Introduction. Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) remain a serious problem in modern healthcare. ESKAPE pathogens characterized by multiple drug resistance pose the greatest danger. Their spread is facilitated by irrational use of antibiotics, insufficient control and limited diagnostic capabilities.

Effective counteraction requires constant microbiological monitoring, optimization of antimicrobial therapy and improvement of infection control systems.

The aim of the study is to analyze current data on health care-associated infections caused by microorganisms of the ESKAPE group, with an emphasis on their epidemiological significance.

Materials and methods. A review of the scientific literature for 2018–2025 was conducted using the databases PubMed, Scopus, eLibrary, etc. The search query included the keywords: «HAI», «ESKAPE pathogens», «antibiotic resistance», etc. The analysis includes original studies, systematic reviews, WHO publications containing current data on the structure of HAI, antimicrobial resistance and prevention methods. Uncensored and outdated materials were excluded, as well as works not related to the pathogens of the ESKAPE group.

Results and discussion. HAI caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria pose a serious threat to public health. An analysis of domestic and foreign data shows – the main pathogens of HAI are members of the ESKAPE group, whose share among clinical isolates reaches 40–75 %.

The data obtained highlight the leading role of ESKAPE pathogens in the etiology of nosocomial infections, the need for continuous microbiological monitoring, rational antibiotic therapy and strict infection control.

Conclusion. Prevention of nosocomial infections caused by ESKAPE pathogens is possible only with adherence to infection control measures and rational antimicrobial therapy. Constant microbiological monitoring plays a key role, allowing for timely detection of changes in the structure of pathogens and adjustment of treatment. Improving diagnostics, staff training, and implementing antimicrobial policy programs are the foundation of prevention. Combating the antibiotic resistance of ESKAPE pathogens is a priority in healthcare and an important element of national biosafety.

Introduction. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) include any infectious disease that develops in a patient in connection with the provision of any type of medical care. HAIs represent a serious public health problem and make a significant contribution to increased treatment costs, prolonged hospitalization, as well as morbidity and mortality. Timely epidemiological surveillance is of particular importance. Microbiological monitoring of resistant strains helps reduce outbreak risks and optimize preventive measures.

The aim of the study – to analyze cases of healthcare-associated infections in an otorhinolaryngology specialty hospital.

Materials and methods. The analysis was performed based on medical records of hospitalized patients and microbiological test results of six patients treated in the otorhinolaryngology departments of the hospital from 2022 to 2025. The timing of infection onset, laboratory findings, and implemented measures were evaluated.

Results and discussion. Six cases of healthcare-associated infections in patients after surgical interventions in the otorhinolaryngology hospital were analyzed. In all cases, the causative agents were representatives of the ESKAPE pathogen group. The analysis of HAIs in this setting revealed several key patterns: the high epidemiological potential of ESKAPE pathogens, polyinfection associations, and severe postoperative infection courses. Combating postoperative infections in surgical hospitals is impossible without integrating microbiological surveillance, rational antibacterial therapy, and adherence to preventive and anti-epidemic measures.

Conclusion. Effective prevention and treatment of HAIs require a comprehensive approach that includes: regular microbiological monitoring and dynamic assessment of antibiotic resistance; personalized antibacterial therapy using reserve drugs for multidrug-resistant strains (with consultation from a clinical pharmacologist); strict adherence to anti-epidemic measures, including improved microbiological diagnostics, staff training, hand hygiene, environmental disinfection, etc.; epidemiological control and early detection of nosocomial clusters.

Relevance. The pandemic nature of the spread of the novel coronavirus infection and the specific features of its epidemic process in individual regions of the Russian Federation necessitate the development of effective and scientifically based measures to counter this infection, taking into account the specific characteristics of individual regions. The North Caucasus is a region with a number of geographic and social characteristics that influence the course of the epidemic process of any infection, which must be taken into account when conducting epidemiological monitoring and implementing anti-epidemic measures.

