Specialized Anti-epidemic Teams Research Articles

Tactical Features of Operation of the Specialized Anti-Epidemic Team of the Rospotrebnadzor on the Territory of the Republic of Crimea under Conditions Characteristic of a Combined Emergency

The tactics of activities of the specialized anti-epidemic team (SAET) of the Rospotrebnadzor on the territory of the Republic of Crimea has been determined by the conditions of emergency situation of sanitary-epidemiological and natural character. The aim of the work was to analyze the features and effectiveness of the functional response of the Rospotrebnadzor SAET to the dynamics of epidemiological risks caused by emergency of combined nature in the Republic of Crimea in 2020–2021. Materials and methods. We used report materials of the Rospotrebnadzor SAET; information materials of the Interregional Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Republic of Crimea and the Federal city of Sevastopol; “Coronavirus Monitor” service data. Results and discussion. Tactical decisions on the work of the SAET on the territory of the Republic of Crimea had the stage-by-stage nature. In the event of a complication of the epidemiological situation on the new coronavirus infection, a mobile group of the SAET was involved. Together with specialists from the Plague Control Station of the Republic of Crimea, it conducted 211 148 studies of clinical material to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA using PCR during the period of 2020–2021. In response to the emergence of additional risks caused by the consequences of a dangerous meteorological phenomenon, the group of SAET specialists was reinforced and mobile complex (MС) of the SAET was deployed. During the entire course of work, a prolonged target rotation of personnel was implemented in order to provide for adequate laboratory support for monitoring upon epidemiological indications in accordance with the nature of emerging risks. That tactics of operation made it possible to conduct 18 591 screening studies of clinical material for acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), natural-focal and acute intestinal infections (AII), as well as the study of 280 water samples for cholera. Introduction of the sequence of operational procedures adapted for work in emergency situations resulted in isolation of 10 Vibrio cholerae O1 ctxA–</sup tcpA–/em> strains from water bodies. The phased involvement of the mobile group of SAET specialists, and later the MC of the SAET, in combination with the consistent operational target rotation of personnel in order to provide adequate laboratory support for monitoring studies, determined the tactical features of the SAET functioning. Prompt investigation, substantiation of potential and response to realized (actual) epidemiological risks associated with the extraordinary situation made it possible to prevent complications of the epidemiological situation in the territory of the tourist cluster of the Russian Federation.

Mobile Complexes of the Specialized Anti-Epidemic Teams (SAET) of the Rospotrebnadzor as an Effective Tool in the Implementation of Measures to Counter New Coronavirus Infection COVID-19

The mobile complexes of the specialized anti-epidemic teams (SAET) of the Rospotrebnadzor (mounted on the platform of auto chassis) have been actively involved in implementation of operational measures to counter COVID‑19 in the Russian Federation, aimed at management and conducting of diagnostic studies. Analysis of the activities of mobile SAET in Moscow and Makhachkala made it possible to formulate the basic principles of organizing their work in the most difficult period of negative development of the situation, increasing incidence and insufficient readiness of laboratory bases for mass research: tactics of advance actions, flexibility in using the potential of SAET mobile complexes, monitoring over the implementation of anti-contamination measures at all stages of PCR analysis and the development of a consultative and methodological (training) aspects of activities of the team specialists. The use of mobile SAETs of the Rospotrebnadzor once again demonstrated their significance as a universal tool to counter epidemics of infectious diseases.

Participation of the Volgograd Research Anti-Plague Institute of Rospotrebnadzor in Ensuring Sanitary and Epidemiologic Wellbeing in the Cities of Volgograd and Kazan during 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

The objective of the study was to summarize the experience of the Volgograd Research Anti-Plague Institute in securing sanitary and epidemiologic welfare in the cities of Volgograd and Kazan during 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. Materials and methods. We analyzed reports of the Volgograd Research Anti-Plague Institute and Specialized Anti-Epidemic Teams (SAET) of Rospotrebnadzor for 2017–2018. Results. We identified key activities of specialists of the Volgograd Research Anti-Plague Institute in the preparation period including the analysis of potential epidemiologic risks; epizootological examination and comprehensive preventive measures in the areas characterized by high potential epidemiological hazard; ensuring anti-epidemic preparedness of Rospotrebnadzor bodies and health facilities in terms of methodology, personnel, and regulations, and taking into account external and internal threats of the Championship; ensuring preparedness of the SAET for testing, verification and coordinated response actions in case of biological emergency situations. During the international championship, the laboratories of the SAET mobile complex, groups of specialists in the cities of Volgograd and Kazan, and a stationary laboratory base of the Volgograd Research Anti-Plague Institute were first involved in solving the above tasks simultaneously. The prerogative function of the Volgograd Research Anti-Plague Institute was to carry out epidemiologic diagnostics when verifying cases of suspected infectious diseases, including new, previously unknown, associated with emergencies of natural and anthropogenic origin, and caused by pathogens of pathogenicity groups I–II ones, as well as in assisting regional health facilities in monitoring the environment including the infrastructure of mass events, and taking sanitary, hygienic, and preventive actions.

МЕТОДОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ ОБОСНОВАНИЕ ОЦЕНКИ РИСКОВ ЭПИДЕМИОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ОСЛОЖНЕНИЙ ПРИ ЧРЕЗВЫЧАЙНЫХ СИТУАЦИЯХ ПРИРОДНОГО ХАРАКТЕРА В СИБИРИ И НА ДАЛЬНЕМ ВОСТОКЕ

Annually in Siberia and at the Far East natural disasters cause adverse epidemiological effects that require emergency response of the Supervisory Activities and specialized anti-epidemic teams (SAET) of Rospotrebnadzor. In this connection, the need for objective assessment of various factors and conditions influencing on epidemiological situation in the emergency area occurs. Application of the risk assessment methodology in epidemiology resulted in the four-step algorithm of monitoring of possible epidemiological consequences of natural disasters in the Subjects of the Russian Federation permitting to develop a project of specific operative response of the SAETs in the area of its responsibility. This plan will ensure high level of targeted readiness of Rospotrebnadzor’s Regional Activities and SAETs to operate efficiently in the emergency area.

МЕТОД ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ ПОТРЕБНОСТИ СПЕЦИАЛИЗИРОВАННОЙ ПРОТИВОЭПИДЕМИЧЕСКОЙ БРИГАДЫ РОСПОТРЕБНАДЗОРА В ДИАГНОСТИЧЕСКИХ ПРЕПАРАТАХ В ПЕРИОД МАССОВЫХ МЕРОПРИЯТИЙ

In the article the new approach for definition of needs of a specialized anti-epidemic team (SAET) of Rospotrebnadzor for test systems for specific indication of pathogenic biological agents on epidemic indications during public events based on division of the infections into 3 levels according to evaluation criteria (questions) developed on the basis of the multiple-factor analysis taking into account the existing epidemiological risks of an event is described. Within ensuring readiness of SAET the risks connected with activation of local nosological forms of infections, however the part of each factor in general structure if necessary for the purpose of allocation of important regional and event features have key value, can change that is reached by inclusion additional or an exception of available evaluation criteria (questions). Successful application of a developed method during the work of SAET during the XXII Olympic Winter Games and the XI Paralympic Winter Games of 2014 in Sochi determines relevance of its further use.

Structure of Interaction between the Territorial Agencies and Institutions and Extraterritorial Mobile Complexes in the Course of Prevention and Response to Emergency Situations of Sanitary-Epidemiological Character (by the Example of Universiade, 2013)

The paper provides scientific substantiation for the deployment of auxiliary forces and facilities for the provision of sanitary-epidemiological welfare of the population under mass events with international participation. Identified are the tasks and key areas of the specialized anti-epidemic teams (SAET) of the Rospotrebnadzor activities during the preparation and carrying out of the XXVII World Summer Universiade in Kazan. Reviewed are the aspects of inter-agency cooperation between the network structures and mobile units of sanitary-epidemiological and medical-preventive bias during Universiade, 2013.

Provision of the Preparedness and Management of Work of the Specialized Anti-Epidemic Team at the Premises of the Rospotrebnadzor Stavropol Anti-Plague Institute during the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi

The paper contains the data on the management of work of the specialized anti-epidemic team (SAET) of the Stavropol Anti-Plague Institute during the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Winter Games (2014) in Sochi. Reviewed are the issues of SAET’s preparedness provision: staffing of the team, facility equipping, fitting with diagnostic preparations, professional training and development in view of the mass event mission - participation in interagency exercises, educational courses, seminars, and response drills. For the first time ever, SAET’s reinforced personnel comprised 60 specialists from research institutions and some other Rospotrebnadzor Organization. Provided was preparedness to perform laboratory diagnostics and indicate the agents of 82 nosological forms, including exotic ones. The team conducted investigations at the premises of the two facilities and bacteriological laboratory mounted on the trucks.

