days after the completion of the immunization cycle and is characterized by a lung protection index ≥ 3.2 lg on the 6th day after infection with 105Plaque-forming units of virulent virus (variant “Delta”). The inactivated sorbed vaccine is capable of generating a humoral immune response in rhesus monkeys to both the “Delta” variant and the “Omicron” variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Virus neutralizing antibodies for both variants persists in 100% of vaccinated animals for 180 days after double immunization. By 42 days after the completion of vaccination, there is an increase in cytotoxic T lymphocytes and a decrease in total B lymphocytes. Conclusions. The inactivated sorbed purified vaccine against Covid-19 coronavirus infection, when administered twice, is immunogenic for Syrian hamsters and protects them from intranasal infection with 1•105 Plaqueforming units of virulent virus. The vaccine is capable of generating a specific humoral immune response to both the “Delta” variant and the “Omicron” variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Virus neutralizing antibodies for both variants persists in 100 % of animals for 180 days after double immunization. The effect of immunization on cellular immunity is shown.
Relevance. Psychoneuroimmune aspects of the formation of post-vaccination immunity against SARS-CoV-2 are of particular interest for modern virology and epidemiology. The variability of the individual immune response to vaccination may be associated not only with immunological but also with psychophysiological factors. The aim to evaluate the influence of psychophysiological factors (situational and personal anxiety, awareness of vaccination) on the manifestation of the immune response after immunization with a vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 based on virus-like particles (VLP), as well as to evaluate the relationships between these factors. Materials and methods. A questionnaire was administered to 248 volunteers aged 18 to 60 years to assess sociodemographic characteristics and analyze the level of awareness of vaccination issues. The level of anxiety was determined by the standardized State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire adapted by C.D. Spielberger. The intensity of humoral immunity was also assessed before and after vaccination using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All data were processed in encrypted form using the V1 cryptographic protocol to ensure blinding of the study. The transfer of intermediate data were carried out in accordance with the approved form provided in the clinical trial protocol. The study was conducted with the voluntary informed consent of the patients. The study protocol was approved at a meeting of the Ethics Council of the Department of Regulation of the Circulation of Medicines and Medical Devices of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (№4293530-25-2ЭС-214.08.2025). Results. In the group of volunteers immunized with the VLP vaccine for COVID-19 prevention, there was a significant increase in the antibody titer (p<0.001), along with an increase in the level of situational anxiety (p<0.001). It is noteworthy that an increase in the antibody level by 4 times or more was noted in 90% of volunteers with a low level of state anxiety, while 100% of volunteers with a high level of state anxiety did not have an increase in the antibody titer. Factor analysis identified two components influencing post-vaccination humoral immunity: 1–"Anxiety", which included personal anxiety and state anxiety before and after vaccination (psychophysiological determinants); 2–"Immune-age profile", which included age and antibody titer level at the time of vaccination (biological determinants). The total cumulative contribution of the two components to the total variance was 59.7%. The increase in antibodies had a negative correlation with age and the initial level of antibodies (τ = -0,267; p < 0,00; 95% CI [-0,379; -0,141]; n = 156), while the anxiety level had a negative correlation with the degree of awareness of vaccination (τ = -0,212; p < 0,001; 95% CI [-0,324; -0,095]; n=156). For the first time, a predictive model based on discriminant analysis was obtained. Group membership by anxiety level was used as a classification criterion, and personal anxiety indicators, degree of awareness and age served as predictors. Conclusion. Elevated situational anxiety at the time of vaccination is a risk factor for a diminished post-vaccination humoral immune response. A predictive model has been developed to assess this risk, with patient knowledge being its key modifiable parameter. Targeted enhancement of knowledge about vaccine prophylaxis serves as a practical tool of a personalized approach, aimed at reducing anxiety and increasing vaccination efficacy. Ultimately, this strategy may boost both individual vaccine uptake and the overall public health impact of immunization programs.