The aim of this study was to identify ways to improve epidemiological surveillance for the novel coronavirus infection in the North Caucasus region, taking into account the specific characteristics and epidemiological risk factors.

Materials and methods. We used data provided by the Rospotrebnadzor (Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing) offices in the North Caucasus, the results of molecular genetic monitoring of fragmentary sequencing of clinical specimens from COVID-19 patients in the North Caucasus, obtained at the Stavropol Anti-Plague Institute of Rospotrebnadzor, as well as data from the following online resources: stopcoronavirus.rf, Johns Hopkins University, and the Our World in Data project.

Results. The main factors influencing the intensity of the novel coronavirus epidemic in the North Caucasus were: the pathogen's genotype (a factor common to all regions); the local population's adherence to cultural and religious customs and the presence of numerous tourist areas in the region (social factors); and the inaccessibility and isolation of the republics' populations (geographical factors). The study's results allowed us to propose scientifically based approaches to improving epidemiological surveillance for novel coronavirus infection in the North Caucasus, taking into account the aforementioned epidemiological risks.

From 2016 to the present, hospital-acquired pneumonia has been the leading cause of healthcare-associated infections in the Russian Federation. Pneumonia associated with artificial lung ventilation is an independent risk factor for mortality, and the costs associated with its treatment range from $ 9,966 to EUR 20,965. A generalized strategy for the prevention of pneumonia associated with artificial lung ventilation is presented, which includes: ensuring the safety of the hospital environment, ensuring the safety of patient medical technologies, early detection of patients with signs of infectious diseases, and training of medical personnel. It is necessary to consolidate specialists from various fields to systematize best practices and develop guidelines at the national and regional levels.

Introduction. Urological hospitals represent a special clinical and epidemiological environment with a high risk of the formation of multidrugresistant strains of uropathogens. Research in the field of investigating the characteristics of urological microbiota is of primary importance for

the development of empirical therapy protocols and the improvement of clinical outcomes.

Objective. To investigate the microbiological spectrum and antibiotic resistance of microorganisms isolated from the urine of patients in the urology department.

Materials and Methods. A pilot study was conducted at the FSBI Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor from April to September 2025.

A total of 130 midstream urine samples were studied from patients of the urology department of the Research Center of Surgery named after Academician B. V. Petrovsky (79 men, 51 women, median age – 57 years). Standard bacteriological methods were used with microorganism identification by MALDI-TOF MS and antibiotic susceptibility testing by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assessment method according to EUCAST standards.

Results. Microorganism growth was detected in 28.5 % of samples. The dominant pathogens were: Escherichia coli (42.5 %), Enterococcus faecalis (17.5 %), Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.5 %), Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, and Streptococcus agalactiae (5 % each). Escherichia coli showed high resistance to ciprofloxacin (47.1 %) and ampicillin (52.9 %) with preserved 100 % sensitivity to amikacin and fosfomycin. Klebsiella pneumoniae was characterized by pronounced multidrug resistance to most β-lactam antibiotics, sulfonamides, and fluoroquinolones with preserved sensitivity to colistin (100 %). Enterococcus faecalis maintained sensitivity to traditional drugs (ampicillin, vancomycin).

Conclusion. High levels of antibiotic resistance were identified among major uropathogens, especially to fluoroquinolones and β-lactam antibiotics. The preserved activity of amikacin, fosfomycin, and colistin makes these drugs priorities for treating resistant infections in this patient population.

Introduction. HIV infection remains a priority public health problem in the Russian Federation and the Kyrgyz Republic. According to the WHO and UNAIDS classification, both countries are categorized as having a concentrated epidemic type. Over the past two decades, there has been a transformation of the epidemic process from the predominance of parenteral transmission routes to the dominance of sexual transmission mechanisms.

Objective. Comprehensive comparative epidemiological analysis of the dynamics and structure of HIV infection incidence in the Russian Federation and the Kyrgyz Republic for the period 2014–2024.

