Epidemiological Situation Research Articles

Borelioza z Lyme w Polsce w 2022 roku

IntroductionIn Poland, Lyme disease has been subject to mandatory reporting and registration since 1996, and following EU law, cases of neuroborreliosis have been reported to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) since 2019. Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes genus, and humans become infected through the bite of an infected tick. Due to the varied symptoms, diagnosis can be difficult and usually involves two-stage serological diagnostics. The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of Lyme disease in Poland in 2022 compared to the situation in previous years.Material and MethodsThe epidemiological situation of Lyme disease in Poland was assessed on the basis of the data sent to NIPH NIH – NRI by voivodeship sanitary-epidemiological stations and published in the bulletin “Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland in 2022”.ResultsIn 2022, 17 369 cases of Lyme disease were registered, including 776 hospitalizations. This was a significant increase in cases by 38.96% and hospitalizations by 88.81% compared to the previous year. The seasonality that characterizes Lyme disease was noticeable in individual quarters, i.e. an increase in the number of cases from 1 151 in Q1 to 7 267 in Q3 and a decrease in Q4 to 5 708. At the voivodeship level, the highest incidence was recorded in the Podlaskie (81.2 per 100 000), Małopolskie (79.8 per 100 000) and Lubelskie (76.8 per 100 000) voivodeships.ConclusionsThe epidemiological situation of Lyme disease is gradually returning to the state before the COVID-19 pandemic. The percentage of hospitalized cases increased slightly (from 3.3% in 2021 to 4.5% in 2022), which, combined with the increase in the number of cases, meant an increase in the number of hospitalizations due to Lyme disease by almost 89%. The highest incidence was consistently observed in the eastern part of Poland (Podlaskie, Warmińsko-mazurskie, Lubelskie voivodeships).

Dominant HPAIV H5N1 genotypes of Germany 2021/2022 are linked to high virulence in Pekin ducklings

Abstract Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) of H5 clade 2.3.4.4b pose an ongoing threat worldwide. It remains unclear whether this panzootic situation would favor low virulent phenotypes expected by the ‘avirulence hypothesis’ of viral evolution. Assessing virulence in Pekin ducklings in an intramuscular infection model revealed that the two genotypes that dominated the epidemiological situation in Germany during the period 2021 and 2022 (EU-RL:CH and EU-RL:AB) were of high virulence. In contrast, rare genotypes were of intermediate virulence. The genetic constellation of these reassortants pointed to an important role of the viral polymerase complex (RdRP), particularly the PB1 genome segment, in shaping virulence in ducklings. Occulo-nasal infection of ducklings confirmed the phenotypes for two representative viruses and indicated a more efficient replication for the high virulence strain. These observations would be in line with the ‘virulence-transmission trade-off’ model for describing HPAIV epidemiology in wild birds in Germany.

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci: Current Understandings of Resistance in Relation to Transmission and Preventive Strategies

Due to the limited treatment options and increased mortality rates, infection prevention and control strategies have been implemented for many years to mitigate dissemination of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) within healthcare settings. The overview provides an insight into the most recent research, particularly the pathogen’s resilience in the healthcare environment, and the critical need for infection control strategies, which are currently being scrutinized by some researchers. The notable resilience of enterococci to various environmental conditions highlights the necessity for investigations into innovative technologies capable of effectively targeting the biofilm produced by enterococci on hospital surfaces. A critical approach to traditional infection control strategies is becoming more accepted worldwide, taking into account the epidemiological situation in the given healthcare setting as well as specific characteristics of a patient. For certain high-risk patient populations, traditional infection control strategies including CP and screening should not be omitted. Additionally, further investigation into the resistance mechanisms of available antimicrobial agents is essential, as is research into their potential association with specific successful clones through WGS genotyping, to pre-emptively mitigate their spread before it escalates.

