[Comparative study of carbon nanotubes and polymer composites with silver as sorbents of the influenza A and B viruses].

The comparative examination of the interaction of the influenza A and B viruses and fragments of DNA with the carbon nanotubes--composites of polyaniline (PANI) nanotubes and granules containing Ag and without Ag was performed. The increased absorption of the allantois viruses and DNA was demonstrated in composites with Ag. The influence of temperature in the range of 4-36 degrees C was not found to be essential. The intensive absorption took place within the first 15 min of the contact with the sorbents. In total, the properties of the composites of PANI nanotubes + Ag 30% are the most promising for the influenza viruses and DNA absorption in water solutions.

[Detection of conservative and variable epitopes of the pandemic influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09 hemagglutinin using monoclonal antibodies].

The goal of this work was to analyze the antigenic structure of the hemagglutinin (HA) of the pandemic influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09 using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and to develop a sandwich ELISA for identification of pandemic strains. Competitive ELISA demonstrated that 6 MAbs against HA of the pandemic influenza A/ IIV-Moscow/01/2009 (H1N1)pdm09 virus identified six epitopes. Binding of MAbs with 22 strains circulating in Russian Federation during 2009-2012 was analyzed in the hemagglutination-inhibition test (HI). The MAbs differed considerably in their ability to decrease the HI activity of these strains. MAb 5F7 identified all examined strains; MAbs 3A3 and 10G2 reacted with the majority of them. A highly sensitive sandwich ELISA was constructed based on these three MAbs that can differentiate the pandemic influenza strains from the seasonal influenza virus. The constancy of the HA epitope that reacts with MAb 5F7 provides its use for identification of the pandemic influenza strains in HI test. MAbs 3D9, 6A3 and 1E7 are directed against the variable HA epitopes, being sensitive to several amino acid changes in Sa, Sb, and Ca2 antigenic sites and in receptor binding site. These MAbs can be used to detect differences in HA structure and to study the antigenic drift of the pandemic influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09.

[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.

[Development of the influenza epidemic in season 2011-2012 in some areas of Russia: results of activity of the Influenza Etiology and Epidemiology Center of the Ivanovsky Institute of Virology].

The results of analysis of the peculiarities of the epidemic 2011-2012 development in the areas of 10 cities of Russia obtained by basic laboratories of IEES on the base of D.I. Ivanovsky Research Institute of Virology, Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of Russia, are presented. The increasing ARD morbidity caused by the influenza viruses was detected rather late--in February-March 2012. The highest indices of the morbidity were detected during weeks 10-13 followed by decreasing to threshold levels by week 27. Children 0-2 and 3-6 years old were involved the most, meantime the high rate of hospitalization was found for 15-64 years old aged group (25%). Influenza A(H3N2) and B viruses were the cause of the epidemic. The results of studies of the antigenic and genetic properties of the influenza strains showed most of them to be close relatives to the vaccine strains. Some heterogeneity of circulating strains and their drift variants were found as well. All tested strains were sensitive to arbidol, oseltamivir and zanamivir, and saved resistance to rimantadine. The ratio of ARD viruses was comparable with the last epidemic seasons.

[Interaction of influenza A and B viruses with nanodiamond-based sorbents].

The paper presents data on the sorption of influenza A(H1N1), A(H1N1)v, A(H3N2) viruses, cDNA of A(H1N1)v and B viruses on nanodiamonds and furnace charge. The sorption of viruses occurred in different solutions at 4-37 degrees C during 10-20 min. The rate of sorption varied with the concentration of a sorbent in the solution and its structure, but did not with the antigenic formula of viruses or temperature. The sorption capacity of furnace charge towards influenza A and B viruses was higher than that of nanodiamonds. Nonviral proteins (bovine serum albumin and influenza virus antibodies) were found to be bound by both sorbents. Viral desorption did not take place in physiological solution at 4 and 22 degrees C for 48 hours.

