DRIFT OF INFLUENA A(H3N2) VIRUS: BIOLOGICAL, ANTIGENIC AND GENETIC PROPERTIES IN EPIDEMIC SEASON 2016-2017 IN RUSSIA AND COUNTRIES OF THE NOTHERN HEMYSPHERE.

The article presents the features of the influenza virus circulation for the period from October 2016 to May 2017 in some territories of Russia collaborating with the D.I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology, Federal State Budgetary Institution "N.F. Gamaleya Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology", Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. One of the 2016-2017 season's peculiarities in Russia and countries of the Northern hemisphere was the earlier start of an increase in ARD morbidity with peak indexes reached towards the end of December 2016 - January 2017. First, influenza A(H3N2) virus was predominant; then, it was followed by influenza B virus activity observed until the end of the season. The indexes of morbidity were higher than in the previous season, while the rates of hospitalization and mortality were lower, lethal cases being detected in persons 65 years old and older. Epidemic strains of influenza A(H3N2) virus belonged to 3c.2a genetic group, reference strain A/Hong Hong/4408/2014, and its subgroup 3c.2a1, reference A/Bolzano/7/2016, that are antigenically similar. Strains of influenza B virus were antigenically similar to the B/Brisbane/60/2008 vaccine virus. Strains were sensitive to oseltamivir and zanamivir. The share participation of non-influenza ARI viruses was similar to preliminary epidemic seasons. WHO has issued recommendations for influenza virus vaccines composition for 2017-2018 for the Northern hemisphere.

Genetic diversity of viruses of Chenuda virus species (Orbivirus, Reoviridae) circulating in Central Asia.

Chenuda virus (CNUV) (Orbivirus, Reoviridae) is the only known orbivirus associated with argas (Argasidae) ticks. Scientific study of this group is necessary for understanding of Orbivirus genus evolution patterns. We conducted a comparative analysis of full genomes of five different viruses of Chenuda virus species, including Baku virus strains (BAKV) circulating in a rather limited area in the Central Asia and Transcaucasia. It was shown that VP4(OC1) and VP6(Hel) proteins variability greatly exceeds the variability of other proteins. The divergence between CNUV and BAKV in this proteins is about 50%. Even in closely related strains isolated from the same geographical region, the conservative genes of which are 90-95% identical, the VP4(OC1) and VP6(Hel) divergence reaches values that would usually be indicative of different serotypes (74.1-82.2%).

Virological, epidemiological, clinic, and molecular genetic features of the influenza epidemic in 2015-2016: prevailing of the influenza A(H1N1)09 pdm virus in Russia and countries of the Northern hemisphere.

This work describes the specific features of the influenza virus circulating in the period from October 2015 to March 2016 in 10 cities of Russia, the basic laboratories of CEEI at the D.I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology "Federal Research Centre of Epidemilogy and Microbiology named after the honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. The increase in the morbidity caused by influenza viruses was detected in January-February 2016. The duration of the morbidity peak was 4-5 weeks. The most vulnerable group included children at the age from 3 to 6; a high rate of hospitalization was also detected among people at the age of 15-64 (65%). In clinic symptoms there were middle and severe forms with high frequency of hospitalization as compared with the season of 2009-2010, but much higher in comparison with the season of 2014-2015. Some of the hospitalized patients had virus pneumonias, half of which were bilateral. Among these patients, 10% were children; 30%, adults. The mortality in the intensive care unit of the hospital was 46%. Almost all lethal cases were among unvaccinated patients in the case of late hospitalization and without early antiviral therapy. The predominance of the influenza A(H1N1)09pdm virus both in the Russian Federation and the major part of the countries in the Northern hemisphere was noted. The results of the study of the antigenic properties of influenza strains of A(H1N1)pdm09 virus did not reveal any differences with respect to the vaccine virus. The sequencing data showed the amino acid substitutions in hemagglutinin (receptor binding and Sa sites) and in genes encoding internal proteins (PA, NP, M1, NS1). Strains were sensitive to oseltamivir and zanamivir and maintained resistance to rimantadine. The participation of non-influenza ARI viruses was comparable to that in preliminary epidemic seasons.

[Taxonomic status of the Chim virus (CHIMV) (Bunyaviridae, Nairovirus, Qalyub group) isolated from the Ixodidae and Argasidae ticks collected in the great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus Lichtenstein, 1823) (Muridae, Gerbillinae) burrows in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan].