Assessment of humoral immunity to the measles virus in healthcare workers

BACKGROUND: measles is an anthroponotic viral disease characterized by high contagiousness. In the early 2000s in the Russian Federation, the infection was on the verge of elimination, but outbreaks in 2003, 2014, 2019 and the rise in incidence since 2022 refutes this situation. Cleanup vaccination of risk groups and revaccination of persons vaccinated once are ongoing. It is relevant to determine antibodies in blood serum in the vaccinated population and in persons with an unknown vaccination and post-infection history. AIM: of the study is to present the results of a study of humoral immunity to the measles virus in healthcare workers vaccinated against measles and with an unknown vaccination and post-infectious history. MATERIALS AND METHODS: the study was conducted in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan. The study involved employees of a skin and venereal disease clinic, children's clinics, and a blood center in the amount of 133 people (including 2 men), who were vaccinated and revaccinated with live measles vaccine, after which a sufficient amount of time had passed for the formation of an immune response - 3-4 weeks, as well as 40 female employees with an unknown vaccination and post-infection history. Specific IgG to the measles virus was determined in the test blood sera using the enzyme immunoassay method using the Vector-Best kit (Novosibirsk, Russia). Statistical analysis was carried out using the StatTech v.4.1.9 program (developed by Stattech LLC, Russia). RESULTS. The study was conducted in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan. The study involved employees of a skin and venereal disease clinic, children's clinics, and a blood center in the amount of 133 people (including 2 men), who were vaccinated and revaccinated with live measles vaccine, after which a sufficient amount of time had passed for the formation of an immune response - 3-4 weeks, as well as 40 female employees with an unknown vaccination and post-infection history. Specific IgG to the measles virus was determined in the test blood sera using the enzyme immunoassay method using the Vector-Best kit (Novosibirsk, Russia). Statistical analysis was carried out using the StatTech v.4.1.9 program (developed by Stattech LLC, Russia). CONCLUSIONS. The ongoing outbreaks of measles in 2003, 2014, 2019, 2022-2023 require constant monitoring of the epidemiological situation with the study of the post-vaccination immune response in vaccinated people and the post-infection response in people with an unknown history of measles

The effectiveness of the HB&L system in bacteriuria determining

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are characterized by high prevalence in various populations, recurrent course, complications and accumulation of antibiotic resistant strains. Researchers continue to search for objective criteria for the laboratory diagnosis of associated diseases, including methods for determining bacteriuria The implementation of anautomatic bacteriological analyzer into the laboratory practice would make possible to organize screening studies of UTIs with high sensitivity and specificity, in parallel with studies of the resistant phenotypes’prevalence. This will help to create the basis for the development of highly effective and reasonable antibiotic therapy, and, in general, to improve the epidemiological situation associated with these infections.

Whole-genome sequencing-based analysis of Brucella species isolated from ruminants in various regions of Türki̇ye

