Vol 1, No 3 (2011)

Abstract. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex includes both human pathogens (M. tuberculosis, M. africanum and M. canettii), rodent paghogens (M. microti), as well as Mycobacterium bovis with wide range of hosts and related M. caprae and M. pinnipedii. In spite of phenotypic and host differences these species present a highly homogeneous genospecies with 99.7–99.9% of genome homology and extremely low level of horizontal gene transfer. Recent genetic research in the last decade permitted to revisit and revise old and new dogmas about genome and evolution of M. tuberculosis. In particular, a classical theory about bovine origin of human tuberculosis during domestication process was rejected. It was demonstrated that genomes of the related species of M. tuberculosis complex evolved through large unidirectional deletions leading to origin of M. tuberculosis sensu stricto, M. bovis and other species (M. canettii, M. microti, M. pinnipedii, M. caprae) from the same progenitor species. Large deletions influence the pathogenic potential of different clonal lineages within M. tuberculosis. At the same time, genetic variation within the short time frames is achieved via changes in the repetitive DNA and transposition of the insertion sequences IS6110 across the genome. Furthermore, M. tuberculosis may adapt to the selective pressure of the host immune system and antituberculosis drugs via specific point mutations. In the last few years a higher level of SNP variation between closely related strains was demonstrated with opens new perspectives for full-genome and multilocus sequence typing of M. tuberculosis.

Abstract. In the third part of the review different methods of diagnostics of postnatal and congenital rubella as well as surveillance tactics and infection control are discussed.

Abstract. The mechanisms of the immune system responding to an infection depend on a complex interrelation between the elements of innate and adaptive immunity. The current understanding of how signaling from innate immunity receptors shapes the adaptive immune response against pathogens and how it looks like the adaptive control of innate immunity are discussed in the article. One of the main problem needed to be highlighted is if adaptive immune cells suppress or activate innate immunity? Several studies yield new light to the question how the adaptive immunity can compensate, suppress and activate innate immunity. The role of inflammatory signals of dendritic cells activation in induction and modulation of adaptive immunity is described. Innate immunity receptors instruct the adaptive immune system on when and how to best respond to a concrete infection.

Abstract. The special study to find a more cost-effective source of immunodiagnostic products was conducted. Determination of titers of specific immunoglobulins to HBsAg in serum and egg yolk of quail using different preparation for immunization showed that the most effective mode is immunization of quail by the HBsAg adsorbed on aluminum hydroxide and injected into reverse emulsion «water–oil».

Abstract. The representatives of Y. enterocolitica biotype 1А which are considered as nonpathogenic microorganisms were tested for production of the thermostable enterotoxin YST B (Yersinia Stable Toxin). This toxin is characterized by strong toxic action and it can bring on diarrhea in human and animals. The chromosome gene of thermostable enterotoxin ystB was detected by PCR in 87.1% out of 116 studied strains of different origin and territorial isolation. To determine toxin production in vitro the studied strains cultivated in various conditions: in 26°C and 37°С in usual culture medium and in 37°С in the medium corresponded to the content of intestine. In part of the studied strains the toxin production was revealed on the model of newborn mice in both temperature regimes of cultivation 26°С and 37°С. The study of toxin production in representatives of Y. enterocolitica biotype 1А showed their possible role as etiological agents of diarrhea.

Abstract. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are structurally related endopeptidase composed of active sites which include ions Zn2+ and Ca2+. Cultured cells of human blood vessels produce MMP-1, proteolytic effect is aimed at splitting the collagen I and III types, and subsequent vascular remodeling. MMP-1 is synthesized as an inactive zymogen proMMP-1. It was shown that interferon alpha, beta and gamma inhibited production by culture of HUVEC proenzyme MMP-1, which seems to characterize their anti-angiogenic action. The effect of immunomodulators is more difficult to explain: perhaps inhibiting effect of imunofan and, as well as activating effect of cycloferon due to their internal structural peculiarities. The action of interferon alpha, beta and gamma, used as HUVEC before infection with HSV-1, and after it led to decrease in production proMMP-1. Apparently, the antiangiogenic effect of IFN is saved in the case of infection of cultures of vascular endothelium with HSV-1. Scatter in the content of proMMP-1 in the serum of blood donors was 1.625–11.8 ng/ml and in patients with chronic microbial-viral infections was 1.22–21.16 ng/ml. Higher rates of proMMP-1 were in older patients group. To estimate the system of MMP in vitro, and in the body a comprehensive study must be conducted, including proMMP-1, the active form of proenzyme and specific inhibitor of MMP-1.

Abstract. Chlamydia trachomatis causes various diseases of reproductive organs. Only limited data on the incidence of urogenital chlamydia infection in the Russian Federation are available. The main goal of this study was to detect the prevalence of infection associated with Chlamydia trachomatis in citizens of St.Petersburg. Overall 3833 individuals including 2190 children and adolescents aged from 0 to 18 years old and 1643 adults aged 19–70 years old were tested in 2008–2010. This group included patients with acute and chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility as well as patients without clinical symptoms of Chlamydia infection. The high level of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among newborns and dramatic increase of the infection among adolescents were determined. These results support urgent needs to develop adequate preventive measures to control Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the population. The effectiveness of different laboratory tests to detect Chlamydia trachomatis infection depends on the causative agent localization in the macroorganism, on acuity of infection process and on immune response. The combined using of different laboratory tests give the possibility to obtain objective results about Chlamydia etiology role in inflammatory disease of urogenital tract as well as about prevalence of infection in regions of the country.