Full-length genome of the Chim virus (CHIMV) (strain LEIV-858Uz) was sequenced using the next-generation sequencing approach (ID GenBank: KF801656). The CHIMV/LEIV-858Uz was isolated from the Ornithodoros tartakovskyi Olenev, 1931 ticks collected in the great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus Lichtenstein, 1823) burrow in Uzbekistan near Chim town (Kashkadarinsky region) in July of 1971. Later, four more CHIMV strains were isolated from the O. tartakovskyi, O. papillipes Birula, 1895, Rhipicephalus turanicus Pomerantsev, 1936 collected in the great gerbil burrows in Kashkadarinsky, Bukhara, and Syrdarya regions of Uzbekistan, and three strains--from the Hyalomma asiaticum Schulze et Schlottke, 1930 from the great gerbil burrows in Dzheskazgan region of Kazakhstan. The virus is a potential pathogen of humans and camels. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CHIMV is a novel member of the Nairovirus genus (Bunyaviridae) and closely related to the Qalyub virus (QYBV), which is prototype for the group of the same name. The amino acid homology between the CHIMV and QYBV is 87% for the RdRp catalytic center (L-segment) that is coincident with both QYBV and CHIMV associated with the Ornithodoros ticks and burrow of rodents as well. The CHIMV homologies with other nairoviruses are 30-40% for the amino acid sequences of precursor polyprotein GnGc (M-segment), whereas 50%--for the nucleocapsid N (S-segment). The data obtained permit to classify the CHIMV as a member of the QYBV group in the genus of Nairovirus (Bunyaviridae).

[Genetic characterization of the Sakhalin virus (SAKV), Paramushir virus (PMRV) (Sakhalin group, Nairovirus, Bunyaviridae), and Rukutama virus (RUKV) (Uukuniemi group, Phlebovirus, Bunyaviridae) isolated from the obligate parasites of the colonial sea-birds ticks Ixodes (Ceratixodes) uriae, White 1852 and I. signatus Birulya, 1895 in the water area of sea of the Okhotsk and Bering sea].

Full-length genomes of the Sakhalin virus (SAKH) and Paramushir virus (PRMV) (Sakhalin group, Nairovirus, Bunyaviridae) isolated from the ticks Ixodes uriae White 1852 were sequenced using the next-generation sequencing (Genbank ID: KF801659, KF801656). SAKV and PRMV have 81% identity for the part of RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp) on the nucleotide level and 98.5% on the amino acid level. Full-length genome comparison shows that SAKV have, in average, from 25% (N-protein, S-segment) to 50% (RdRp, L-segment) similarity with the nairoviruses. The maximum value of the amino acid similarity (50.3% for RdRp) SAKV have with the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and Dugbe virus (DUGV), which are also associated with the Ixodidae ticks. Another virus studied is Rukutama virus (RUKV) (isolated from ticks I. signatus Birulya, 1895) that recently was classified (based on morphology and antigenic reaction) to the Nairovirus genus, presumably to the Sakhalin group. In this work the genome of the RUKV was sequenced (KF892052-KF892054) and RUKV was classified as a member of the Uukuniemi group (Phlebovirus, Bunyaviridae). RUKV is closely related (93.0-95.5% similarity) with our previously described Komandory virus (KOMV). RUKV and KOMV form separate phylogenetic line neighbor of Manawa virus (MWAV) isolated from the ticks Argas abdussalami Hoogstraal et McCarthy, 1965 in Pakistan. The value of the similarity between RUCV and MWAV is 65-74% on the amino acid level.

[Isolation of the Chikungunya virus in Moscow from the Indonesian visitor (September, 2013)].

The results of the virological identification of the Chikungunya fever case in Moscow (September, 2013) in an Indonesian visitor are presented. The clinic, electron microscopy, and molecular genetic data are discussed. The Ghikungunya virus (CHIKV) strain CHIKVILEIV-Moscow/1/2013 belonging to the Asian genotype (ID GenBank KF872195) was deposited into the Russian State Collection of viruses (GKV 1239; 18.11.2013).

[The peculiarities of the influenza epidemics in some areas of Russia during 2012-2013 season. The influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus domination in European countries].

