Problems of Virology

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International peer-reviewed scientific and practical journal "Problems of Virology" (Russian title Voprosy virusologii”, ISSN (Print) 0507-4088, ISSN (Online) 2411-2097) acquaints readers with the achievements of Russian and international virology, publishes articles on the study of viruses and viral diseases of humans, animals and plants. A prominent place in the journal is given to the publication of the results of experimental studies on various fields in fundamental and applied virology.

The journal publishes materials that contribute to the implementation in practice of the achievements of virological science in eliminating and reducing the prevalence of infectious diseases, as well as its diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

The review articles summarize the latest advances in virology. In order to attract the attention of virologists to the most actual issues requiring further study, the journal publishes editorial notes and book reviews. The reader will find in the journal a description of new research methods, new equipment, diagnostic and treatment tools.

The journal is intended for virologists (medical and veterinary), epidemiologists, parasitologists, pharmacologists, biochemists and other specialists.

«Problems of Virology» is an open access journal that does not charge for the publication of scientific articles.

The journal is presented in SCOPUS database (Q4).

The journal is included in the recommended by the Higher Attestation Commission "List of peer-reviewed scientific publications in which the main scientific results of dissertations for the doctoral degree (PhD), for the degree of doctor of science should be published" (in accordance with paragraph 5 of the Rules for the formation of the List, as part of the international abstract database and citation systems Scopus) in the following specialties:

  • 02.02 Epidemiology (medical and biological sciences)
  • 01.09 Infectious diseases
  • 03.07 Chemotherapy and antibiotics
  • 02.02 Virology (medical and biological sciences)
  • 02.03 Microbiology (medical and biological sciences)

The journal is presented in the following international bibliographic databases and information and reference systems: RSCI (on the platform WoS), Abstract Journals, AIDS & Cancer Research, Biocontrol News and Information, Biological Sciences, Chemical Abstracts, EBSCOhost Biological Abstracts, EBSCOhost Wildlife & Ecology Studies Worldwide, Elsevier BV Scopus, Elsevier BV EMBASE, Index Medicus, Excerpta Medica, Index Veterinarius, MEDLINE, National Library of Medicine PubMed, Parasitology Database, Poultry Abstracts, Review of Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Thomson Reuters Biological Abstracts, Thomson Reuters BIOSIS Previews, Thomson Reuters Science Citation Index Expanded, Thomson Reuters Web of Science, Tropical Diseases Bulletin, Veterinary Science Database, Virology and AIDS Abstracts, ROAD, DOAJ.

Content is available under license Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International, CC-BY.

Each article published in the journal is assigned a digital object identifier (DOI).

All articles, reviews and lectures published in the journal undergo mandatory double-blind peer review by members of the editorial board and invited experts.

Articles by foreign authors, as well as Russian-language articles separately recommended by the editorial board, are published in Russian and English under a single DOI. Native-language translation and its scientific editing is carried out at the expense of the Editorial Board.

The journal is registered with the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Communications. Certificate PI No. FS77-77676.

The journal is published once every 2 months (6 issues per year).

The journal is a printed edition of the All-Russian public organization “The All-Russian Scientific and Practical Society of Epidemiologists, Microbiologists and Parasitologists”.

Founders:

  • FBIS Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare,
  • All-Russian public organization "All-Russian Scientific and Practical Society of Epidemiologists, Microbiologists and Parasitologists".

Publisher:

  • FBIS Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare.

When registering on the journal’s website readers and authors receive automatic notifications about the content of new issues of the Journal to their email address with the ability to unsubscribe from the newsletter.

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Current Issue

Vol 69, No 3 (2024)

Cover Page

Full Issue

REVIEWS

Comparative analysis of the taxonomic classification criteria for a number of groups of pathogenic DNA and RNA viruses based on genomic data
Sizikova T.E., Lebedev V.N., Borisevich S.V.
Abstract

The basis for criteria of the taxonomic classification of DNA and RNA viruses based on data of the genomic sequencing are viewed in this review. The genomic sequences of viruses, which have genome represented by double-stranded DNA (orthopoxviruses as example), positive-sense single-stranded RNA (alphaviruses and flaviviruses as example), non-segmented negative-sense single-stranded RNA (filoviruses as example), segmented negative-sense single-stranded RNA (arenaviruses and phleboviruses as example) are analyzed. The levels of genetic variability that determine the assignment of compared viruses to taxa of various orders are established for each group of viruses.