[The specific features of the cocirculation of influenza viruses in the 2010-2011 postpandemic period according to the results of activities of the D. I. Ivanovsky Research Institute of Virology, Ministry of Health and Social Development of Russia].

The paper gives the results of monitoring the circulation of influenza viruses in the 2010-2011 season, that covers the second year of circulation of pandemic A(H1N1)v virus strains, and their interaction with seasonal A (H3N2) and B strains. Unlike the previous season, the beginning of an increase in morbidity was recorded in January 2011; its peak in the most of contiguous areas was noted at 5-7 weeks of 2011, with its further decline to threshold levels at week 11 of 2011. Preschool and school children were most involved in the epidemic process. Three influenza virus strains (A(H1N1)v, A(H3N2), and B) were found to circulate. Differences were found in the level of participation of the isolated strains in individual areas of the Russian Federation. Detailed typing of the isolated strains determined the compliance of the vast majority of them with vaccine viruses. The pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v virus strains retained their susceptibility to oseltamivir and were resistant to rimantadine. The participation of non-influenza acute respiratory viral infection pathogens was estimated as follows: 11.9% for parainfluenza viruses, 5.9% for adenoviruses, and 3.5% for PC viruses, and 0.7% for pneumonia Mycoplasma, which was comparable with the previous epidemic seasons.

[Evaluation of the efficiency of differential diagnosis of influenza by multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction].

The paper gives the results of a comparative analysis of the detection of influenza viruses in clinical samples, by using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and by virus isolation in MDCK cell cultures. The investigation employed 267 nasopharyngeal swab specimens obtained from patients with influenza symptoms during two epidemic seasons (2008-2009 and 2009-2010). Influenza viruses were found in 104 samples (48 with influenza A virus (IAV) and 56 with influenza B virus (IBV)) by multiplex RT-RCR and in 84 samples (35 with IAV and 49 with IBV) by a cultural technique. The results of detection of influenza viruses by the two methods showed 89.4% agreement. The diagnostic sensitivity of multiplex RT-PCR testing a panel of the clinical samples in question was estimated to be 94.3% for IAV and 95.9% for IBV. The diagnostic sensitivity of multiplex RT-PCR in virus detection was demonstrated to be not only highly competitive with virus isolation, but also superior to the latter.

[Viral sorption on polyaniline, carbon nanotubes and their based nanocomposites].

The paper gives data on the sorption of influenza virus pandemic strain A/IIV-Moscow/01/2009 (H1N1)swl, avian influenza viruses with A/H5 and A/H7 hemagglutinin, poliomyelitis virus, and T4-D bacteriophage on polyaniline sorbents, carbon nanotubes, and their based nanocomposites. The sorption of viruses occurred in different solutions at 4-37 degrees C during 15 min or more. The rate of viral sorption depended on the structure of sorbents.

[Contribution of D I Ivanovsky Research Institute of Virology to monitoring influenza viruses during epidemics and 2009 pandemic in Russia].

The data on monitoring influenza viruses in Russia are presented based on the research underway at Ivanovsky Research Institute of Virology since 1959. The Institute's priority in isolation and identification of influenza viruses during epidemics and 2009 pandemic is confirmed. Results of assessment of influenza vaccines and etiotropic preparations, development and introduction of new methods for diagnostics of influenza are discussed.

[Spread of new pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v virus in Russia].

The paper presents the results of the investigations of the development of a influenza A(H1N1)v pandemic, conducted by the D. I. Ivanovsky Research Institute of Virology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, and collaborating laboratories in the European part of Russia, in the Urals, Siberia, and in the Far East. In the prepandemic period (April 27 - June 11, 2009) its first diagnosis was established on May 21, 2009; the first strain was isolated on May 24, 2009; the data on complete genome sequencing were sent to the GenBank; the sensitivity of the strain to commercial antiviral commercial agents was studied. In the early pandemic period (June 11 - August 15), 73 patients who had come from 14 countries of Europe, America, and Asia were identified; 19 virus strains (partially or completely sequenced) were isolated. The pandemic period (August 15 - December 1) was marked by absolute dominance of pandemic influenza virus virtually in the absence of seasonal influenza; the first death caused by pandemic influenza was detected in late August; 3053 subjects were infected with the pandemic strain, as shown by polymerase chain reaction diagnosis; 202 strains were identified.