The peculiarities of the influenza viruses circulation in 2012-2013 are discussed. The results were obtained in 10 cities of Russia, where basic laboratories of the Influenza Ecology and Epidemics Center of on the basis of Ivanovsky Institute of Virology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, are situated. The increasing rate of the ARD morbidity caused by influenza viruses was observed in January-March 2013. The highest indices of the morbidity were detected during 6-7 weeks with the following decreasing rate till threshold levels to week 14. The influenza A (H1N1) pdm09, A (H3N2), and B viruses were the cause of the epidemic, but their activity differed over areas of Russia. The results of study of the antigenic and genetic properties of the influenza strains demonstrated closed relatives with respect to vaccine strains. In addition, some heterogeneity of the circulating strains and their drift variants were found as well. All tested strains were sensitive to oseltamivir (excluding one A (H1N1) pdm09 strain), zanamivir, arbidol, and remained resistant to rimantadine. The ratio of the ARD viruses was comparable with the last epidemic seasons.

[Taxonomy of previously unclassified Tamdy virus (TAMV) (Bunyaviridae, Nairovirus) isolated from the Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum Schülce et Schlottke, 1929 (Ixodidae, Hyalomminae) in the Middle East and transcaucasia].

Complete genome sequencing of three Tamdy (TAMV) virus strains was carried out. The prototype strain TAMV/LEIV-1308Uz was isolated for the very first time from the Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum Schülce et Schlottke, 1929 (Ixodidae, Hyalomminae) collected in the August 1971 from sheep in the arid area near Namdybulak town (41 degrees 36' N, 64 degrees 39' E) in the Tamdinsky district of the Bukhara region (Uzbekistan). TAMV was revealed to be a prototype member of the new phylogenetic group within the limits of the Nairovirus. The TAMV homology for RdRp (L-segment) amino acid sequence is not less than 40% with Crimea-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Hazara virus (HAZV), and Dugbe virus (DUGV), which are also linked with Ixodidae ticks. The TAMV homologies with the Issyk-Kul virus (ISKV) and Caspiy virus (CASV) for RdRp are 37.6% and 37.7%, respectively. These data conformed to the low values of GnGc (M-segment) and nucleocapsid protein N (S-segment) homology. The TAMV homologies with the nairoviruses for GnGc is in average 25%; with the nairoviruses linked with Ixodidae ticks (CCHFV, DUGV, HAZV) - 33%; with Argasidae ticks (ISKV, CASV) - 28%. The TAMV/LEIV-1308Uz, LEIV-6158Ar, and LEIV-10226Az have high level of identity. The TAMV/LEIV-10226Az from Azerbaijan has 99% homology for both nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the prototype TAMV/LEIV-1308Uz RdRp. The TAMV/LEIV-6158Ar from Armenia is more divergent and has 94.2% and 96.3% homologies with the TAMV/LEIV-1308Uz, respectively. The homology between the TAMV/LEIV-1308Uz and TAMV/LEIV-10226Az for GnGc is 93%. The TAMV/LEIV-6158Ar has 90% homology for this protein with the TAMV/LEIV-1308Uz and 93% with the TAMV/LEIV-10226Az, respectively. Differences in nucleocapsid protein between three TAMV strains are 5-7%.

[Taxonomic status of the Tyulek virus (TLKV) (Orthomyxoviridae, Quaranjavirus, Quaranfil group) isolated from the ticks Argas vulgaris Filippova, 1961 (Argasidae) from the birds burrow nest biotopes in the Kyrgyzstan].

The Tyulek virus (TLKV) was isolated from the ticks Argas vulgaris Filippova, 1961 (Argasidae), collected from the burrow biotopes in multispecies birds colony in the Aksu river floodplain near Tyulek village (northern part of Chu Valley, Kyrgyzstan). Recently, the TLKV was assigned to the Quaranfil group (including the Quaranfil virus (QRFV), Johnston Atoll virus (JAV), Lake Chad virus) that is a novel genus of the Quaranjavirus in the Orthomyxoviridae family. In his work, the complete genome (ID GenBank KJ438647-8) sequence of the TLKV was determined using next-generation sequencing (Illumina platform). Comparison of deduced amino acid sequences shows closed relationship of the TLKV with QRFV and JAV (86% and 84% identity for PB1 and about 70% for PB2 and PA, respectively). The identity level of the TLKV and QRFV in outer glycoprotein GP is 72% and 80% for nucleotide and amino acid sequences, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the TLKV belongs to the genus of the Quaranjavirus in the family Orthomyxoviridae.

[Antitumor effect of dioxadet in intraperitoneal chemoperfusion treatment for advanced ovarian cancer in experimental setting].