Problems of Virology. 2024;69(3):203-218
pages 203-218 views

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Immune reactivity of two biological models to vaccination with inactivated vaccine QazVac against coronavirus infection COVID-19
Myrzakhmetova B.S., Zhapparova G.A., Bisenbayeva K.B., Toytanova A.S., Tuyskanova M.S., Zhugunissov K.D., Kutumbetov L.B.
Abstract

Introduction. Specific prevention of a number of infectious diseases has been introduced into the vaccination schedule. The production of immunoprophylactic drugs, in order to establish standard properties, including safety and specific effectiveness, requires strict adherence to manufacturing regulations, and the reliability of the results obtained requires monitoring of these parameters. The specific effectiveness of vaccine preparations is standardized according to the indicators of stimulation of specific antibody response formed in the body of vaccinated model biological objects.

Objective. Determination of the immune reactivity of white mice to vaccination with the QazVac vaccine to establish the possibility of using them as a biological model in assessing the immunogenicity of the vaccine instead of Syrian hamsters.

Materials and methods. The immune reactivity of model animals was assessed by the seroconversion rate, dynamics of antibody titers to the SARS-CoV-2 virus formed in the body after vaccination with the test vaccine. In the case of seropositivity of animals before administration of vaccine or placebo, the level of immune reactivity was calculated by the difference in antibody titers between control and vaccinated animals or by the difference in antibody titers before and after immunization. Specific antibodies were detected and their titer was determined using a neutralization reaction.

Results. The research results showed that the tested biological models had approximately the same immune reactivity to the administration of the QazVac vaccine, confirmed by the level and dynamics of antibody titers. When analyzing the fold increase in antibody titers in comparison to those of control animals, Syrian hamsters were more reactive compared to mice. But SPF white mice were standardized in their lack of the immune reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 virus before the immunization.

Conclusion. The data obtained indicate that the immune reactivity of white mice to the administration of the QazVac vaccine in terms of the rate and dynamics of the formation of virus-neutralizing antibodies is approximately equivalent to the immune reactivity of Syrian hamsters. Before immunization with the vaccine, SPF white mice, in contrast to Syrian hamsters, do not have humoral immunity specific to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The immune reactivity equivalent to that observed of Syrian hamsters and the absence of antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus at a baseline indicate the superiority of the use of white mice in assessing the immunogenicity of vaccines against COVID-19 and/or obtaining specific factors of humoral immunity.

Problems of Virology. 2024;69(3):219-230
pages 219-230 views
Efficacy of first-line ART regimens based on tenofovir in HIV-infected patients with pre-existing A62V mutation in reverse transcriptase
Ozhmegova E.N., Kuznetsova A.I., Lebedev A.V., Antonova A.A., Kim K.V., Munchak Y.M., Tumanov A.S., Kazennova E.V.
Abstract

Introduction. The amino acid substitution A62V in reverse transcriptase was identified as a mutation correlated with virologic failure in patients on first-line therapy including tenofovir (TDF) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). A62V is a typically polymorphic mutation in HIV-1 sub-subtype A6, which is the most widespread virus variant in Russia.

Materials and methods. The European EuResist (EIDB) database was queried to form two equivalent groups of patients: group 1 ‒ patients with A62V at baseline treated with TDF or TAF on the first-line therapy, group 2 ‒ patients without A62V at baseline treated with TDF or TAF on the first-line therapy. Each group included 23 patients.

Results. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in virologic efficacy in 4, 12, and 24 weeks after the start of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and in the frequency of virologic failures.

Conclusion. This study has some limitations, and the exact role of A62V in the efficacy of the first-line ART based on tenofovir deserves further investigation.

Problems of Virology. 2024;69(3):231-240
pages 231-240 views
Spatio-temporal clustering of African swine fever virus (Asfarviridae: Asfivirus) circulating in the Kaliningrad region based on three genome markers
Chernyshev R.S., Igolkin A.S., Shotin A.R., Zinyakov N.G., Kolbin I.S., Sadchikova A.S., Lavrentiev I.A., Gruzdev K.N., Mazloum A.
Abstract

Introduction. The rapid spread of African swine fever in the Kaliningrad region makes it necessary to use the methods of molecular epidemiology to determine the dynamics and direction of ASF spread in this region of Russia.

