Genetic diversity of hepatitis C virus in Nanaian region, Khabarovsk territory

Examining hepatitis C virus (HCV) genetic diversity is of great practical value in molecular-epidemiological research, development of specific prevention tools and outlining therapeutic strategy.Aim of study is to conduct analysis assessing HCV genetic diversity circulating in the Nanaisky Region population of the Khabarovsk Krai.Materials and methods. Molecular and genetic analysis of 124 blood plasma samples collected from patients with chronic hepatitis C and residing in the Nanaisky Region was conducted.Results. HCV RNA was detected in 84 (67.7±4.2%) plasma samples. HCV genotyping was performed by using AmpliSens — 1/2/3 kit (Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Moscow, Russian Federation) showing that genotype 3 dominated reaching up to 47.6±5.4% (n = 40). Genotype 1 was detected in 30 patients (35.7±5.2%). In thirteen cases (15.5±3.9%) genotype 2 was identified, whereas in one case (1.2±1.2%) virus genotype was unidentified. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences in HCV NS5B region was performed for 60 HCV RNA-positive samples showing subtype ratio as follows: 1a — 2 (3.3±2.3%), 1b — 23 (38.3±6.3%), 2а — 6 (10.0±3.9%), 2с — 2 (3.3±2.3%), 3а — 27 (45.0±6.4%). Three samples of RF2k/1b recombinant virus were found. A full NS2 gene nucleotide sequence was cloned in order to confirm the recombination event. The results of the study evidence about a need to conduct multi-layered examination of patients with chronic hepatitis C by using current molecular and biologic methods for assigning proper therapy coupled to characteristics of the isolated strains. The data regarding hepatitis C virus molecular and genetic parameters circulating in the Far Eastern Federal District, Russia, are rather limited. Hence, our study would contribute to current understanding of HCV genovariants circulating in territories of the Russian Federation

Epidemiological Surveillance over HIV-infection among Blood Donors, Medical Practitioners in the Far Eastern Federal District (2008–2017)

The objective of the research was to conduct a comparative analysis of HIV detection frequency in blood donors, medical practitioners and general population of the Far Eastern Federal district. Materials and methods. Analysis of the obtained data included general statistical methods involving parametric and nonparametric statistics. Results. During the years 2008–2017, an increase in medical examination coverage concerning citizens HIV-status was detected. The index in the Far Eastern Federal district in 2017 averaged 22.81 ± 0.02%. A moderate accession rate (2.86%) of HIV-infection cases detection was registered among blood donors during the studied period of time. In the group of medical practitioners HIV-infection accession rate was low (0.8%) and the trend can be characterized as relatively stable. Should be noted that HIV-infection among medical staff was not associated with professional performance. No correlation was registered between HIV abundance in general population, blood donors and medical practitioners of the Far Eastern Federal district. This fact potentially indicates on the isolation of the epidemiological process in blood donors and medical practitioners. Conclusion. Preventive work against HIV-infection and other hemotransmissive diseases among medical staff and general population needs to be strengthened in order to increase awareness concerning transmission routs of the infections and existing preventive measures

Epidemiology of HIV-assosiated tuberculosis in the Far Eastern Federal District

Aim. To determine  epidemiologic manifestations  of HIV-infection associated with tuberculosis in the Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD). Materials and methods. The retrospective epidemiologic analysis was performed based on the official statistical data form № 61 «Data on HIV infected population» in reference to clinically registered HIV and tuberculosis co-infected  patients. Results. The research revealed a growth trend of general tuberculosis prevalence against the background of stabilization of the tuberculosis incidence in HIV-positive  patients in the FEFD during 2006-2015. High tuberculosis-burden was registered in the most of the Far Eastern federal district constituent entities (Khabarovsk and Primorsky regions, Jewish and Chukotka  autonomous districts, Amursk oblast, and Republic Sakha (Yakutia). A statistically significant positive correlation  (r=0,66, p=0,003)  between percentage  of active tuberculosis in HIV-positive  patients and percentage of patients with AIDS was identified. The percentage of active tuberculosis in HIV-positive people on average over 10 years equaled to 65.0%. The prevalence rate of tuberculosis was higher by 19.2% in HIV-positive  inmates  compared  with HIV-positive  civilians. Conclusion. Тhe  FEFD is a constituent entity of the Russian Federation with high and unstable levels of tuberculosis prevalence in people living with HIV

Characteristics of Nasopharyngeal Carriage of Bacterial Pathogens in Children and Adults Suffering from Recurrent Respiratory Infections in Khabarovsk City in 2015–2018

Objective. To designate the nasopharyngeal carriage of bacterial pathogens among children and adults diagnosed with recurrent respiratory diseases residing in the Khabarovsk city during a four-year period.Materials and methods. Nasopharyngeal and oral swabs obtained from 7,043 children and adults were tested using classical bacteriological methods. In order to grow “difficult-to-culture” microorganisms a columbian agar with addition of 5% defibrinated sheep blood, incubation in the atmosphere rich with CO2 (5%), bacteriological analyzer Vitek 2 Compact were used. Real-time PCR was used to confirm the identification of S. pyogenes.Results. A high level of nasopharyngeal pathogens carriage (47%) was detected. The most prevalent microorganisms were as follows: S. pneumoniae (47%), M. catarrhalis (30.4%), H. influenzaе (17.5%), S. pyogenes (5.2%). The age groups at risk were children aged 0–6 years for S. pneumoniae and children aged 7–12 years for S. pyogenes. An emerging trend it the level of nasopharyngeal carriage of S. pneumoniae observed in 2018 was followed by the increase of registered incidence of pneumococcal pneumonia.Conclusion. Nasopharyngeal carriage of S. pneumoniae imposes a high risk of community-acquired pneumonia and other pneumococci-associated diseases, predominantly in children

Characteristics of Bacterial Microflora Isolated from Sputum of Patients with Pneumonia Registered in Khabarovsk City and Khabarovsk Territory in the Initial Period of COVID-19 Pandemic in May–June, 2020

Objective: to study the bacterial microflora in the sputum of patients with pneumonia caused by SARSCoV-2 or other pathogens.Materials and methods. The bacterial microflora of sputum of 173 patients with pneumonia admitted to hospitals in Khabarovsk and the Khabarovsk Territory in May – June 2020 was examined. Detection of RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was carried out by PCR with the Vector-PCRRV-2019-nCoV-RG test system (manufactured by the State Scientific Center of VB “Vector”, Koltsovo). Determination of the DNA of mycoplasmosis agents and chlamydia was carried out with the test system “AmpliSens® Mycoplasma pneumoniae/Chlamydophila pneumonia” (manufactured by CRIE). Statistical data processing was performed using the Excel program. Results and discussion. Both groups of patients (Covid-19+ and Covid-19–) had high levels of bacterial flora isolation (81.4 and 74.7 %) including common pathogens for community-acquired pneumonia as well as notable detection frequency of Candida spp. and microbial associations. The group of Covid-19+ patients demonstrated a wider range of detected pathogens, was positive for poly-resistant gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae, non-fermenting gram-negative poly-resistant bacteria, with more expressed manifestation of microbial associations. In the group of Covid-19– participants drug-resistant microflora was presented only by MRSA and MRSE  staphylococci