Genetic variability of Yersinia pestis in natural foci of the Caspian Region of Kazakhstan (1967–2021)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Masgut Aikimbayev’s National Scientific Center Especially Dangerous Infections of the National Holding “QazBioPharm” of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 14 Zhakhanger St., Almaty 050054, Republic of Kazakhstan

2 RSI “Mangistau Anti-plague Station” CSEC MH RK (Republic of Kazakhstan, Aktau c., 3B microdistrict 41/1)

3 Tecton Analytics, R&D, Astana, Kazakhstan

10.22124/cjes.2025.9314

Abstract

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 are 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.

Keywords

References

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Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences
Volume 23, Issue 5
Special issue: Biological Researches and Envireonment, Guest Editor: Prof. Hamed Mousavi-Sabet, University of Guilan, Iran
December 2025
Pages 1341-1352

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