TLR3 Gene Polymorphism in HCV Infection in the Kazakh Population of Western Kazakhstan.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a common cause of cirrhosis worldwide, leading to significant economic and social burdens. Approximately 170 million people (3% of the population) are infected with HCV, with the risk of developing complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In the United States, HCV is the main cause of liver cirrhosis, accounting for 26% of cases. Recent studies have shown an increase in the proportion of HCV-related liver cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 102 patients with chronic hepatitis C in the reactivation phase from the Atyrau and Aktobe regional hepatology centers, who had not previously received antiviral therapy, were examined. A control group, matched by gender and age, included 127 practically healthy individuals of Kazakh nationality. All patients underwent a comprehensive examination, which included a complete blood count, a biochemical blood analysis and PCR for HCV. Venous blood samples were taken from all subjects for molecular genetic analysis. Genotyping of TLR3 polymorphism (rs5743312, rs5743305, rs3775291, rs5743311, rs1879026) was performed using real-time PCR. Thes study is a case control study. RESULTS: In patients with cirrhosis of the liver resulting from chronic hepatitis C (HCV), the results of biochemical analysis were statistically significantly higher than in patients with HCV without liver cirrhosis: the levels of total bilirubin (p 0.017*), alkaline phosphatase (p 0.022*), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (0.041*) were elevated. The results indicated that the CC genotype of TLR3 rs1879026 was associated with the development and chronicity of HCV infection compared to practically healthy individuals (p=0.001). In the distribution of genotypes and alleles for rs5743312, rs5743305, rs3775291, and rs5743311, no significant differences were found between patients with HCV and the healthy control group. CONCLUSION: The TLR3 rs1879026 gene polymorphism plays a significant role in the predisposition to HCV infection in the Kazakh population of the Aktobe and Atyrau regions.

Age and Spatial Peculiarities of Non-neoplastic Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue in Kazakhstan, 2003-2015.

BACKGROUND: Arrangement of effective management aimed at improving dermatological services and consistent care of patients with skin diseases depends on understanding the epidemiological situation. METHODS: This retrospective study presents an epidemiological assessment of non-neoplastic skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases in Kazakhstan registered in 2003-2015. RESULTS: The yearly incidence rate of the diseases among the whole population was in average 3,341.8±121.1 per 100000 population. This represents 4835.0±156.1 for children, 5503.2±141.8 for adolescents and 2646.6±106.7 for adults per 100000 inhabitants. Space and time incidence rate was evaluated according to the administrative division. The overall trend decreased to 3.5% in children to 2.8% in adolescents to 1.9%, and in adults to 3.9%. Considerable variation in rates was seen across the country, with highest rates in East Kazakhstan, Mangystau and Aktobe regions, the lowest - in Atyrau and South-Kazakhstan regions. CONCLUSION: Non-neoplastic diseases of skin and subcutaneous tissue continue to be an urgent public health problem, especially among children in many regions of Kazakhstan.

Epidemiological Aspects of Neonatal Mortality Due To Intrauterine Infection in Kazakhstan.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we examined the epidemiological aspects of neonatal mortality due to intrauterine infections with regard to regional characteristics. METHODS: Consolidated report of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan on children deceased during their first 28 days of life due to intrauterine infections (P23 - congenital pneumonia, P35-39 - infectious diseases specific to the perinatal period) in the country and its regions for 2010 - 2014 was used in this investigation. Descriptive and analytical methods of medical statistics and epidemiology were used as the main method of this 5-year (2010-2014) retrospective study. RESULTS: Overall, 3,298 neonatal deaths from intrauterine infections were recorded in Kazakhstan during the period of 2010-2014, 1,925 of which were early and 1,373 were late neonatal deaths. The average annual rate of neonatal mortality rate from intrauterine infection in the country amounted to 1.73±0.23‰ (95% CI=1.27-2.19‰), whereas trends during the study period decreased (T=-15.3%). Regional characteristics of neonatal mortality were established. Different levels for cartograms of neonatal mortality from intrauterine infections were defined: low (up to 1.28‰), average (from 1.28‰ to 2.12‰) and high (by 2.12‰ and above). Neonatal mortality in the early and late periods was also analyzed. CONCLUSION: This is the first epidemiological study of neonatal mortality from intrauterine infection, which contains a detailed space-time evaluation. The results of this investigation can be used to improve the state program to combat infant mortality.