Ziya Ramazanov
Azerbaijan Medical University, Azerbaijan
Title: Ecological and epidemiological study of Francisella tularensis
Biography:
Abstract:
The causative agent of tularemia -Francisella tularensis (F. tularensis) is especially dangerous pathogen with a wide host range. Tularemia is widespread throughout the northern hemisphere, including Azerbaijan its neighbors to the north. Tularemia was one of the diseases monitored by the system of Anti-Plague laboratories established in Azerbaijan. The project in framework (Ecological and epidemiological study of Yersinia pestis and F. tularensis in the Gusar and Khachmaz regions of northern Azerbaijan) were studied the ecology and epidemiology of tularemia as a re-emerging infectious disease in the world with a focus on Azerbaijan. 1269 tick pool samples were extracted and tested for F. tularensis tul 4 and fop A Tularemia targets using analytic molecular methods. Positive samples presumptive for tularemia were tested at Republican Anti-Plague Station (RAPS) laboratory. All diagnostics procedures were performed in 2nd level BSC and BSL-2 facility. Real-time PCR was used to run submitted extracts (purified DNA) to detect Tularemia using R.A.P.I.D. and Bio-Rad equipment. PCR test and result analysis was performed based on RAPID protocol and IT kit (target 1 and 2 detection kits) and protocol, which laboratory staff prepared a master mix (MM) for tul4 and fop A Tularemia targets inserts. PCR test was performed on 2 targets simultaneously. As a result, 1,217 tick pool were negative for F. tularensis both targets (fop A and tul4). 15 tick pool samples were positive only for tul4 and 15 only for fop A. 12 confirmed results were obtained. There is a need to expand epidemiological studies of F. tularensis sources and improve of diagnostics (molecular-genetic level) to differentiate. Detailed genetic and geographical analysis of F. tularensis cultured from humans with disease can identify geographical sources of infection and dispersal patterns. Additionally, the evolution, replication history and other population genetic parameters of F. tularensis may be inferred.