BackgroundBrucellosis, a zoonotic disease in Türkiye, which has significant direct and indirect impacts on the healthcare system and livestock. This study, which aimed to investigate the differences among Brucella spp. isolates originating from different regions of Türkiye, for implications for public health and veterinary medicine.MethodTwenty-one isolates from ruminants and two isolates from humans obtained from various regions of Türkiye were utilized in the study. The isolates were identified and biotyped using traditional microbiological procedures, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed. This was followed by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)--based phylogenetic analysis and WGS-based analysis of virulence and resistance genes. Additionally, phenotypic antimicrobial resistance and phage susceptibilities were determined. The obtained data were then compared for concordance, ensuring the validity and reliability of the results.ResultsOur study, employing culture methods, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and WGS analyses, identified 11 Brucella melitensis (bv 3 (n = 9), one each bv 1 and bv 2) and 12 B. abortus (bv 3 (n = 11), bv 9 (n = 1)) isolates All B. abortus isolates were of bovine origin, while the B. melitensis isolates were from sheep (n = 7), goat (n = 1), ram (n = 1), and humans (n = 2). In the whole-genome SNP-based phylogenetic tree, all B. melitensis strains were found to be of the IIb subtype of genotype II associated with the Eastern Mediterranean lineage. Ten different genotypes were identified in the SNP analysis of the isolates, with a maximum SNP difference of 278 and a minimum SNP difference of 4 among these genotypes. According to the WGS-SNP-based phylogenetic tree of B. abortus isolates, they were grouped in clade C1. In the SNP analysis, where ten different genotypes were identified, the SNP difference among these genotypes was a maximum of 316 and a minimum of 6.In the in silico MLST analysis performed with WGS data, B. melitensis isolates were identified as ST8 and ST102 genotypes, while B. abortus isolates were identified as ST2 and ST3 genotypes. The dominant genotypes were ST8 for B. melitensis and ST2 for B. abortus, respectively. Virulence gene analysis conducted based on WGS data of the 23 B. abortus and B. melitensis isolates revealed 43 virulence gene-associated regions in all strains, irrespective of species, host, or isolation year. Although classical resistance-related genes were not detected by WGS-based antimicrobial resistance gene analysis, phenotypic resistance analysis revealed resistance to azithromycin, rifampin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in B. abortus and B. melitensis isolates.ConclusionBoth B. melitensis and B. abortus were circulating species in animals and human. The dominant genotypes were ST8 for B. melitensis and ST2 for B. abortus, respectively. All B. melitensis strains were found to be of the IIb subtype of genotype II associated with the Eastern Mediterranean lineage, while B. abortus isolates, they were grouped in clade C1. Further, a comprehensive study with a sufficient number of isolates covering all regions of Türkiye would provide more accurate information about the current epidemiological situation in the country.

Euthanasia of dogs as control of Visceral Leishmaniasis: brazilian law from a technical and ethical-moral view

Dogs participate in the maintenance of leishmaniasis as a reservoir in urban areas. The Visceral Leishmaniasis Surveillance and Control Program (PVCLV) of the Ministry of Health determines the euthanasia of seroactive dogs. The human-animal relationship has become closer to the point that zoonoses are gaining greater attention from health services, and the euthanasia of these animals has an impact on the multispecies family. The maintenance of euthanasia as an action to control the disease is questioned. With the approval of medication and the development of prevention methods, guardians question the action recommended by PVCLV. This review highlights the importance of health education, environmental management, responsible custody and public policies, highlighting current legislation and its controversies, in addition to the fact that the emotional impact of euthanasia is not limited to the animal's family, but also to the professional who performs it, and that as the only action to control leishmaniasis it is ineffective and may worsen the epidemiological situation of the disease.

Comparison of Three Different IBD Vaccination Protocols in Broiler Chicken—Efficacy, Serological Baselines and Histo-Pathological Lesions in the Bursa of Fabricius

Background: Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a highly infectious disease of chicken found in all latitudes, due to the very high resistance to environmental conditions and commonly used disinfectants of the IBD virus (IBDV). Methods: This study was conducted to evaluate three IBD vaccination protocols in broiler chicken in terms of their effectiveness (clinical observations and production performance of the flock), estimation of serological baseline values (with the use of two different commercial ELISA kits) and the degree of progression of BF lesions (histopathological lesion score (HLS)) after vaccination. The three protocols were (I) single vaccination using an intermediate plus vaccine, (II) double vaccination with an intermediate vaccine and (III) double vaccination with an intermediate plus vaccine. Results: Birds on farms vaccinated with protocol II were characterized by the lowest antibody titers in both ELISA tests and the lowest average HLS. The highest IDEXX titers were obtained in birds vaccinated with protocol III, while in the BIOCHEK test the highest titers were obtained for birds vaccinated with protocol I. Protocols I and III were characterized by similar HLSs. Birds vaccinated with protocols I and III had higher immune uniformity. Conclusions: The estimated serological baseline values and the degree of HLSs presents a clear picture of the differences between the different vaccination protocols and allows their adaptation for different farms depending on the current IBD epidemiological situation.