The study of antitumor efficacy of dioxadet in chemoperfusion treatment of ascitic ovarian cancer was carried out in 125 Wistar female rats. Ovarian cancer was inoculated intraperitoneally at a number 1x10(7) tumor cells per rat. Intraperitoneal administration of dioxadet as well as chemoperfusion was performed once in 48 hours after the ovarian cancer inoculation. Dioxadet was used at maximal tolerated doses which were 1.5 mg/kg for intraperitoneal administration, 30 mg/kg for normothermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (IPEC), and 15 mg/kg for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC). Antitumor effects of dioxadet were estimated in increase of median survival. In the control group, where animals didn't receive any treatment, the median survival was 9 days. Increase of the median survival after intraperitoneal administration of dioxadet, IPEC and HIPEC with dioxadet was 211% (p=0,001), 244% (p=0,001) and 444% (p=0,001), respectively, compared to the control group. Hence, intraperitoneal chemoperfusion with dioxadet (normo- or hyperthermic) is more effective compared to standard intraperitoneal administration of the drug. At HIPEC with dioxadet potentiating antitumor action of hyperthermia and dioxadet on the ovarian cancer growth was achieved.

[Experimental technology of chemoperfusion treatment for abdominal carcinomatosis in ovarian cancer].

An experimental technology of normothermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion with cisplatin and dioxadet has been elaborated to treat abdominal carcinomatosis in ovarian cancer. Antitumor effects of the treatment were evaluated for the duration of animal life. Normothermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion with cisplatin and dioxadet in comparison with the standard intraperitoneal administration significantly increased the median life expectancy by 75-92%. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion with dioxadet demonstrated potentiation of antitumor effect of hyperthermia and dioxadet. Experimental technology is recommended for testing new drugs and methods of chemoperfusion for malignant tumors affecting the peritoneum.

[Molecular genetic characterization of the Gissar virus (GSRV) (Bunyaviridae, Phlebovirus, Uukuniemi group) isolated from the ticks Argas reflexus Fabricius, 1794 (Argasidae) collected in dovecote in Tajikistan].

The Gissar virus (GSRV) was originally isolated from the ticks Argas reflexus, Fabricius, 1794 collected in a dovecote of Gissar village in Tajikistan (38 degrees 40' N, 68 degrees 40' E). Using electron microscopy, GSRV was classified to Bunyaviridae without referring to genus due to the absence of the antigenic relation with known bunyaviruses. In the present paper genome of GSRV was sequenced (MiSeq, Illumina). Molecular genetics and phylogenetic analysis showed. GSRV has a high level of homology with the Grand Arbaud Virus (GAV) (94% for nucleocapsid protein, 87.5% for RdRp, and 82% for the envelope proteins GnGc) isolated from the ticks A. Reflexus in a dovecote in France. GSRV and GAV have a narrow ecological niche associated with the icks A. Reflexus and birds (predominantly Columbidae). According to the conducted study, GSRV is classified as the topotypic for Central Asia variant of GAV, Uukuniemi group, genuses of the Phlebovirus (Bunyaviridae) (ID GenBank KJ425423, KJ425424, KJ425425).

[Taxonomic status of the Burana virus (BURV) (Bunyaviridae, Nairovirus, Tamdy group) isolated from the ticks Haemaphysalis punctata Canestrini et Fanzago, 1877 and Haem. concinna Koch, 1844 (Ixodidae, Haemaphysalinae) in Kyrgyzstan].

Complete genome sequence of the Burana virus (BURV) was determined using the next-generation sequencing approach (ID GenBank KF801651). The prototype strain of BURV LEIV-Krg760 was originally isolated from the ticks Haemaphysalis punctata Canestrini et Fanzago, 1877 (Ixodidae, Haemaphysalinae), collected from cows in Tokmak wildlife sanctuary, eastern part of the Chu valley (43 degrees 10' N, 74 degrees 40' E) near Burana village, Kirgizia, in April 1971. Molecular genetics and phylogenetic analyses showed that the BURV belonged to the Nairovirus genus, Bunyaviridae and is related to Tamdy virus (TAMV) that is also associated with the ixodidae ticks of pasture biocenosis in Central Asia. Previous studies showed that TAMV is the prototypic virus of new phylogenetic Tamdy group in the Nairovirus genus. Thus, BURV was classified as a new virus of the Tamdy group, Nairovirus, Bunyaviridae.

