Despite the overall decline in the number of anthrax outbreaks, it still has spread worldwide, causing approximately 20000-100000 cases per year, and representing a serious threat to public health (Hugh-Jones M. 1996-97 global anthrax report. J Appl Microbiol. 1999: 87: 189-91). Bacillus anthracic included into the list of selective agents of bioterrorism because of the stability of the spores, the ability of aerosol spores infect humans by inhalation (Klietmann W.F., Ruoff K.L. Bioterrorism: implications for the clinical microbiologist. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2001: 14: 364-81). In 2001 this microbe was used as bioterrorism agent in the United States with serious implications (Jernigan J.A., Stephens D.S., Ashford D.A., Omenaca C., Topiel M.S., Galbraith M., et al.: Anthrax Bioterrorism Investigation Team. Bioterrorism-related inhalational anthrax: the first 10 cases reported in the United States. Emerg Infect Dis. 2001: 7: 933-44).
Economic development of Kazakhstan includes the capacity of the livestock sector, accompanied by the development of grazing, which may include natural areas that are foci of especially dangerous infections.
The facts of infection with malignant anthrax through the soil, isolation pathogen from samples of soil burial grounds indicate that the potential danger of soil foci of anthrax is stored for many . The role of soil as a source of infection and the reservoir of anthrax, in detail presented in the works of G.V. Kolonin and V.S. Anisimov et.al.
The Project aim. To study the molecular and biological properties of the strains of B. anthracic from different regions with active anthrax foci.
Chemical, biochemical and microbiological indicators of soil quality of regions of Kazakhstan, which is determined by the high risk of infection with anthrax.
To conduct a retrospective analysis and the current revitalization of anthrax soil foci in the regions of Kazakhstan, where in 2016 animal and human anthrax cases have been reported.
To study the environmental, social background of deterioration of the epidemiological situation on anthrax in 2016.
The project, influence on progress in this area. Because there is still no complete understanding of the pathways or the ecology of anthrax, and the pathogen can be used as biological weapons, anthrax remains a problem of health and veterinary medicine. The proposed project will provide an opportunity to expand the information about reducing the risk of infection, the danger of anthrax foci of soil, will improve the diagnosis of anthrax, and expand data on the genetic diversity of strains of anthrax in the world.
Competence of participants and publications in the given area. All experts involved in this research project have relevant work experience, researchers of laboratory services have been trained to work with especially dangerous infections. And in the project young professionals will participate.
Expected results and their application.Study of genotyping of Bacillus anthracic strains and its differentiation, in which in addition to the genetic profile, it will take into account their regional confinement, which will determine the geographical diversity of strains of anthrax in Kazakhstan.
The research will lead to the characterization of biosafety of anthrax soil foci. During the research we will be able to make a comparative assessment of the soil properties of stationary anthrax points, chemical composition and other factors influencing to the spore formation.
The techniques rapid soil monitoring of anthrax foci will be developed and implemented.
It is planned elaboration and to create analytical passport of climatic and geographical contingency, epizootic, epidemiological and microbiological factors in the manifestation of anthrax in 2016 in different regions of Kazakhstan for use in the management of sanitary and epidemiological risk.
It is planned to improve the biochemical and microbiological techniques, to implement the modern methods of genetic (PCR) control of anthrax foci in the practical public health.
Scope of activities.To perform the tasks of the project.
- The microbiological, genetic methods of testing the properties of anthrax, isolated on the territory of Kazakhstan will be carried out.
- There will be a retrospective and current analysis of the anthrax cases in Kazakhstan.
- The development will have genetic control methods over the soil of anthrax foci, sanitary-chemical studies of soil samples in the anthrax foci at different depths of soil will be developed.
- The causal links of infection of people and animals with anthrax will be undertaken.
Role of Foreign Collaborators/Partners.
- Participation in the development of the project proposal and work plan.
- Application of Bacillus anthracic molecular typing methods of monitoring for the historical (stationary) and new anthrax epidemic foci.
- Advice in the field of genetic, biochemical, microbiological control methods of anthrax soil foci.
- Assist in the development of recommendations on the use of appropriate techniques and equipment.
- Review of interim and final reports.
