Izbanova Uinkul, Rysbekova Altyn, Zhumadilova Zauresh, Kovaleva Galina, Tokmurziyeva Gulnara, Abdeliyev Bek, Yessimseit Duman, Begimbayeva Elmira, Umarova Saule, Zarkymanova Anar, Sabitova Meruert, Yussupov Aisazhan, Shevtsov Alexandr, Isaeva Svetlana, Tukhanova Nur
M. Aikimbayev's National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections, National Holding "QazBioPharm", Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Department of Infectious and Tropical Disease, S. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Front Public Health. 2025 Jul 28;13:1620930. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1620930. eCollection 2025.
Anthrax, caused by , continues to pose a serious zoonotic threat in endemic areas such as southern Kazakhstan. Its persistence in the environment through resilient spores facilitates prolonged transmission cycles between animals and humans.
This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological, clinical, and molecular features of human anthrax cases reported in the Zhambyl region of Kazakhstan during 2023.
A total of 41 suspected cases were investigated, of which 19 were confirmed by culture and PCR (targeting pXO1 and pXO2). Data collection included patient demographics, exposure circumstances, clinical manifestations, and laboratory diagnostics. MLVA-31 genotyping was used to characterize isolates from culture-positive patients.
Confirmed cases were clustered in five district localities, yielding an incidence rate of 1.55 per 100,000 population. The majority of patients were male (84.2%), with exposure primarily linked to slaughter activities (68.4%). Culture was successful in 12 of 19 confirmed cases, and all isolates were susceptible to a broad range of antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin and doxycycline. Genotyping revealed three distinct clusters: one matching the A.Br.001/002 genotype common to northeastern China and Mongolia, and two divergent clusters likely represent localized evolution of strains. Five previously undocumented foci of anthrax were identified, suggesting wider regional spread than previously recognized.
The 2023 outbreak of anthrax in the Zhambyl region highlights the ongoing risk posed by , particularly in areas with active livestock trade and conducive environmental conditions. The genetic diversity among isolates suggests both recent transmission and deeper endemic roots. Strengthening livestock vaccination programs, improving rural surveillance, and promoting awareness among high-risk populations are critical to preventing future outbreaks.
由[具体病原体]引起的炭疽病，在哈萨克斯坦南部等流行地区仍然构成严重的人畜共患病威胁。其通过具有弹性的孢子在环境中持续存在，促进了动物与人类之间延长的传播周期。
本研究旨在描述2023年哈萨克斯坦江布尔地区报告的人类炭疽病例的流行病学、临床和分子特征。
共调查了41例疑似病例，其中19例通过培养和PCR（靶向pXO1和pXO2）确诊。数据收集包括患者人口统计学、暴露情况、临床表现和实验室诊断。MLVA - 31基因分型用于对培养阳性患者的分离株进行特征分析。
确诊病例集中在五个地区，发病率为每10万人1.55例。大多数患者为男性（84.2%），暴露主要与屠宰活动有关（68.4%）。19例确诊病例中有12例培养成功，所有分离株对包括环丙沙星和多西环素在内的多种抗生素敏感。基因分型显示三个不同的簇：一个与中国东北和蒙古常见的A.Br.001/002基因型匹配，另外两个不同的簇可能代表[病原体]菌株的局部进化。确定了五个以前未记录的炭疽病灶，表明区域传播范围比以前认识的更广。
2023年江布尔地区的炭疽疫情凸显了[病原体]带来的持续风险，特别是在牲畜贸易活跃且环境条件有利的地区。分离株之间的遗传多样性表明既有近期传播，也有更深的地方病根源。加强牲畜疫苗接种计划、改善农村监测以及提高高危人群的认识对于预防未来疫情至关重要。
