Current article presents operating experience of the Rospotrebnadzor employees on combat against importation and spread of new coronavirus infection among Amur oblast population. Rospotrebnadzor institutions and ministries, government departments and scientific organizations of interest showed strong cooperation in performance of sanitary control of the Amur oblast territory and development of rotational shiftwork algorithm during COVID-19 pandemic. The prospective research of herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2 allowed to show risk groups of most importance as well as define science-based selection of high-priority groups that should be vaccinated. Evaluation of prevalence and etiology of significant drug-resistant bacteria in patients suffering from community-acquired pneumonia as well as in hospital environment confirmed formation of healthcare-associated infections and nosocomial bacterial strains.

Overall results of collaboration between FBUN Khabarovsk research institute of epidemiology and microbiology of the federal service for surveillance on consumers’ rights protection and human wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) and Rospotrebnadzor institutions of the Khabarovsk krai in year 2020 are presented. The paper emphasizes on work during emergency conditions that were caused by COVID-19 pandemic. Critical importance of mutual collaboration of pressing challenges resolution was demonstrated. Main scientific achievements of the institute sustained in carrying out the sectorial scientific-research program, scientific collaboration “Task oriented scientific research regarding epidemiological surveillance over infection and parasitic diseases” were highlighted. Research topics of the FBUN Khabarovsk research institute of epidemiology and microbiology of the federal service for surveillance on consumers’ rights protection and human wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) for the year 2020 were specified.

Epidemiological analysis based on Rospotrebnadzor situation reports, materials of Khabarovsk krai Rospotrebnadzor regional office and FBUZ “Center of hygiene and epidemiology in the Khabarovsk krai” concerning COVID-19 incidence in constituent entities of the Khabarovsk krai was performed. In order to identify certain stages of COVID-19 epidemic an average index of weekly incidence growth rate was utilized. In order to evaluate connection between investigated indices correlation and regression analysis were calculated. Four stages of epidemic development based on time-dependent growth rate of COVID-19 incidence was statistically determined in the Khabarovsk krai. First stage lasted from March 19 to April 12 and was mostly specified by isolated imported cases of COVID-19. Second stage lasted from April 13 to June 26, 2020 and was the longest period with most significant increase of incidence rates. Second stage was divided into 3 periods with different incidence growth rates. During the first period of the second stage (April 13 – May 24) strict measures were taken such as self-isolation and unprecedented restrictive policy measures and its features were as follows: cases of the disease in medical organizations and highest rates of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases were revealed. During the second period of the second stage of the epidemic (May 25-June 28) some of the restrictive measures were lifted and part of business enterprises resumed their work which lead to an increase of COVID-19 cases percentage due to close contacts at workplace as well as those in households. Distinguishing characteristics of the third period of the second stage of the epidemic (June 29-July 26) were maximal COVID-19 detection rates, rise in proportion of community-acquired pneumonia, severe cases and high mortality rates. Downward trend of incidence rates were registered during the third stage of the epidemic (July 27-September 6). Most of the restrictive measures were removed during this stage that lead to resumption of COVID-19 incidence growth rates in the 4th stage of the epidemic (September 7October 4). Termination of self-isolation for citizens aged over 65 and start of educational process facilitated greater involvement of population of advanced age and children aged 7-17 years. Most peculiar manifestations of COVID-19 in the Khabarovsk krai were substantial contribution of community-acquired pneumonia, growth of which was associated with late presentation for medical help during the period of observation. A tendency of increase in number of severe forms of the infection and mortality rate as well as considerable differences in incidence levels in different territories of the Khabarovsk krai were revealed.