Materials and methods. The study was based on analysis of official statistics and data from medical surveillance forms. Descriptive epidemiological methods were applied: analysis of morbidity (incidence) and morbidity burden (prevalence), spatial distribution, age structure, transmission routes, and antiretroviral therapy coverage.

Results. In Russia, morbidity decreased by 38 % (from 58.4 to 36.08 per 100,000 population) while morbidity burden increased by 68 % (from 494.6 to 831.44 per 100,000). In Kyrgyzstan, morbidity increased by 63 % (from 8.4 to 13.7 per 100,000) and morbidity burden increased by 119 % (from 85.6 to 188.1 per 100,000). Heterosexual transmission became the dominant route: in Russia – 80.9 %, in Kyrgyzstan – 56.6 %. Morbidity was concentrated in working-age groups. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage in Russia was 89.8 % among registered patients, in Kyrgyzstan – 70.3 % with viral suppression achieved in 90 %.

Conclusions. Russia demonstrates epidemic stabilization, while Kyrgyzstan shows continued expansion. The transformation of transmission routes requires reorientation of prevention strategies toward the general population. There is a need to strengthen patient retention in the surveillance system and develop interstate cooperation.

Background. Reactions caused by cytokine production are of particular importance in the development of inflammation in H. pylori infection. The gene polymorphisms determine the corresponding protein production level, which affects the outcomes of inflammatory processes. In H. pyloriassociated gastritis, proinflammatory cytokines predominate. In the work were the TNFα gene polymorphisms analyzed.

The aim is to study the effect of TNFα -308 G/A (rs1800629) gene polymorphisms on the clinical features of H.pylori infection in a large industrial center of Russia.

Materials and methods. TNFα gene polymorphisms in patients with different forms of H. pylori infection were determined by allele-specific PCR.

Results. It was found that the risk of H. pylori associated diseases is higher in carriers of the GG TNFα – 308 G/A genotype. This genotype is characteristic of patients with erosive and ulcerative processes in the mucous membrane of stomach and duodenum. The risk of developing atrophic gastritis when infected with H. pylori is associated with the A allele and the GA genotype.

Conclusions. The study of the TNFα -308 G/A genetic polymorphisms makes it possible to identify individuals with a high risk of H. pylori infection, the occurrence of destructive diseases of stomach and duodenum, and those at risk of developing precancerous mucosal changes in the form of atrophic H. pylori-associated gastritis in order to provide timely prevention and treatment.

Introduction. Upper respiratory tract diseases traditionally remain among the leading conditions in the structure of infectious pathology and represent a significant medical and social problem, affecting both pediatric and adult populations, contributing to temporary disability, impacting patients’ quality of life, and increasing healthcare system costs. The nosological spectrum of inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract is diverse, and the microbiological landscape is highly variable, necessitating regular updates on the etiological structure of pathogens.

The aim of the study – to study the etiological structure of pathogens causing upper respiratory tract diseases in an otorhinolaryngology inpatient setting.

Materials and methods. A total of 115 patients with upper respiratory tract diseases were examined in an otorhinolaryngology specialty hospital.

Microbiological analysis was performed on 139 samples from the mucosa of the oropharynx, nasopharynx, nasal sinuses, and larynx.

Results and discussion. Microbiological studies identified 41 microbial species, including three fungal species. The most frequently detected microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus (20,1 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15,6 %), Staphylococcus epidermidis (11,7 %), Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae (each 6,5 %). A significant proportion of the isolates exhibited pronounced antibiotic resistance: 72,2 % were ESBLproducing strains, 16,7 % were methicillin-resistant staphylococci, and 11,1 % were carbapenem-resistant.

Conclusion. The data reflect the polymicrobial nature of inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract and confirm the increasing prevalence of resistant microbial forms. The results highlight the necessity of regular microbiological monitoring and a differentiated approach to selecting antibacterial therapy based on local pathogen susceptibility data.