Wastewater Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Slovenia: Key Public Health Tool in Endemic Time of COVID-19

With the reclassification of COVID-19 as an endemic disease and the relaxation of measures, Slovenia needed a complementary system for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infections. This article provides an overview of the epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 in Slovenia using a wastewater surveillance system, demonstrating its usefulness as a complementary tool in epidemiological surveillance. This study found that estimated SARS-CoV-2 infections in Slovenia peaked in September 2022 and showed a declining trend with subsequent lower peaks in March–April and December 2023, mirroring the trends observed from clinical data. Based on both surveillance systems, the most prevalent variant in 2022 was BA.5. By 2023, BQ.1 and other Omicron variants increased in prevalence. By the end of 2023, XBB sublineages and the BA.2.86 variant had become predominant, demonstrating consistent dynamic shifts in variant distribution across both monitoring methods. This study found that wastewater surveillance at wastewater treatment plants in Slovenia effectively tracked SARS-CoV-2 infection trends, showing a moderate to strong correlation with clinical data and providing early indications of changes in infection trends and variant emergence. Despite limitations during periods of low virus concentration, the system proved significant in providing early warnings of infection trends and variant emergence, thus enhancing public health response capabilities.

Epidemiology of Sandfly-Borne Phleboviruses in North Africa: An Overview

Eight sandfly-borne phleboviruses were found to circulate in North Africa. Phleboviruses detected in sandflies were Toscana (TOSV), Sandfly Fever Sicilian (SFSV), Sandfly Fever Naples (SFNV), Cyprus (CYPV), Punique (PUNV), Utique, Saddaguia, and Medjerda Valley (MVV) viruses, yielding an overall infection rate of 0.02–0.6%. Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus longicuspis were the most common vector species in the region. TOSV seroprevalence in dogs from Algeria (4.56%) and Tunisia (7.5%) was low and close, unlike SFSV (38.1%) and PUNV (43.5%), which were restricted to Tunisia. SFSV (1.3–21%) and TOSV (3.8–50%) were the most prevalent among humans. TOSV was frequently detected and symptomatically confirmed in both Algeria (3.8%) and Tunisia (12.86%). Other sandfly-borne phleboviruses have also been detected but less importantly, such as SFNV in Morocco (2.9%) and Tunisia (1.1%) and PUNV (8.72%), CYPV (2.9%), and MVV (1.35%) in Tunisia. Their distribution was mainly northern. Overall, 15.9% of the healthy population were seropositive for sandfly-borne phleboviruses, with evidenced cocirculation. Noticeably, studies conducted in Morocco were mostly interested in TOSV in sandflies. Available data from Libya and Egypt were scant or historical. Further elaboration is required to check the sporadic detection of less-prevalent phleboviruses and fully elucidate the epidemiological situation.

Spatial disparities in cancer incidence and mortality, indicating gaps in prevention and/or care

Abstract Background There is a rich literature on the distribution of cancer incidence and mortality in socioeconomically different regions of the world, but none of the studies has compared the spatial distribution of mortality and morbidity to see if they are consistent with each other. Methods All malignant neoplasms and separately by cervical, colorectal, breast, pancreatic, lung and oral cancers were studied in the Hungarian population aged 25-64 years for the period 2007-2018 at the municipality level by sex. In each case, the spatial distribution of morbidity and mortality and their clusters were compared with each other and with the level of deprivation using disease mapping, spatial regression, risk analysis and spatial scan statistics. Results All-cause cancer morbidity and mortality showed a significant association with deprivation. However, the slope of the increase in mortality with increasing deprivation was much steeper than for morbidity in both sexes. The association between deprivation and morbidity was not consistent across all cancers. No significant association was found for male colorectal cancer (RR: 1.003; 95%CI 0.986-1.019), pancreatic cancer (1.014; 95%CI 0.983-1.045) and female colorectal cancer morbidity (RR: 0.977; 95%CI 0.991-1.029), whereas a negative association was found for breast cancer morbidity (RR: 0.977; 95%CI 0.963-0.991). In contrast, a positive association between deprivation and mortality was found for each type of cancer, although with different RRs. However, disease mapping analyses showed only partial overlap between high-risk morbidity and mortality areas, often independent of deprivation. Conclusions Our results highlight not only the diverse relationship between the epidemiological situation and deprivation, but also the disproportionate relationship between cancer morbidity and mortality, thus identifying geographical regions and sub-regions with populations that require special public health attention. Key messages • Comparative spatial analysis of cancer morbidity and mortality at the municipality level is strongly recommended to identify populations in need of targeted cancer prevention and/or care. • The usefulness of comparative spatial analysis of cancer morbidity and mortality is demonstrated in Hungary, one of the countries with the most unfavourable cancer burden in international comparison.