Management of Diagnostic Investigations at the Premises of Specialized Anti-Epidemic Team Mobile Complex at the Time of Running Mass Events

Laboratory support of epidemiological surveillance plays a significant role in the provision of sanitary-epidemiological welfare of the population at the time of preparations to and carrying out public events. Taking into consideration the increment of load upon the laboratory facilities of the Rospotrebnadzor institutions and general medical-and-prophylactic establishments, there emerges a need to deploy specialized anti-epidemic teams. By the example of management of the laboratory investigations in SAET mobile complex during XXVII World-wide Summer Universiade in Kazan, 2013 and G-20 Summit in Saint-Petersburg, 2013 formulated have been the basic principles of organization and algorithms of diagnostic work at the premises of laboratory facilities of SAET mobile unit deployed in order to provide for sanitary-epidemiological welfare of the population at the time of running public events.

Tactics for Specialized Anti-Epidemic Team (SAET) Deployment under the Conditions of Large-Scale High Water in the Far Eastern Territory. Communication 2. Peculiarities of Operational Activities of the Laboratory-Epidemiological SAET Reinforcement Unit Deployed in the Khabarovsk Territory and the Jewish Autonomous Region

Taking into consideration emergency conditions of rainfall flooding in the Khabarovsk Territory and the Jewish Autonomous Region in August-September 2013, forming premises for aggravation of the epidemiological situation a decision was made to deploy a laboratory-epidemiological SAET reinforcement unit No. 2 (SAET-2) from Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute into the exposed area. SAET-2 staff was step-by-step relocated to the site of emergency to participate in the inspectional operations. Withdrawal of specialists was also performed on a stage-by-stage basis as the work advanced. For the first time ever SAET was established right at the natural disaster site and recruited from experts who are on regular SAET-2 staff of the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute, and from personnel reserve of the Rospotrebnadzor institutions in the Khabarovsk Territory. Complex approach, applied for the management of its work, allowed for alliance of forces and facilities of various Rospotrebnadzor territorial establishments, Rosselkhoznadzor and veterinary medicine institutions into the uniform mobile specialized brigade avoiding overlap of responsibilities and interference into day-to-day operational activities of Rospotrebnadzor territorial institutions. SAET-2 was to implement a complex of measures for sanitary-hygienic and epidemiological surveillance over the municipal territories suffered from flood. Team operational activities were carried out on the basis of stationary laboratories at the territorial establishments of Rospotrebnadzor in the Khabarovsk Territory and the Jewish Autonomous Region that were converted for working under emergency conditions mode. The mobile brigade has performed the tasks successfully. It has provided sanitary-epidemiological welfare of the population under emergency conditions of rainfall flood.

Tactics for Specialized Anti-Epidemic Team (SAET) Deployment under the Conditions of Large-Scale High Water in the Far Eastern Territory. Communication 1. Peculiarities of the Rospotrebnadzor SAET Operation in the Amur Region

Tactics for Specialized Anti-Epidemic Team (SAET) Deployment under the Conditions of Large-Scale High Water in the Far Eastern Territory. Communication 1. Peculiarities of the Rospotrebnadzor SAET Operation in the Amur Region

Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare Provision in the Preparations to and Management of the “G-20” Summit in Saint-Petersburg, 2013. Communication 2. Management and Priority Areas of Anti-Epidemic Activities as Regards “G-20”Summit Campaign

Specified are the priority areas as regards anti-epidemic activities relevant to the carrying out of the event itself. Characterized are the factors that require participation of auxiliary force for straightening of laboratory control within the frames of epidemiological surveillance. Justified is the involvement of mobile specialized anti-epidemic teams (SAET) with a view to provision of laboratory control over ambient environment objects for the presence of PBA of the I–II groups of pathogenicity. Discussed is the tactics of SAET mobilization for the provision of mass event support. Outlined is the necessity of application of the state-of-the-art methods for express- and rapid diagnostics within the frames of laboratory support as concerns monitoring activities in the course of the Summit as such.

Improvement of the Normative-Regulatory Framework Concerning Anti-Epidemic Procedures for Works with Infectious Disease Agents in Mobile Laboratories of Specialized Anti-Epidemic Teams (SAET)