[The 24 May, 2009 isolation of the first A/IIV-Moscow/01/2009 (H1N1)swl strain similar to swine A(H1N1) influenza virus from the first Moscow case detected on May 21, 2009, and its deposit in the state collection of viruses (SCV No. 2452 dated May 24, 2009)].

The paper presents the results of the first isolation of the new influenza virus in Moscow and the Russian Federation, which was similar to the swine A/IIV-Moscow/01/2009(H1N1)swl strain isolated on May 24, 2009 from a Russian arrived in Moscow from the USA on May 19, 2009. The antigenic, biological, and molecular genetic properties of this virus were studied. The virus was isolated on MDCK and chick embryos, the hemagglutination titers being 1:8-1:16 AE; the infectious titers being 6.51g of the tissue cytopathogenic infective dose (TCID50) and 7.01g of the common infective dose (CID50). The virus was sensitive to arbidol, ribavirin, oseltamivir, and resistant to rimantadine. The complete virus genome was sequenced; the data were accepted to the Gen Bank on May 28, 2009 under GQ219584-GQ219590 and GQ202724. The significant gene substitution of neuraminidase Asp for Gly in position 451, which has been undetectable in any other strain published in the Gen Bank by the present time is unique only to A/IIV-Moscow/01/2009 (H1N1)swl. The virus has been deposited in the State Collection of Viruses, D. I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, under No. 2452 dated May 24, 2009.

[The characteristics of epidemic influenza A and B virus strains circulating in Russia during the 2007-2008 season].

In 2007-2008 in Russia, the epidemic upsurge of influenza morbidity was caused by the active circulation of influenza A(H1N1, A(H3N2), and B viruses. The center for Ecology and Epidemiology of Influenza studied 334 epidemic strains. The results of a comparative study of the svirus specificity of commercial test systems (AmpliSens Influenza virus A/B and AmpliSens Influenza virus A/H5N1) for the polymerase chain reaction diagnosis and virological assays, including virus isolation, revealed their high correlation, which confirms that they may be expensively used to monitor the circulation of influenza viruses in the Russian Federation. All the strains were isolated in the MDCK cell culture. Influenza A(H1N1) viruses (n = 127) were antigenic variants of the reference strains A/Solomon Islands/3/06 and A/Brisbane/59107. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses (n = 49) were antigenic variants of the reference strains A/Wisconsin/67/05 and A/Brisbane/10/08. One hundred and fifty seven Influenza B strains were drift variants of the reference strains B/Florida/4/06 and B/Shanghai/361/02 of lineage B/Yamagata/16/88 and one strain, a variant of Malaysia/2506/04 related to lineage B/victoria/2/87. The isolates interacted actively with human 0(I) blood group erythrocytes and much more weakly with chicken ones. All study influenza A(H1N1) viruses (n = 74) preserved their sensitivity to rimantadine while 24 (77%) of the 31 study influenza A(H3N2) virus strains were resistant. A study of the time course of changes in the generation of antibodies in the donor sera obtained in Moscow and the Moscow Region in different periods of the epidemic process revealed an increase in antibodies to the reference influenza A and B virus strains circulating in this period.

[Interaction of influenza A and B viruses with polyaniline nano complexes].

The paper gives data on the sorption of influenza A and B viruses diluted from different solutions on polyaniline sorbents synthesized with low and high molecular-weight polymer acids. Irrespective of the antigenic structure of surface proteins, the influenza A and B viruses isolated in the period of 1977 to 2008 were shown to be able to be immobilized on polyaniline sorbents in the temperature range of 4 to 37 degrees C. The immobilized viruses interacted with homologous immune sera.