The article provides an overview of the literature data on the widespread prevalence among the population, etiological factors and treatment options for a number inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract (pharyngitis, tonsillitis and laryngitis) using herbal preparations. The mechanisms of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects of herbal components, which have significant therapeutic potential for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract, are considered. The results of clinical and experimental studies on the effectiveness of essential oils of tea tree, cinnamon, sea buckthorn, calendula and peppermint are summarized separately and in combination as part of a spray for topical use (throat irrigation). The results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study confirming the analgesic effect of this drug are presented. The advantages of using such drugs are shown due to the rapid relief of pain, reducing the need for antibacterial and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, followed by a natural reduction in the number of side effects from the therapy, the absence of the formation of dysbiotic disorders and resistance of microorganisms.

The incidence of anogenital warts is one of the manifestations of the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and an early indicator of the effectiveness of vaccination.

Objective: to study the incidence of anogenital warts in conditions of vaccination against papillomavirus infection in megapolis.

Materials and methods. The analysis includes data on reported cases of anogenital warts in St. Petersburg in 2005–2024. The incidence of anogenital warts among contacts of patients includes the results of examinations of 7921 individuals. Vaccination data includes on 47067 HPV vaccinated individuals in 2008–2024. The effectiveness of vaccination in dermatovenereological patients is assessed using the results of monitoring the incidence of anogenital warts among vaccinated and unvaccinated (74 individuals) in 2024–2025. Research methods: epidemiological, clinical, and statistical.

Results. The incidence of anogenital warts in St. Petersburg was higher than in the Russian Federation. The incidence among women was 1,3–1,7 times higher than among men. Among contacts, anogenital warts were detected in 21,3–49,9 % of cases. A decrease in the incidence of anogenital warts among 15–17 years old girls was noted in 2024, which may be related to HPV vaccination. No new cases and recurrences of anogenital warts among vaccinated individuals during 1, 3, 6, 9 months of monitoring. Among unvaccinated individuals who received similar treatment, recurrences were observed in 25 % of cases (10/40) 1 month after treatment.

Conclusion. Despite low HPV vaccination coverage and the preferential immunization of women, a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of anogenital warts was observed at the population level among female 15–17 years old adolescents. No recurrence of anogenital warts was observed in vaccinated individuals during a 9-month research period. The study results support the need inclusion of patients with dermatovenereological diseases and contacts of these individuals in immunization cohorts for epidemiological indications.

vaccination and screening are the most effective methods for reducing cervical cancer incidence and mortality. With high immunization coverage, there is a potential for changes in the pattern of HPV types circulating in the population, increasing the risk of reduced effectiveness of vaccination programs. Studying genotypic diversity, the prevalence of coinfections, and the interactions of HPV genotypes in different populations is a complex task for determining the oncogenic potential of the pathogen and assessing the effectiveness of vaccination.

Study objective. To study the genotypic diversity and prevalence of highly oncogenic HPV types and to conduct an epidemiological assessment of coinfection patterns in patients at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Materials and methods. From 2005 to 2024, 9,056 patients were examined, including 1,269 women without complaints or clinical manifestations of disease and 751 patients with STIs. They were tested for STIs and identified 12 HPV genotypes. Research methods included PCR, clinical, epidemiological, and statistical methods.

Results and discussion. The prevalence of HPV among patients with dermatovenereological profile was 28.4 %. The most common HPV types in patients at risk for STIs are both vaccine-relevant (HPV 16) and non-vaccine-relevant (HPV 31, 33, 35, 45, 56, 58) genotypes of the virus, which is important to consider when developing screening and prevention programs. The prevalence of HPV and STI coinfections was revealed in 74.7 % of cases, including 74.9 % in mycoureaplasmosis. Multiple HPV infection was detected in 15 % of cases, while the most frequent combinations of HPV VCR included genotypes 16, 31, 33, 35 and 56. Based on statistical analysis, competitive interactions are suggested between certain pairs of HPV genotypes.