Carried out is a range of investigations aimed at the improvement of the anti-epidemic procedures for works with infectious disease agents (herein biological safety provision) in mobile laboratories of specialized anti-epidemic teams (SAET). Evaluation of the operational experience of stationary and field laboratories, as well as comparative analysis of the national safety requirements for works with pathogenic biological agents and WHO international regulations in the sphere of biological safety provision in laboratories, has made it possible to outline common for all types of microbiological laboratories principles for biosafety provision. With due consideration of these principles formulated are the core requirements for the provision of biological safety of SAET activities. Based on the results of biorisk and biohazard assessment which have to do with innovative mobile laboratories, worked out is a system of anti-epidemic procedures aimed towards establishment of the conditions that offer as low as practically achievable level of risk for personnel of SAET mobile laboratories, for population and human environment too. These practices, designed for biological safety provision among the personnel of mobile laboratories (ML), have been played back in a number of standard operational procedures. With a view to establishing of the environment with acceptable level of biorisk for the personnel and population when ML are used for various purposes and in various contingencies (in full force, single unit or several modules), worked out are the algorithms of decision-making support as regards selection of modules and optional accessories. However, there is a need for emergency response plans and training programs for the personnel on the provision of biosafety in ML to ensure and maintain acceptable level of biorisk connected with ML functioning.

Results of Application of the New Nutrient Media Set for Cholera Diagnostics within the Frames of the Special Tactical Training Exercises for Specialized Anti-Epidemic Team

Carried out is approbation of the new nutrient media set for cholera diagnostics on the basis of bakers' yeast pancreatic digest within the frames of the special tactical training exercises for specialized anti-epidemic team (SAET). It is demonstrated that the developed nutrient media set compare favourably with its analogues, commonly used for practical procedures; and its constituent media have a potential to be included into the SAET mobilization reserve.

Application of Risk Assessment Methodology for Substantiation of Measures Complex on Provision of Safe Functioning of Mobile Laboratories of Specialized Anti-Epidemic Teams

A set of risk assessment methods was used for substantiation of safe functioning of mobile laboratories (ML) of specialized anti-epidemic teams (SAET). The utilized methods were borrowed from diverse spheres of activity and recommended for evaluation of biological hazard and risk associated with work with pathogenic biological agents. The obtained data represent the basis for biorisk management in SAET` ML functioning.

Normative Provision of Biosafety of the Specialized Anti-Epidemic Teams Functioning

Analyzed were normative and methodical documents which were in force at different stages determined as regards current tasks, staff schedule and the equipment table of the specialized anti-epidemic teams (SAET). Substantiated was the necessity to develop the new regulatory document, comprising requirements of biosafety provision of the specialized anti-epidemic teams functioning. Determined was the way of further improvement of normative and methodical provision of biosafety under conditions of practical realization of the conception of SAET modernization. It included the development of the set of regulatory documents specifying the fulfillment of the main provisions of the Standing Оrder and elaboration of management system based on risk analysis.

Provision of Specialized Anti-Epidemic Teams (SAET) Modernization at the Present Stage

A unique, many-functional complex of mobile laboratories for SAET on the basis of cross-country chassis was created for the first time. The complex is designed for work in the areas of ES in the sphere of sanitary and epidemiologic welfare of the population. This unparalleled project was carried out in the course of step-by-step modernization of the specialized anti-epidemic teams (SAET) of the Rospotrebnadzor anti-plague institutes in the light of implementation of the conception of SAET modernization and main principles of SAET functioning. Presented are structural and functional characteristics of the complex of SAET mobile laboratories on the basis of cross-country chassis, and engineering and technical means used. Substantiated are relevant levels of biological safety provision for every laboratory. Qualitative advantages of the laboratories on the basis of cross-country chassis are marked, and algorithm of provision of constant readiness of SAET mobile complex is presented.

Emergency Situation in the Sphere of Population Sanitary and Epidemiologic Welfare as Unified Object of Surveillance and Active Response in the Scope of Up-To-Date Strategy of Infectious Diseases Control

Implementation of G8 Summit resolutions (2006) in the sphere of infectious diseases control and completing of modernization of the Russian specialized anti-epidemic teams (SAET) of Rospotrebnazor anti-plague institutes, including their usage abroad, assume identification of the unified object of their purposeful activity. Emergency situation in the sphere of population sanitary and epidemiologic welfare was specified within the normative documents as the unified object of epidemiologic surveillance, sanitary protection, prevention and liquidation of emergency epidemic situations, biosafety provision in the course of International Health Regulations (2005) implementation in the territory of the Russian Federation. This definition is suggested as the object of SAET activity.

Specialized Anti-Epidemic Teams (SAET): the Experience of Work and Tactics of their Employment in Modern Conditions

Structural and functional SAET variation while rendering assistance to the territorial health organizations (health care authorities and agencies authorized to execute state sanitary and epidemiologic surveillance) has been evaluated on the basis of the purposeful analysis of SAET work experience. Distinguished have been three types of situations that define priority need in SAETs and tactics of their employment for liquidation of emergencies in the sphere of population sanitary and epidemiological welfare at the national and international levels.