Current State of the Issue of Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome in the Rostov Region

Abstract

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is registered in various geographical regions of the Russian Federation and occupies one of the leading positions among natural-focal human diseases in Russia. The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation on HFRS in the Rostov Region. Materials and methods. Laboratory diagnostics of field material (samples from wild rodents) for the presence of antigens of HFRS pathogens and screening of blood sera from donors, residents of the region, for the presence of class G antibodies to viruses that cause HFRS were carried out by enzyme immunoassay during 2020 and 2021. Results and discussion. Hantavirus antigens were identified in five administrative districts of the Region in 2020, infection with HFRS virus in small mouse-like rodents was 7.1 %. In 2021, spontaneous infection of carriers was detected in 2.8 % of the samples, found in four districts of the Region. The presence of the virus markers was recorded in populations of five species of mouse-like rodents: house mouse, wood mouse, common vole, small wood mouse, yellow-bellied mouse. Among healthy population, class G antibodies were registered in 6.8 % in the surveyed territories in 2020, and 4.5 % in 2021. Detection of virus markers in carriers and the presence of a natural immune layer of the population as regards HFRS agents suggest the existence of a natural HFRS focus in the Rostov Region.