Cardiovascular mortality rate between 2018 and 2022 in Kyrgyz Republic

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the number one cause of death in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Kyrgyz Republic. According to official statistics, CVD ranks first in the structure of overall mortality, accounting for more than half (52.1% according to 2022 data) of all deaths. Purpose to analyze the cardiovascular mortality rate in the Kyrgyz Republic, from 2018 to 2022. Methods Medical and statistical information on mortality from CVD in the population was obtained from the Centre for Electronic Health (CEH) of the Ministry of Health. To conduct a comparative analysis, relative indicators per 100 thousand population were calculated. A retrospective epidemiological study of mortality from CVD including different nosological forms over period for 2018–2022 was conducted, calculating the rate of increase (decrease). An analysis of the epidemiological situation of the disease in nine administrative-territorial units of the Kyrgyz Republic was also carried out with the calculation of the average 5-year mortality ratefor the period from 2018 to 2022. Results Despite the decrease in morbidity, a high proportion of mortality from CVD remains in all years, more than 50%. In terms of the percentage indicator for recent years, all this time it has maintained the highest position, in contrast to diseases of other organs and systems. In the last decade, from 2012 until 2020, there was a gradual decrease in the mortality rate. Since 2020, we have seen a sharp increase in the CVD mortality rate per 100 thousand population by 19.6% compared to 2018, by 19.4% since 2019, which is associated with the influence of Covid-19 pandemic, in 2021 this indicator amounted to 297.6 cases, in 2022 - 234.5. The main contribution to population death from CVD is made by coronary heart disease (65.90%), including acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular diseases (21.4%), arterial hypertension (5.9%). If we analyze the mortality rate from CVD by nine administrative-territorial units, the highest rates in 2022 are observed in the Chui and Talas regions, 291.9 and 266.3 per 100 thousand population respectively; the lowest in the Osh region (207.3), Osh city (196.1) and Bishkek (208.6), which is explained by the better organization of health services in these areas. Conclusion CVD remains the main cause of mortality in the population of the Kyrgyz Republic. Although over the past year there has been a good decline in this indicator, in almost all regions, particularly the greatest successes have been achieved in Naryn and Issyk-Kul regions. In connection with the above, there is requirement for a clear identification of priorities when determining the strategy of treatment and preventive interventions. It is necessary to create an effective National system of care for patients with CVD with a focus on emergency cardiac care and prevention issues.