[The spread and biological properties of epidemic influenza viruses A and B strains circulating in the 2006-2007 season in Russia].

The epidemic upsurge of influenza morbidity in the 2006-2007 season in Russia was caused by the active circulation of influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2) and B viruses. The Center for Ecology and Epidemiology of Influenza studied 259 epidemic strains; All the strains were isolated on MDCK cell cultures. Influenza A(H1N1) viruses (n = 101) were antigenic variants of the references A/New Caledonia/20/99 and A/Solomon Islands/3/06. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses (n = 98) were antigenic variants of the references A/California/7/07 and A/Wisconsin/67/05. Twenty four influenza B virus strains were drift variants of the reference BI Shanghai/361/02 - lineage B/Yamagata/16188 and 36 were related to A/Malaysia/2506/05 - lineage B/Victoria/2/87). All the isolated strains actively interacted with human erythrocytes of the blood groups 0(I) and A(II) and very slightly with chicken ones. Twenty-two (48%) A(H1N1) strains and 19 (35%) A(H3N2) strains which were resistant to rimantafine were revealed. Studies of the donor sera collected in Moscow and the Moscow Region, the Jewish Autonomous Region, and Primorye revealed antibodies to today's strains; the level of antibodies in the preepidemic period depended on the region and strain. A study of changes in antibody formation in different periods of an epidemic process showed a rise in antibodies mainly to influenza A and B virus strains circulating in this period.

[Epidemic strains influenza viruses A and B in the 2005-2006 season in Russia].

Investigations indicated that the epidemic upsurge of influenza morbidity in the 2005-2006 season in Russia was caused by the active circulation of influenza viruses A and B. The Center for Ecology and Epidemiology of Influenza, D. I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, studied 182 epidemic strains. A hundred and thirteen influenza viruses A(H3N2) were similar to the reference A/California/07/2004 or were its antigenic variants. Thirteen influenza virus A(H1N1) strains that were antigenic variants of the reference A/New Caledonia/20/99 were isolated in sporadic cases. Influenza viruses B were similar to B/Malaysia/2506/2004--lineage B/Victoria/2/87). All the strains were isolated in the MDCK cell culture. Comparative study of the sensitivity of the chicken embryo (CE) and MDCK isolation system to the 1999-2006 epidemic strains showed that CE tropism was least pronounced in influenza viruses A(H3N2). Analysis of the 2002-2006 strains demonstrated that influenza viruses A reacted actively with human erythrocytes of the blood groups 0(I) and A(II) and very slightly with chicken ones. Eighty-five influenza virus A(H3N2) strains from the 2005-2006 epidemic season were investigated for rimantadine susceptibility. The frequency of rimantadine-resistant influenza virus A(H3N2) strains was 38.0%. Studies of 79 paired sera from patients revealed a rise of antibodies to influenza viruses A(H3N2) and B in 25.9-33.3 and 20.7-23.8% of cases, respectively. There was an increase in antibodies to influenza viruses A and B in the sera collected from donors in Moscow and its region in September 2005 to June 2006.

[Interaction of influenza A and B viruses with a carbon-containing sorbent].

The investigation demonstrated that influenza A and B viruses actively interacted with a sorbent obtained from modified oxygen-containing graphite via hydrothermal treatment irrespective of the antigenic structure of surface proteins. Virionic sorption occurred in a wide range of temperatures from 8 to 34 degrees C for 15 min or more. After interaction with the sorbent, the titer of a virus decreased 4- to 256-fold. The immobilized viruses were able to interact with homologous antibodies and immune sera. Desorption of viruses with the sorbent was extremely slight. In addition to viruses, the proteins of nonviral nature--those of allantoic hen embryo liquid, immune serum, and 1% bovine serum albumin--could be immobilized to the sorbent.

