Influenza Etiology and Epidemiology Laboratory

Managed by Doctor of Medical Sciences E.I. Burtseva.

The research that are currently being carried out in the laboratory were initiated by Honored Scientist of the RSFSR, Professor M.I. Sokolov, Professor A.S. Gorbunova, Academician of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences V.M. Zhdanov, Honored Scientist of the RSFSR, Professor L.Ya. Zakstelskaya, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Professor A.N. Slepushkin.

In accordance with the order of Rospotrebnadzor No. 373 dated March 31, 2005 "On improving the system of epidemiological surveillance and control of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections", the laboratory was assigned the functions of the Center for Ecology and Epidemiology of Influenza (CEEI). In order to further implement the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) on the territory of the Russian Federation, by the order of Rospotrebnadzor No. 88 dated March 17, 2008 "On measures to improve monitoring of pathogens of infectious and parasitic diseases", he laboratory was assigned the functions of one of four Reference Centers for influenza monitoring in the Russian Federation.

The laboratory conducts research to study the antigenic, biological and molecular-genetic properties of circulating strains of influenza viruses using the following methods: isolation of strains on MDCK tissue culture cells and chicken embryos, hemagglutination reaction, hemagglutination-inhibition reaction, ELISA, microneutralization, PCR and PCR-RT. Animal models are used to obtain immune sera. The State Collection of Viruses is being replenished with samples of original epidemic and pandemic strains.

Every week, the laboratory analyzes the incoming data on the incidence of influenza and SARS in different age groups and laboratory diagnostics data in certain territories of the Russian Federation, which are summarized, formalized and submitted to the Ministry of Health of Russia, Rospotrebnadzor, Research Institute of Influenza, and collaborating healthcare institutions.

The laboratory is entrusted with the functions of the National Influenza Center (NIC) collaborating with WHO. Within the framework of international cooperation, data on laboratory diagnostics, reference strains, epidemic strains and diagnostic products are exchanged between the laboratory and the WHO Collaborating Centers for Influenza (London, UK; Atlanta, USA). Every year, according to WHO recommendations, the laboratory participates in proficiency tests of the quality of the studies performed to confirm the status of the NIC.

Fundamental practical research on the use of nanotechnology for the diagnosis and prevention of influenza and ARVI is being carried out.