Świnka w Polsce w 2022 roku

BackgroundMumps, also known as Sudden parotitis, is a viral disease whose main source of infection is the sick/infected person. It posed a serious public health threat in Poland before the introduction of mandatory vaccination. In 2003, Poland introduced the Immunization Program, which included a two-dose vaccination against mumps as part of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine for all children.ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the epidemiological situation of mumps in Poland in 2022 compared to previous years, including an analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.Material and methodsThe analysis of the epidemiological situation of mumps in Poland in 2022 was based on the interpretation of data published in the annual bulletin: "Infectious Diseases and Poisonings in Poland in 2022" and "Vaccinations in Poland in 2022".ResultsIn 2022, 922 cases of mumps were registered in Poland. This was a 90.5% increase compared to 2021 when 484 cases were recorded. The total incidence was 2.4 per 100,000 residents, 84.6% higher than in 2021. The highest incidence of 3.4 per 100 000 residents was registered in the Mazowieckie voivodeship, and the lowest, as in the previous year, was 1.0/100 000 residents in the Dolnośląskie voivodeship. The highest incidence (12.9/100 000) was recorded in children aged 0-4 and 5-9 (16.1/100 000). The incidence in men (3.0/100 000) was higher than in women (1.9/100 000). In 2022, the number of hospitalizations for mumps in Poland was 20, an increase of 122.2% compared to 2021, when 9 people were hospitalized.ConclusionsThe year 2022 showed an overall upward trend in registered mumps cases. The decrease in the number of mumps cases in 2021 was a result of the ongoing pandemic. The restrictions implemented during the pandemic period contributed to a decrease in the number of cases of various droplet-transmitted diseases, including mumps. Still, the observed number of mumps cases in 2022 remains below levels observed during the pre-pandemic COVID-19 period (2019).

A computer model of the distribution of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis in Ukraine

Alveolar echinococcosis, caused by the larval form of the parasitic tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, aff ects a wide range of animal species, including domestic and wild livestock, and is a highly pathogenic helminthic disease for humans. Recently developed for the species habitat suitability maps are restricted to the border of the European Union and have left Ukraine outside the scope of this study. Our goal was to model and characterize the large-scale ecological niche of E. multilocularis in Europe, placing a particular emphasis on Ukraine, and to justify an assessment of the risk of E. multilocularis transmission in Ukraine under current environmental conditions. Using the CMCC-BioClimInd dataset and a Bayesian modeling approach, we developed a habitat suitability map for the species in Ukraine and distinguished corresponding risk areas. We anticipate the model will enhance future surveillance eff orts and help to understand the epidemiological situation of the disease, especially under wartime conditions.

Народжуваність та сімейна політика у країнах Європи у період пандемії COVID-19

The study of shifts in the fertility dynamics during crisis periods along with changes in the system of family policy in European countries is a relevant direction of research for the further development of Ukraine’s demographic policy, increasing its effectiveness, especially in the period of post-war reconstruction. In this regard, the purpose of our paper is to find out the changes in trends and structural characteristics of fertility in the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic in European countries in combination with the analysis of change in family policy, effectiveness of current and implemented during this period policy measures. The main methods used in the paper were systematization and generalization of statistical information from various sources, structural-logical and comparative analysis and critical assessment of measures implemented to counter crisis situations in developed European countries. The scientific novelty consists in generalizing fertility characteristics and family policy measures to counteract the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on family wellbeing in European countries. The grouping of European countries was based on the changes that occurred in the fertility dynamics on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2020—2021. In most countries, there was a decrease in the total fertility rate in 2020 followed by a rather sharp rise in 2021. This became possible due to the increase in childbirth among women of middle and older reproductive age. The countries in which there was a long period of decline in the total fertility rate before the epidemic but in 2021 fertility increased despite the complexity of the epidemiological situation (Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, Norway) have drawn the most attention. Consistency, comprehensiveness, adherence to principles, variety are key characteristics of family policy that strengthen reproductive resilience. Along with providing financial assistance to families with children, in many countries, parents were given additional paid leave, measures were introduced to counter the dismissal of employees who have children, support was provided to institutions that continued to provide childcare services, and remote employment opportunities were expanded. The issues of the influence of population’s trust in the government (especially in periods of crisis) on formation of reproductive intentions and their realization need further study.

