Vol 6, No 4 (2016)

The chronology for the main stages of studying bacterial genetic transformation is presented. Streptococci (pneumococci in particular) were used as the model organisms. Recent data on the mechanisms of releasing DNA from bacterial cells and the role of natural transformation in the horizontal transfer of genes are considered.

Mechanisms of macrophage polarization towards M1 phenotype or M2 phenotype, as well as of macrophage transformation into foam cells upon interaction with mycobacteria, are discussed. The possible effects of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) on macrophage polarization and activation are analyzed. The role of different cell-death pathways (apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy) in mycobacteria persistence in vitro and in vivo is elucidated. The most likely means of macrophage reprogramming to increase their microbicidal activity for the purpose of tuberculosis treatment and prevention are analyzed.

The results of studies of the microbiota in areas of intensive human activity in Antarctica are considered. Microbiological monitoring is shown to be possible on the basis of a wide range of modern bacteriological and mycological methods, including the molecular identification of microorganisms. Long-term monitoring studies have provided data on changes in the composition and structure of microbial communities in different Antarctic areas. Results from investigations of the water, soil, and flora and fauna representatives are analyzed as possible habitats of pathogenic microorganisms. A successful experience of isolation of medically significant bacteria in cyanobacterial mats, which are symbiotic communities, is shown for the first time under Antarctic conditions. The role of bacterial biofilms and cyanobacterial mats in the protection of microorganisms from extreme climatic conditions is emphasized. The main sources of the accumulation of Yersinia and other pathogens have been revealed in the areas of polar stations. The concept of natural and technogenic focality of infectious diseases in the areas of Antarctic settlements has been developed. The results of conducted studies enable one to predict the possibility of the emergence of saprozoonotic diseases and create a basis for the concept of polar epidemiology with scientific substantiation of preventive and epidemiological measures in the Antarctica and Arctic.

The quantitative immune formulae developed with a high degree of confidence for the prediction and diagnosis of septic complications in burn patients are based on definite quantitative values obtained on deficiencies of total lymphocytes, natural killer cells, HLA–DR+ monocytes, IgG, and the hyperactivation of leukocyte intoxication index (LII), CD64+ granulocytes, and a left shift in the blood formula. The developed formulas allow physicians to predict the development of sepsis within a few days to two weeks prior to the clinical diagnosis of sepsis.