(DTRA BAA)

Molecular epidemiology and ecology of Yersinia species in the endemic cross-border cross-border area of Georgia and Azerbaijan


A) Purpose: The Black Death has been circulating in the Caucasus region for many centuries. The recent lack of data on plague is partly explained by the weakened epidemiological surveillance of this organism, as well as the spread of atypical Y. pestis strains, which may not be detected due to the spread/presence of other strains of other Yersinia spp strains nearby. Genetic studies show that Y. pestis is a clone descended from Y. pseudotuberculosis with a high degree of DNA homology. We have a unique situation in the South Caucasus, where we find atypical Y. pestis (ssp. Caucasica) together with the main species Y. pseudotuberculosis and Y. pestis. Other yersinia species, including Y. pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis, coexist with rodents and clubs; 2) The diversity of yersinia is due to the ecology of the host organism; 3) the diversity of yersinia is due to gene exchange between rodent populations; And 4) the latest genetic methodology allows for better identification of yersinia species. B) Ways to implement the project. To test this hypothesis, we have assembled a team of national and international experts, and we have the following suggestion: 1) to conduct an ecological study of the rodent population in Bordon on the border of Georgia and Azerbaijan; 2) To develop isolation culture and PCR-based procedures for detecting various strains of Yersinia; 3) Molecular screening of collected rodents and fleas; 4) Comparative analysis of genomes of Yersinia strains obtained during field work carried out within the framework of the proposed study, and also in a foreign museum.; 5) Spatial analysis of the distribution of strains of Yersinia species. C) Expected results: study of the ecology of various Yersinia species and comparative characteristics of regional strains.


Project implementation dates: 01/09/17-08/31/18


Budget: $134,090


The person responsible for the project: Lil Malania