Today, the Committee for Public Health Protection under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan discussed the degree of readiness of the country for the epidemic season of influenza and ARVI.

During the conference call, the General Director of the RSE at the National Center of Expertise, Kanat Balykbaev, said that all virology laboratories of the NCE have been prepared for laboratory diagnosis of influenza and ARVI.

As part of laboratory surveillance and for the purpose of etiological deciphering of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, 16 virological laboratories are involved, of which 9 are in the sentinel epidemiological surveillance system (continuous epidemiological and laboratory monitoring of patients with standard symptoms), 7 in the routine surveillance system (monitoring of all patients who apply to medical institutions).

According to Kanat Balykbaev, the staffing level of virology laboratories is 99.2%. This year, 12 specialists (5 doctors, 7 laboratory assistants) were trained in laboratory diagnosis of influenza.

In addition, in the city of St. Petersburg, at the Influenza Research Institute, a laboratory assistant was trained to diagnose the molecular genetics of influenza.

Along with this, monitoring inspections are planned in 7 branches of the Enterprise in the upcoming epidemic season to assess the work and to provide advisory and methodological assistance to virology laboratories.

To conduct research on influenza and other respiratory viral infections, the priority polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is used. All virology laboratories of the Center are provided with PCR equipment kits, and a PCR test system has been purchased.

In his report, Kanat Balykbaev also noted that in order to speed up the delivery of results, it is planned to purchase a full-genome sequencer for which a room has already been prepared in a laboratory in Astana.

“Starting October 1, 2018, laboratory monitoring of the circulation of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections will begin throughout the country. Monitoring with the presentation of data on laboratory tests will be carried out weekly, with the collection of influenza virus strains for further study of the biological properties of the virus and determination of sensitivity to antiviral drugs,” added Kanat Balykbaev.

For reference:

Laboratories monitor genetic mutations of the influenza virus that may affect the effectiveness of the vaccine strain, the virulence of the virus, or its sensitivity to antiviral drugs.

These studies are very important for the population because the effectiveness of the vaccine depends on their results.

For example, in the last epidemic season, the biological properties of influenza viruses were studied and it was found that the circulating Kazakhstani strains were similar to the vaccine strains recommended by WHO and were sensitive to antiviral drugs.  

Every year, for confirmation, positive influenza samples are sent to a laboratory in Atlanta, USA. Thus, since 2014, 144 samples have been sent, which are 100% confirmed.