Methodological model for teaching residents of foreign language professional communication based on an integrated approach

Importance. The widespread use of foreign language education in non-linguistic universities is due to a number of factors that determine the development of professional activity in various industries. Medicine and healthcare are among the key areas of human activity that require regular updating of knowledge and improvement of professional skills of a specialist in the context of scientific and technological progress. Medical professionals are required to keep abreast of the latest achievements of science and technology, to study new methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases in order to provide patients with better medical care. Using the example of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world community realized that the emergence of such threats requires rapid response and cooperation between various countries and organizations. Only through the experience of interaction between scientists and medical professionals from different countries, it was possible to jointly normalize the epidemiological situation around the world. The World Health Organization has played a key role in coordinating international efforts to combat coronavirus infection by providing all the necessary information in foreign languages, mainly English and French. In view of this, there is a social demand in the labor market for medical workers who speak English perfectly, and in higher educational institutions there is a demand for language courses from students of residency. The main purpose of the study is to develop a methodological model for teaching residents of foreign language professional communication based on an integrated approach.Research Methods. To achieve the main goal, theoretical and empirical research methods are applied, which make it possible to study and analyze existing theories and concepts on the topic of developing a methodological model for teaching residents of foreign language professional co mmunication based on an integrated approach. Based on the analysis of the academic literature on the research topic, the regularities of the construction of the methodological model, its functions and component composition are revealed. Modeling of the educational process makes it possible to create an effective methodological model for teaching residents of foreign language professional communication based on an integrated approach.Results and Discussion. The conducted research makes it possible to identify the didactic functions of the methodological model: 1) orienting; 2) regulatory; 3) formative; 4) controlling. Based on the identified didactic functions, a methodological model for teaching residents of foreign la nguage professional communication based on an integrated approach is developed, which is structurally presented in the form of five consecutive blocks: 1) prerequisites; 2) goal setting block; 3) content block; 4) operational and activity block; 5) evaluation and performance block.Conclusion. The developed methodological model for teaching residents of foreign language professional communication based on an integrated approach allows creating a simulation of the educational process in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed teaching met hodology. The obtained research results are supposed to be used in the methods of foreign language teaching in medical universities in the training of residents.

Sweden surpasses the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target: estimating HIV-1 incidence, 2003 to 2022.

BackgroundSweden reached the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target in 2015. It is important to reassess the HIV epidemiological situation due to ever-changing migration patterns, the roll-out of PrEP and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.AimWe aimed to assess the progress towards the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets in Sweden by estimating the proportion of undiagnosed people with HIV (PWHIV) and HIV incidence trends.MethodsWe used routine laboratory data to inform a biomarker model of time since infection. When available, we used previous negative test dates, arrival dates for PWHIV from abroad and transmission modes to inform our incidence model. We also used data collected from the Swedish InfCareHIV register on antiretroviral therapy (ART).ResultsThe yearly incidence of HIV in Sweden decreased after 2014. In part, this was because the fraction of undiagnosed PWHIV had decreased almost twofold since 2006. After 2015, three of four PWHIV in Sweden were diagnosed within 1.9 and 3.2 years after infection among men who have sex with men and in heterosexual groups, respectively. While 80% of new PWHIV in Sweden acquired HIV before immigration, they make up 50% of the current PWHIV in Sweden. By 2022, 96% of all PWHIV in Sweden had been diagnosed, and 99% of them were on ART, with 98% virally suppressed.ConclusionsBy 2022, about half of all PWHIV in Sweden acquired HIV abroad. Using our new biomarker model, we assess that Sweden has reached the UNAIDS goal at 96-99-98.

New therapeutic approaches for S.aureus infections treatment

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an opportunistic pathogen that causes a range of diseases, from mild skin and soft tissue infections and food poisoning to serious conditions such as pneumonia, endocarditis, sepsis, and hospital-acquired infections. Due to the aggressive nature of the disease, limitations of existing treatments, and the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains, the development of alternative strategies to combat bacterial infections has progressed faster than the development of new antibiotics. In this review, we analyze the epidemiological situation of morbidity and mortality associated with S. aureus infection, as well as antimicrobial resistance of this organism on a global scale. We reviewed the pathogenesis and virulent factors of S. aureus, their mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, and the importance of diagnosing staphylococcal infections to ensure timely intervention. This review also discusses the latest approaches to combating antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, including preventive and therapeutic antimicrobial strategies. Such methods as the use of bacteriophages in treatment, antimicrobial peptides, probiotic microorganisms and their metabolites, and the use of inhibitors to suppress bacterial communication are considered.