The aim of the study was to determine single nucleotide polymorphisms within molecular markers K145R, O174L and MGF 505-5R of ASFVs isolated in Kaliningrad region and to study the circulating of the pathogen in European countries by subgenotyping and spatio-temporal clustering analysis.

Materials and methods. Blood samples from living domestic pigs and organs from dead domestic pigs and wild boars, collected in the Kaliningrad region between 2017 and 2022 were used. Virus isolation was carried out in porcine bone-marrow primary cell culture. Amplicons of genome markers were amplified by PCR with electrophoretic detection and subsequent extraction of fragments from agarose gel. Sequencing was performed using the Sanger method.

Results. The circulation of two genetic clusters of ASFV isolates on the territory of the Kaliningrad has been established: epidemic (K145R-III, MGF 505-5R-II, O174L-I – 94.3% of the studied isolates) and sporadic (K145R-II, MGF 505-5R-II, O174L-I – 5.7%).

Conclusion. The broaden molecular genetic surveillance of ASFV isolates based on sequencing of genome markers is necessary in the countries of the Eurasian continent to perform a more detailed analysis of ASF spread between countries and within regions.

Problems of Virology. 2024;69(3):241-254
pages 241-254 views
Coronaviruses (Coronaviridae) of bats in the northern Caucasus and south of western Siberia
Yashina L.N., Zhigalin A.V., Abramov S.A., Luchnikova E.M., Smetannikova N.A., Dupal T.A., Krivopalov A.V., Vdovina E.D., Svirin K.A., Gadzhiev A.A., Malyshev B.S.
Abstract

Introduction. Bats are natural reservoirs of coronaviruses (Coronaviridae), which have caused three outbreaks of human disease SARS, MERS and COVID-19 or SARS-2 over the past decade. The purpose of the work is to study the diversity of coronaviruses among bats inhabiting the foothills and mountainous areas of the Republics of Dagestan, Altai and the Kemerovo region.

Materials and methods. Samples of bat oral swabs and feces were tested for the presence of coronavirus RNA by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results. It has been shown that the greater horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), inhabiting the Republic of Dagestan, are carriers of two different coronaviruses. One of the two coronaviruses is a member of the Sarbecovius subgenus of the Betacoronavirus genus, which includes the causative agents of SARS and COVID-19. The second coronavirus is assigned to the Decacovirus subgenus of the Alphacoronavirus genus and is most similar to viruses identified among Rhinolophus spp. from European and Middle Eastern countries. In the Altai Republic and Kemerovo region, coronaviruses belonging to the genus Alphacoronavirus, subgenus Pedacovirus, were found in the smooth-nosed bats: Ikonnikov`s bat (Myotis ikonnikovi) and the eastern bat (Myotis petax). The virus from the Altai Republic from M. ikonnikovi is close to viruses from Japan and Korea, as well as viruses from Myotis spp. from European countries. The virus from the Kemerovo region from M. petax groups with coronaviruses from Myotis spp. from Asian countries and is significantly different from coronaviruses previously discovered in the same natural host.

Problems of Virology. 2024;69(3):255-265
pages 255-265 views
Electrolytes, Zinc and Vitamin D3 in COVID-19 Patients with Cardiovascular Complications
AlKhuzaie A.A., Jabbar E.A., Albadry B.J.
Abstract

Introduction. COVID-19 is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease, with direct myocardial injury and systemic inflammation as common mechanisms. Pre-existing or infection-induced cardiovascular disease worsens the outcomes for COVID-19 patients.

Materials and methods. To estimate the serum electrolytes (Na+, K+, Ca++, Zn) and vitamin D3, the study depended on ichroma ii device for Vitamin D3 and Chemistry Analyzer for electrolytes in patient samples.