During the observation period, total number of 31 epidemic cites with spread of COVID-19 in organized communities of the Khabarovsk region were registered. Epidemic analysis included evaluation of group incidence contribution in overall COVID-19 incidence, mean number of infected people in epidemic cites, indices of primary and secondary (including exposed people) incidence in epidemic cites on the expectation of 1000 exposed people, total percentage of COVID-19 clinical forms as well as their estimation for each type of epidemic cite. Statistical analysis was performed via STATISTICA 6.0. Software utilizing nonparametric techniques. Evaluation of epidemic significance of different types of epidemic cites was performed following the terms of evaluated criteria of epidemic process intensity. Pearson’s and Chi-squared test including Yates continuity correction if needed were estimated in order to assign ranks of the evaluated criteria. Mann-Whitney U-test was performed in order to rank mean duration of epidemic cites. Highest intensity of the epidemic process was revealed under conditions of COVID-19 clusters formation in social residential institutions that manifested with highest (mean for 1 epidemic cite) number of COVID-19 infected people, highest rates of primary and secondary (including exposed people) incidence in epidemic cites as well as longest mean duration of epidemic process. Indices of epidemic cites that were formed in medical facilities had high epidemic intensity but were lower than in social residential institutions. These criteria included high rates of overall COVID-19 incidence in epidemic cites (calculated for one COVID-19 cluster), registration of incidence among exposed people, fatal outcomes of the disease as well as substantial contribution of medical staff in COVID-19 overall group incidence registered in medical institutions of the region. Least intensity of epidemic process of COVID-19 group incidence was revealed in large industrial facilities and educational organizations where no spread of the disease was registered among exposed people as well as absence of lethal outcomes due to COVID-19. Percentage of acute respiratory infections in the structure of COVID-19 infected people was significantly higher in epidemic cites of educational communities.

Based on presented criteria of COVID-19 epidemic process intensity a differentiated approach towards application of preventive measures in epidemic cites of COVID-19 group incidence can be utilized. An intensified complex of constantly applied preventive measures against spread of new coronavirus disease is justified in the communities with high risk of COVID-19 spread where chances of outbreaks are high.

The research presents characteristics of drug resistance and levels of bacterial pathogens detection in sputum of 82 patients with pneumonia depending upon length of their hospital stay: 44 patients were examined on 1st – 3rd day of hospitalization, 17 patients – on 4-10 day of hospitalization, 21 patients – on 11th – 22nd day of hospitalization. Bacterial microflora was isolated in 64 from 82 observed patients (78.0±4.6%). Significant Gramm-negative pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichiae coli, Acinetobacter baumannii complex, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia) were identified rarely in patients suffering from moderate severity of the disease (7.3±2.9%; 2.4±1.7%; 3.7±2.1%; 2.4±1.7%; 1.2±1.2%, respectively).Drug resistant forms of K. pneumoniae, E. coli – producents of ESBL were isolated in group of patients that had longest hospital stay. Gramnegative nonfermentable bacteria (A. baumannii complex, P. aeruginosa, S. maltophilia) were detected in patients that were examined in first days of hospitalization as well as in those that were hospitalized during a long period of time. Should be noted that A. baumannii carbapenemaseproducers were isolated from patients that underwent a long course of outpatient treatment (up to one month).

High levels of fungi Candida spp. detection were revealed during all periods of inpatient observation (65.9±7.1%; 70.6±11.4%; 42.8±11.1%). All four species of Candida spp. (albicans, glabrata, tropicalis, krusei) were isolated during all periods of inpatient observation

The purpose of this paper is to study the differences in the mass spectra of bacterial strains that are sensitive or resistant to antibiotics. The resistance of eight P. aeruginosa strains and nine S. aureus strains to several antibiotics such as azithromycin, meropenem, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, cefixime, cefotaxime was studied. One antibiotic-sensitive strain and one antibiotic-resistant strain were selected for each bacterium. Mass spectra of bacteria were obtained using a MALDI-TOF microflex mass spectrometer (Bruker, Germany). The R software environment and the MALDIquant package were used for processing of mass spectrometry data. It was found that the presence of peaks in the regions m⁠ /⁠ z = 5383, 6977, 4882, 3005, 6621 of P. aeruginosa spectra and m⁠ /⁠ z = 3876, 6556, 12542 of S. aureus spectra may indicate their antibiotic resistance.