Risks of Coronavirus Infectious Disease 19 (SARS-CoV-2) in Companion Animals

The epidemiological situation of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in humans and animals is continually evolving. Given the probable animal origin of SARS-CoV-2 and the recent case reports in pets, especially cats and dogs, and their close contact with humans, it is critical to comprehend how sensitive SARS-CoV-2 is to humans and vice versa in order to control the coronavirus infectious disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. The most susceptible companion animals to contract SARS-CoV-2 infection include cats, ferrets, and hamsters. The virus SARS-CoV-2 that is carried from pets to humans is generally thought to have little to no effect on the viral transmission across the broader community, and there is little evidence of mutations. Thus, there is no requisite for specialized surveillance programmes for SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets; in most cases, testing should only be done on pet owners or veterinarians who interact with these animals. It is recommended to properly dispose of human waste in order to lower the probability of SARS-CoV-2 spreading to animals. Additionally, it is best to avoid contact with pets, particularly if they are ill or deceased. In addition to evaluating animals exhibiting clinical indications, monitoring is advised for household pets.

FORMATION OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF FOREIGN STUDENTS AT THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN INFECTIOUS DISEASES

The article highlights the experience of professional competence formation of foreign medical students with an English-language form of education at the Department of Children Infectious Diseases of the Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University. Traditional and interactive teaching methods used during classroom work with students are described. Professional competence involves the ability to use knowledge, skills and abilities in practice effectively. For future doctors, it includes mastering diagnostic methods, emergency situations management, and using modern technics of diagnosis and treatment. Aim. The aim is to describe and analyze methods of professional competence formation of foreign students at the Department of Children Infectious Diseases during classroom work. Research results. At the Department of Children Infectious Diseases, foreign students study children infectious diseases and elective disciplines - immunoprophylaxis of infectious diseases, clinical parasitology and tropical medicine. When teaching medical disciplines to foreign students, it is necessary to take into account their insufficient level of Ukrainian language proficiency, which is an obstacle to communicating with patients and fully mastering the method of taking anamnesis when working in the hospital near the patient’s bedside. Therefore, the teacher also plays the role of an interpreter. During practical classes control of the input level of knowledge is carried out with the use of multiple choice questions. The final level of knowledge is monitored using situational tasks. Work with the theoretical material takes place in the form of a discussion, the "round table" method with "brainstorming". The main part of the practical class is conducted at the patient's bedside in the departments of the infectious disease hospital. The teacher translates during direct communication between students and patients, corrects the techics of the examination. During classes, students receive structured mini-cases with a description of a clinical case and work in small groups. During case discussions, the teacher is liberal, ready to listen to various opinions and ways of solving a problem situation. Students of the fifth year visit lectures, during which teachers demonstrate multimedia presentations with graphs, schemes of pathogenesis, photos of patients. Combining the lecturer's comments with video information and animation greatly enhances the attention of the audience. Demonstration of clinical cases during the lecture, followed by a discussion in a dialog mode, is valuable. During the lectures, information about the epidemiological situation regarding a particular disease in the countries from which the students came is presented and discussed. Conclusion. For professional competence formation of future doctors, a combination of traditional and interactive teaching methods is effective. In the process of the professional competence formation, all its components should be taken into account: cognitive, motivational and personal. The use of the case method increases cognitive interest, promotes the development of communication skills and clinical thinking. A competent, highly qualified teacher who is fluent in English and uses modern information sources, is an active organizer and participant in the educational process.