Results. A study was conducted on 192 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, including 35 critical cases, 53 severe cases, 54 moderate cases, and 50 individuals in a control group. The age group with the highest prevalence of infection was between 50‒69 years, while the lowest prevalence was observed in those under 30 years. The study found significant decreases in calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, and vitamin D3 levels among COVID-19 patients compared to the control group. Zinc and vitamin D3 levels showed a significant correlation with sex, with males experiencing a decline in zinc levels and females having lower vitamin D3 levels. The concentration of calcium, sodium, and zinc showed a negative correlation with age, with older patients having the lowest levels. COVID-19 patients with chronic cardiac issues and high blood pressure exhibited the lowest levels of these markers. The severity of the disease also had a detrimental impact on electrolyte levels, zinc, and vitamin D3, with critical cases showing the lowest levels. The complications such as heart failure were associated with lower levels of potassium, sodium, and zinc.

Conclusion. In conclusion, the study revealed significant associations between COVID-19 and decreased electrolyte levels, zinc, and vitamin D3. Sex and age were found to be correlated with these markers. Patients with chronic cardiac issues and high blood pressure exhibited the lowest levels of these markers. The severity of the disease was also linked to lower electrolyte levels, zinc, and vitamin D3. Complications such as heart failure were associated with decreased levels of potassium, sodium, and zinc.

Problems of Virology. 2024;69(3):266-276
pages 266-276 views
Molecular detection and genotyping of human herpes virus 8 in blood donors in Congo
Iloukou P.J., Boumba A.L., Ngombe D.F., Massengo N.R., Malonga G.A., Moukassa D., Ennaji M.M.
Abstract

Objectives. Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) is rarely studied in Congo, despite its prevalence in Africa. Among healthy individuals, HHV-8 does not always lead to a life-threatening infection; however, in immunocompromised individuals, it could lead to more severe disease. The distribution of HHV-8 genotypes varies depending on ethnicity and geographic region.

Method. A prospective cross-sectional study included 265 samples from healthy blood donors from the National Blood Transfusion Center in Brazzaville, with an average age of 35 years, with extremes ranging from 18 to 60 years. After DNA extraction, a nested PCR was carried out for molecular detection, followed by genotyping by amplification of specific primers.

Result. In this study, 4.9% were positive for molecular detection of HHV-8 DNA. All HHV-8 positive DNA samples that were subjected to genotyping by amplification with specific primers allowing discrimination of two major genotypes (A and B). Genotype A was identified in 5 (1.9%) samples and genotype B in 2 (0.7%) samples, indicating that both genotypes were predominant. The remaining viral DNA samples not identified as the major genotypes were classified as «indeterminate» and consisted of 6 (2.3%) samples.

Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that Congo is an area where HHV-8 infection is endemic.

Problems of Virology. 2024;69(3):277-284
pages 277-284 views

TO VIROLOGIST’S AID

Enzyme immunoassay system for serological diagnosis of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome based on inactivated purified Puumala virus (Hantaviridae: Orthohantavirus)
Ivanov A.P., Dzagurova T.K., Kurashova S.S., Teodorovich R.D., Klebleeva T.D., Tkachenko E.A.
Abstract

Introduction. Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is the most common zoonotic human viral disease in the Russian Federation. More than 98% of the HFRS cases are caused by Puumala orthohantavirus (PUU). Effective serological tests are required for laboratory diagnosis of HFRS.

Objective. Construction of an enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) test system for detection of specific antibodies using standard antigen in the form of highly purified inactivated PUU virus as immunosorbent.

Materials and methods. Preparation of PUU virus antigen, designing the ELISA for detection of specific antibodies, developing parameters of the ELISA system, parallel titration of HFRS patients sera by fluorescent antibody technique (FAT) and the new ELISA.

Results and discussion. For the first time, ELISA based on purified inactivated PUU virus as standard antigen directly absorbed onto immunoplate was developed. Parallel titration of 50 samples from HFRS patients blood sera using FAT and the developed ELISA showed high sensitivity and specificity of this ELISA, with 100% concordance of testing results and significant level of correlation between the titers of specific antibodies in the two assays.

Conclusion. The ELISA based on purified inactivated PUU virus as an immunosorbent can be effectively used for HFRS serological diagnosis and for mass seroepidemiological studies.

Problems of Virology. 2024;69(3):285-289
pages 285-289 views

ANNIVERSARY DATES

My teacher. On the 110th anniversary of academician Viktor Mikhailovich Zhdanov
Ershov F.I.
Problems of Virology. 2024;69(3):290-292
pages 290-292 views

INFORMATION

pages 293-293 views


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