Objective: To study Brucella (B.) abortus strains isolated in the Russian Federation, in order to identify their detailed position in the phylogenetic structure of the species global population as well as to determine genetic relationships for isolates from different geographical areas. Methods: Based on Bayesian method, the whole genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of 258 B. abortus strains from different geographical areas of the world including 20 B. abortus strains isolated in Russia was carried out. Results: The core genome SNP analysis of the B. abortus isolates allowed describing the main genetic lineages. The Russian strains entered two separate clades, including the basal branch and the C1 branch that is widely spread in Eurasia. The data on the isolation time was used for the dating of phylogenetic tree, and also the estimated time frame for the B. abortus genotype diversification was determined. There were sets of specific SNPs identified, which defined each of the genotypes and sub-genotypes. Conclusions: A significant genetic diversity of the brucellosis pathogen strains from Russia has been proven. The sets of unique specific SNPs described in our study may become one of the elements within a bio-informational analysis algorithm to be used for epidemiological study of brucellosis outbreaks, including those caused by new (atypical) genetic variants of B. abortus.

Aim. Determination of the degree of phylogenetic relationship of Yersinia pestis strains isolated from the territories of natural foci of plague from the Caucasus using VNTR-typing by 25 loci (MLVA25). Materials and methods. 26 strains of Y. pestis from Russian natural foci of the Caucasus were used in the study. 25 loci of tandem repeats in Y. pestis genome by Le Fleche scheme were used for execution of multi-locus VNTR-analysis. Deciphering of nucleotide sequences was carried out in automatic sequencer ABI 3130 Genetic Analyser. Analysis of confinement of clusters to certain territories, objects and time of isolation of strains was carried out using Arc GIS 10.1 program. Results. Groups of MLVA25-types of various levels of discrimination were formed: clusters, groups and subgroups. Clusters were formed by strains of various taxonomic membership: main and subspecies of Y. pestis. Subgroups reflect membership of strains in certain foci, and MLVA25-types - the degree of genetic relationship. Conclusion. Genetic «portraits» of plague causative agents obtained using MLVA25-types circulating in various natural-focal territories allow to solve problems ofboth theoretical and practical character: from interpretation of microevolution processes to the search of the source of infection and ways of its spread during possible epidemic complications.

The article shows the presence of pathogen single cells of a dried sample in swabs taken from the camera surfaces of sublimation machines after lyophilization is completed, which may entail the possibility of release in the form of aerosol of viable cells of lyophilized microorganisms and lead to the creation of dangerous to personnel emergency situation. We proposed the use of additional isolation equipment - laminar box equipped with H14 class HEPA filters, the purpose of which is to protect the operator and the environment when working with pathogenic biological agents. The swabs taken from the internal surfaces of the laminar box and lyophilic machines at the end of the process gave negative results, which minimized the aerosol formation risk in room of the bacteriological box. We selected personal protective equipment, disinfectants for processing equipment and the final product, developed an algorithm for personnel actions, which made it possible to significantly increase the level of protection against pathogens of laboratory staff and the environment.

The article presents the results of experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of new culture substrate developed for the isolation and cultivation of Legionella, the strains isolated from environmental objects in the resort city of Sochi before and during XXII Olympic games. Dense nutrient substrate prepared on the basis of enzymatic hydrolysate of chicken egg yolk and enzymatic hydrolysate of the lung of the pig with additional stimulants allowed saving number of colonies in the earlier stages of the study and storage of the isolated strains during long period of time compared with domestic commercial nutrient substrate.