Natural and technogenic focality of infectious diseases in Antarctic settlements

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.