[Internal epidemic influenza virus proteins: isolation and investigation].

The internal influenza virus proteins M1 and RNP free from surface protein impurities were isolated from subviral particles (virions free from HA and NA ectomenes). The spikeless particles had no propensity to aggregate in the solution at pH 5.0 as compared with native viruses. The subviral particles of B/Hong Kong/330/01 influenza virus, which belonged to B/Victoria/2/87-lineage, were obtained by proteolytic treatment with the enzyme bromelain under the same conditions as in cases of influenza B viruses of B/Jamagata/16/88 lineage. A chromatographic analysis of the tryptic hydrolyzates obtained for matrix (M1) proteins of A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) influenza viruses revealed differences that were greatest between the protein M1 molecules isolated from influenza viruses of different subtypes of hemagglutinine. These findings suggest there are variations in the structure of this conservative internal viral protein M1 during evolution.

[Characterization of epidemic influenza virus A(H3N2) strains circulating in Russia in the 2003-2004 epidemic season].

Studies indicated that the epidemic rise in the incidence of influenza was caused by its virus A (H3N2) circulation in Russia in the 2003-2004 season. The Center of Influenza Ecology and Epidemiology investigated 101 epidemic strains isolated the MDCK culture. Antigenic analysis showed that all viruses A(H3N2) were similar to the reference virus A/Fujian/411/02(H3N2) and only 5 strains slightly differed from the latter. Twelve (14%) strains resistant to rimantadine at a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml were identified. Investigation of paired sera from the patients demonstrated a rise of antibodies to the references of influenza virus A(H3N2) in 68.7% of cases and a less increase in those to influenza viruses A(H1N1) and B. The active circulation of A(H3N2) viruses was due not only to changes in their antigenic structure, but also to the low level of antibodies to these viruses, as shown by the analysis of donor sera.

[The properties of the epidemic influenza viruses A and B strains circulating in Russia in the 2004-2005 epidemic season].

The epidemic upsurge of influenza morbidity in Russia in 2004-2005 was caused by the active circulation of influenza A(H3N2) and B viruses. A hundred and sixty-six epidemic strains were studied. All the strains were isolated in the MCK cell culture. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses (n=77) were antigenic variants of the reference A/Fujian/411/ 2002 and A/California/7/2004 strains. Three influenza A(H1N1) viral strains that were antigenic variants of A/New Caledonia/20/99 strains were isolated in sporadic cases. Influenza B virus strains (n=83) were antigenic variants of the reference B/Shanghai/361/02--lineage B/Yamagata/l6/88. In addition, 3 antigenic variants of B/Hong Kong/ 330/2002 (lineage B/Victoria/2/87) strains were isolated. Nine (20%) strains resistant to rimantadine at a concentration of 5 microg/ml were identified. Chromatographic analysis of B/Shanghai/361/02 and BIHong Kong/330/01 viral protein M1 trypsin hydrolysates revealed differences in the profiles of chromatograms of influenza A virus proteins M1. Examination of 121 pair sera from patients revealed an increase in antibodies to influenza A(H3N2) viruses in 10-21% of cases and to influenza B viruses in 20-36% of cases.

[The rimantadine sensitivity spectrum in influenza A viruses circulating in the 2002-2004 epidemic seasons].

A total of 200 influenza A virus strains were studied. Among them there 32 strains of A(H1N1) and 84 strains of A(H3N2) from the 2002-2003 epidemic season and 84 strains of A(H3N2) from the 2003-2004 epidemic season. Most rimantadine-sensitive strains whose infectivity and hemagglutinating activity were found to decrease by the drug given at a concentration of 0.5 microg/ml. In terms of infectivity and hemagglutinating activity, the number of rimantadine-resistant strains of A (H1N1) was equal to 9.0% for A(H1N1) influenza viruses and to 10.0 and 14.0% for A (H3N2) influenza viruses in different seasons, respectively.