Genetic variability of Yersinia pestis in natural foci of the Caspian Region of Kazakhstan (1967–2021)
Abdirassilova A. Aikimbaiyev A. Yessimseit D. Rysbekova A. Abdeliyev B. Agzam S. Sairambekova G. Shaki N. Muchtarov R. Maksatkysy A. Rametov N. Abdel Z. Mussagalieva R.
December 2025University of Guilan
Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences
2025#23Issue 51341 - 1352 pp.
This study presents a comprehensive analysis of epizootological and epidemiological monitoring of natural plague foci in the Caspian region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The spatio-temporal characteristics of the Volga-Ural, Ural-Emba, Pre-Ustyurt, and Manghystau plague foci were examined, including their biocenotic specificity, the composition of primary and secondary hosts, and the spectrum of pathogen vectors. The study included 28 Yersinia pestis isolates collected between 1967 and 2021 and preserved in the National Collection of microorganisms of the NSCEDI. Their phenotypic properties, phage susceptibility, molecular-genetic identification, and comparative analysis by MLVA-25, SNP-typing, and whole-genome sequencing were assessed. The results demonstrated that most strains belong to the Medievalis biovar while unique genetic features were identified, including the presence of the pCKF plasmid in eight isolates from all four foci of the region. Obtained data confirm the persistence of plague epizootic activity in the region and reveal its genetic variability, underscoring the need for regular monitoring and using modern molecular epidemiology methods.
Caspian region , Genetic variability , Kazakhstan , Medievalis biovar , Molecular Epidemiology , Plague foci , Yersinia pestis
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Masgut Aikimbayev’s National Scientific Center Especially Dangerous Infections, National Holding “QazBioPharm”, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 14 Zhakhanger St., Almaty, 050054, Kazakhstan
RSI “Mangistau Anti-Plague Station”, CSEC MH RK, 3B microdistrict 41/1, Aktau, Kazakhstan
Tecton Analytics, R&D, Astana, Kazakhstan
Masgut Aikimbayev’s National Scientific Center Especially Dangerous Infections
RSI “Mangistau Anti-Plague Station”
Tecton Analytics
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