COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MULTI-YEAR EPIZOOTIC SITUATION ON ORTHOHANTAVIRUS INFECTION IN THE POPULATION OF APODEMUS AGRARIUS AND MICROTUS FORTIS IN THE NATURAL FOCI OF THE SOUTH OF FAR EAST OF RUSSIA
Aim. Characterization of long-term epizootic processes in the populations of murine rodents, the carriers of different orthohantaviruses (Hantaan and Fuzong) in the rural areas of Primorski Krai. Materials and methods. Total 14 494 Apodemus agrarius and 2 887 Microtus fortis, trapped during 1981-2016 in different foci were examined on the presence of orthohantavirus antigen and/or antibodies with the help of immunoenzyme assay (ELISA) and indirect fluorescent antibodies test (IFAT), subsequently. For clear demonstration the obvious tendencies of long-term infectious processes in the rodent’s populations the study period was divided into three 12-years periods (1981-1992, 1993-2004. и 2005-2016 г). Statistical analysis was performed using software Statistica 10.0 (Statsoft, USA) and statistical tools, provided by Meditsinskaya Statistica service (medstatistic.ru). Results. Lon-term dynamics of epizootic processes in the populations of natural hosts of orthohantaviruses Hantaan and Fuzong was characterized by similar synchronicity. However, in spite of dominance of A. agrarius in the catching during the study period the rate of infection in the populations of this rodent species is characterized by statistically significant decrease of epizootic activity. While in the population of M. fortis in the areas of concomitant habitat the significant decrease of orthohantavirus infection was noted only during last 12 years. Conclusion. Thus, epizootic activity in the population of rodents - reservoirs of orthohantavirus Hantaan in the step-forest biotopes of Primorsky Krai has decreased, that was quite significant and resulted in change of epidemiology of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in the region.