Annual seasonal elevations of enterovirus infection (EVI) incidence are registered in constituent entities of the Far Eastern and Siberian Federal districts. These elevations are followed up by formation of disease outbreaks. COVID-19 pandemic has spread all over the world and has interfered typical course of epidemic process of several seasonal diseases including EVI. The article presents data analysis of EVI incidence in year 2020 as well as prognosis of EVI incidence for year 2021 in constituent entities that are supervised by the Far Eastern regional scientific research methodological center for surveillance on enterovirus infection.

Viral causative agents and norovirus among them are prevailing in etiological structure of acute gastrointestinal tract infections at present time. The article presents current data concerning etiology and epidemiology of norovirus as well as classification guidelines. Apart of abovementioned, the research emphasizes on epidemiologic situation on norovirus infection in the Russian Federation and several constituent entities of the Far Eastern Federal district including Khabarovsk krai, Amur oblast and Jewish autonomous district. Wide diversity of norovirus genotypes, their high contagiosity and ability to cause outbreaks determine a necessity of regular molecular-epidemiological surveillance over norovirus infection.

Molecular-epidemiological analysis showed that despite domination of sub-subtype A6 in the Far Eastern Federal district (FEFD) genetic profile of HIV-infection was diverse. A total number of 91 recombinant forms were found among people living with HIV. Seven types of circulating recombinant forms (CRF) and one unique recombinant form (URF) of HIV-1 were identified: CRF03_AB – 4 (4.4±2.2%), CRF02_AG – 14 (15.6±3.8%), CRF63_02A1 – 65 (71.1±4.8%), CRF11_cpx – 1 (1.1±1.1%), CRF01_AE – 4 (4.4±2.2%), CRF09_cpx 1(1.1±1.1%), CRF07_BC– 1 (1.1±1.1%), URF63_02A– 1 (1.1±1.1%). Moderate abundance of circulating recombinant forms was revealed in Jewish autonomous district and Amur oblast. Cause of an increase of HIV-1 recombinant forms spread in the FEFD can be a result of high internal and external migration.

HIV-infection epidemics development stays a pressing issue both in the Russian Federation and in the Far Eastern Federal district. Cumulative number of HIV-infected people totaled 49 046 dated January 1st, 2020. HIV-infection prevalence growth rate has decreased and equaled 2.6% in year 2020. Number of HIV-positive people that underwent regular medical check-ups totaled 79.1% of total number of HIV-infected people. HIV-infection screening covered 25.8%of district overall population. Presented epidemiological analysis data was carried out in order to evaluate development of HIV-infection in the Far Eastern Federal district and estimate preventive measures in order to limit the spread.

The research presents results of sociological survey conducted during years 2019-2020 among health workers of Republic Sakha (Yakutia) with the purpose of evaluation awareness levels on HIV/AIDS issue, risk of contracting HIV-infection as well as revealing levels of stigmatization towards people living with HIV.Results of the survey revealed certain lack of knowledge on HIV/AIDS issue that necessitate a need of regular awareness-raising training among healthcare workers in order to increase tolerance towards patients suffering from HIV and improve medical care.

The article presents data of zoological and entomological surveillance over status of ixodic ticks’ population and small mammals in the Khabarovsk city and suburban area territories. It is shown that meteorologic conditions favored growth of small mammals and arthropods population during the analyzed period of time. New species of transmitters evidence a necessity of examination of their infection rate and clarification of their role as vectors of causative agents of tick-borne transmissive infections.

The research presents incidence rate of tick-borne rickettsiosis among population of the Khabarovsk krai including administrative territories during years 2010-2020. Infection rate of detached ticks of different species with causative agent of tick-borne rickettsiosis was analyzed in Khabarovsk krai during years 2017-2020.

Prevailing number of trichinellosis cases registered in the Russian Federation are registered in Siberian and Far Eastern Federal districts. Over 30 species of mammals are reservoirs for trichinellosis causative agents in the Far Eastern Federal district (FEFD). Circulation of Trichinella nativa that is poorly adapted for pigs and highly prevalent in wild carnivores is innate for the territory. Brown bear is one of the main reservoirs for trichinella spp. in all constituent entities of the FEFD. High risk of trichinellosis invasion among population of the region is due to tense epizootic situation in natural foci.