[Genetic characterization of the Syr-Darya valley fever virus (SDVFV) (Picornaviridae, Cardiovirus) isolated from the blood of the patients and ticks Hyalomma as. asiaticum (Hyalomminae), Dermacentor daghestanicus (Rhipicephalinae) (Ixodidae) and Ornithodoros coniceps (Argasidae) in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan].

The Syr-Darya valley fever virus (SDVFV) was originally isolated from the blood of the patient with fever in the Kyzylorda province, Kazakhstan, in July 1973 and was classified to the Cardiovirus genus (fam. Picornaviridae). Later, SDVFV was isolated from the ticks Hyalomma as. asiaticum Schulze et Schlottke, 1929 (Hyalomminae) (1 strain) and Dermacentor daghestanicus Olenev, 1929 (Rhipicephalinae) (7 strains), collected in the floodplains of the Syr-Darya river and the Ili river. In this paper, complet genome of the SDVFV (strain LEIV-Tur2833) was sequenced using the next-generation sequencing approach (GenBank ID: KJ191558). It was demonstrated that, phylogenetically, the SDVFV is closely related closest to the Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) and Vilyuisk human encephalomyelitis virus (VMEV). The similarity of the SDVFV with VHEV and TMEV based on P1 region of the polyprotein-precursor (structural proteins VP1-VP4), reaches 75% and 91% for nucleotide sequences and 80% and 93% for putative amino acid sequences, respectively. For nonstructural proteins regions P2 (2A-2C) and P3 (3A-3D) similarity of SDVFV with TMEV and VHEV is 96%-98%.

[Genetic characterization of the Wad Medani virus (WMV) (Reoviridae, Orbivirus), isolated from the ticks Hyalomma asiaticum Schulze et Schlottke, 1930 (Ixodidae: Hyalomminae) in Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Armenia and from the ticks H. anatolicum Koch, 1844 in Tajikistan].

Near full-genome sequence of the Wad Medani Virus (WMV) (strain LEIV-8066Tur) (Orbivirus, Reoviridae) isolated from the ticks Hyalomma asiaticum Schulze et Schlottke, 1929, collected from sheep in Baharly district in Turkmenistan, was determined using next generation sequencing approach. The similarity of the RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (Pol, VP1) amino acid sequence between WMV and the Kemerovo group orbiviruses (KEMV), as well as of the Baku virus (BAKV), was 64%. The similarity of the conserved structural protein VP3 (T2) of WMV with mosquito-borne and tick-borne orbiviruses reaches 46% and 67%, respectively. For the surface proteins VP2, VP5, and VP7 (T13), which have major antigenic determinants of orbiviruses, the similarity of WMV with tickborne orbiviruses (KEMV and BAKV) is 26-30%, 45% and, 57%, respectively (ID GenBank: KJ425426-35).

[Complete genome analysis of the Batai virus (BATV) and the new Anadyr virus (ANADV) of the Bunyamwera group (Bunyaviridae, Orthobunyavirus) isolated in Russia].

Almost complete nucleotide sequences for the S, M, and L segments were obtained for three strains of the Batai virus (Bunyamwera serogroup, genus Orthobunyavirus, Bunyaviridae family). Based on the results of the phylogenetic analysis conducted forthe three genomic segments LEIV Ast507 and LEIV-Ast528 strains were grouped with other European BATV isolates and were found to be almost identical to the strain 42 isolated from Volgograd Region, Russia, 2003. Surprisingly, LEIV-13395 strain isolated from the Aedes sp. mosquitos in Magadan Oblast, 1987, turned out to be a novel genotype inside Bunyamwera serogroup. The highest nucleotide identity levels of LEIV-13395 genomicsegments (86.9%, 80.8%, 79.7% for S, M and L segments respectively) were observed with corresponding segments of the Batai virus.

[Genetic characterization of the Geran virus (GERV, Bunyaviridae, Nairovirus, Qalyub group) isolated from the ticks Ornithodoros verrucosus Olenev, Zasukhin and Fenyuk, 1934 (Argasidae) collected in the burrow of Meriones erythrourus Grey, 1842 in Azerbaijan].

The full-length genome of the unclassified Geran virus (GERV, strain LEIV-10899Az) isolated from the ticks (Ornithodoros verrucosus Olenev, Zasukhin and Fenyuk, 1934 (Argasidae, Ornithodorinae)) collected in the burrow of the red-tailed gerbils (Meriones (Cricedidae) erythrourus Grey, 1842) near the Geran station (Azerbaijan) was sequenced using the next-generation approach (GenBank ID: KF801649). It was shown that the GERV is a new representative of the Nairovirus genus (family Bunyaviridae). The comparative analysis of the full-length genome sequences of the GERV with other nairoviruses showed that the highest level of homology (55.6% for N protein (S-segment) of 54.2% for the polyprotein Gn/Gc (M-segment) and 74.8% for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L-segment)) GERV had with the Chim virus (CHIMV) that is also associated with the shelters biocenoses (rodent burrows) in Central Asia and was previously assigned to the Qalyub virus group (QYBV). Comparing the GERV with the QYBV sequences (partial sequence 413 n.o. of RdRp gene) revealed a high level of homology: 74.3 and 97.4% for the nucleotide and amino acid sequences, respectively. The data obtained in this work provided an opportunity to classify the GERV to the QYBV group; the Nairovirus genus, to the family Bunyaviridae.

[Genetic characterization of the Uzun-Agach virus (UZAV, Bunyaviridae, Nairovirus), isolated from bat Myotis blythii oxygnathus Monticelli, 1885 (Chiroptera; Vespertilionidae) in Kazakhstan].

The complete genome of Uzun-Agach virus (UZAV), isolated from the liver of Myotis blythii oxygnathus (Monticelli, 1885 (Chiroptera; Vespertilionidae)) bats in Alma-Ata district (Kazakhstan) in 1977 have been sequenced. Based on full-length genome comparison it is shown that UZAV is a new member of the Nairovirus genus (family Bunyaviridae). L-segment and M-segments of UZAV have 69,3% and 64,1% identity with Issyk-Kul virus (ISKV) that also was isolated from bats. S-segment of UZAV have 99,6% identity with the same of ISKV. This allow us to claim that UZAV is a reassortant virus that have S-segment derived from ISKV, and L- and M-segments from another virus that is phylogenetically related to ISKV, but divergent from it. The obtained data that the reassortment between ISKV and UZAV exists in nature suggest that they cocirculated in one ecological niche (bats of the Vespertilionidae family) and the areal of UZAV may coincide with the areal of ISKV.

[Genetic characterisation of Powassan virus (POWV) isolated from Haemophysalis longicornis ticks in Primorye and two strains of Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) (Flaviviridae, Flavivirus): Alma-Arasan virus (AAV) isolated from Ixodes persulcatus ticks in Kazakhstan and Malyshevo virus isolated from Aedes vexans nipponii mosquitoes in Khabarovsk kray].

The complete genomes of the three tick-borne flaviviruses (genus Flavivirus, fam. Bunyaviridae) were sequenced: Povassan virus (POWV, strain LEIV-3070Prm, isolated from Haemophysalis logicornis in Primorsky Krai, Russia in 1977), Alma-Arasan virus (AAV, strain LEIV-1380Kaz, isolated from Ixodes persulcatus ticks in Kazakhstan in 1977) and Malyshevo virus (isolated from a pool of Aedes vexans nipponii mosquitoes, in the Khabarovsk Krai, Russia in 1978). It is shown that AAV and Malyshevo virus are the strains of Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and belong to Sibirian and Far-Eastern genotypes, respectively (GenBank ID: AAV KJ744033; strain Malyshevo KJ744034). Phylogenetically AAV is closest related (94,6% nt and 98,3% aa identity) to TBEV strains, isolated in Sibiria (Vasilchenko, Aino, Chita-653, Irkutsk-12). Malyshevo virus is closest related (96,4% nt and 98,3% nt identity) to strains of TBEV, isolated in Far Eastern part of Russia (1230, Spassk-72, Primorye-89). POWV LEIV-3070Prm has 99.7% identity with the prototype strain POWV LB, isolated in Canada and 99.5% of isolates with Far-Eastern strains of POWV (Spassk-9 and Nadezdinsk-1991).

[Bactericidal effect of lysozyme].

Isolation of lysozyme from hemolymph of Alveonasus lahorensis (Acari: Parasitiformes, Argasidae) and Hyalomma marginatum (Acari: Parasitiformes, Ixodidae) with using ultrasound is described. It was shown that the bactericidal effect of the ultrasound-extracted lysozyme against Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus significantly exceeded that of the chicken egg lysozyme and lysozyme from ticks without ultrasound exposure. Disintegration of the hemolymph cells increased lysozyme production.