The study aimed to analyse data from epizootological monitoring, microbiological and molecular genetic studies to assess the genetic biodiversity of Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) strains, to determine the effectiveness of using individual methods and to develop the necessary algorithm for evaluating genetic methods and creating a biorepository of natural isolates of these pathogens. As a result, the biodiversity of Y. pestis strains isolated in natural plague foci of Kazakhstan was analysed using classical and modern methods (polymerase chain reaction, Multi Locus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis, VITEK 2 Compact, MiniION Oxford Nanopore, MiSeq sequencer) of research and geographic information system (GIS) technology. Spatial and temporal characteristics of plague infection in the plague-enriched areas of the country were described. The study summarised the characteristics of phenotypic and molecular genetic properties of 1220 Y. pestis strains isolated from different sites in natural plague foci of the country during the period 2010-2023. As a result, 94.8% of Y. pestis strains were typical of these plague foci, and 5.2% of strains had altered properties in some respects. To obtain information on genetic diversity and their geographical distribution, 82 DNA samples of Y. pestis strains were studied. Three phylogenetic trees were constructed, GIS maps were compiled and a gene bank, a biorepository of molecular characteristics was created to obtain specific genetic characteristics of strains and a complete picture of the genetic parameters of the plague pathogen isolated from various sites in natural foci of Kazakhstan.

Plague remains a globally important zoonotic disease maintained in natural foci, with ongoing epizootic activity and periodic human cases reported in several regions of the world. Continuous monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility in Yersinia pestis is essential because the emergence of resistant strains could compromise the effectiveness of currently recommended therapeutic regimens. In this study, 75 Y. pestis isolates originating from natural plague foci of Kazakhstan were investigated using an integrated approach combining phenotypic susceptibility testing, targeted molecular screening, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS)-based resistome analysis. The collection included historical clinical isolates obtained during plague outbreaks as well as more recent epizootic strains recovered from animal hosts and flea vectors. Phenotypic testing demonstrated uniformly high susceptibility to clinically relevant antimicrobial agents used for plague treatment. Targeted molecular screening by real-time PCR did not detect the analyzed resistance determinants. Genome-wide analysis based on WGS data from NCBI BioProject PRJNA1249055 did not identify acquired antimicrobial resistance genes, major resistance-associated mutations in key chromosomal loci (rpsL, gyrA, and parC), or plasmid-borne resistance determinants. Regulatory loci associated with adaptive responses were highly conserved across the analyzed genomes. The complete concordance between phenotypic, molecular, and genomic findings indicates a stable antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Y. pestis circulating in natural plague foci of Kazakhstan. These results support the continued effectiveness of current therapeutic strategies for plague and highlight the value of integrating genomic surveillance into long-term monitoring programs for this pathogen.

Camels are increasingly recognized as an important epizootological and epidemiological link in natural plague foci, facilitating the transmission of Yersinia pestis from wildlife to humans. In the Republic of Kazakhstan, where natural plague foci occupy up to 40% of the territory, the rapid growth of camel populations may significantly enhance epidemiological risks. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive assessment of the role of camels in the epizootology and epidemiology of plague based on retrospective data (1907–2003) and contemporary monitoring (2000–2025), including spatial analysis and risk zoning. A total of 64 cases of camel plague and 43 epizootic foci were identified during the historical period, associated with more than 400 human cases and deaths. Direct contact during slaughter and meat processing accounted for 94.7% of human infections. Modern data demonstrate that over 90% of the camel population is concentrated in plague-endemic regions. Spatial analysis and epidemiological zoning revealed a heterogeneous risk distribution, with western and southern regions representing the highest-risk areas. Serological investigation (n = 2726) showed 75.6% seropositivity, indicating a high level of population immunity, largely associated with vaccination. Despite increasing camel population size (from 227.7 to 304.0 thousand heads in 2020–2025), vaccination coverage varied between 32.0% and 51.0%, reflecting risk-based preventive strategies. The absence of recent camel plague cases confirms the effectiveness of integrated control measures, including vaccination, surveillance, and establishment of protective zones. These findings demonstrate that camels remain a critical component of plague transmission systems and should be systematically integrated into surveillance programs within a One Health framework.

Camels are increasingly recognized as an important epizootological and epidemiological link in natural plague foci, contributing to the transmission of Yersinia pestis from wildlife to humans. In the Republic of Kazakhstan, where natural plague foci occupy up to 40% of the territory, the rapid growth of camel populations may significantly enhance epidemiological risks. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive assessment of the role of camels in the epizootology and epidemiology of plague based on retrospective data (1907–2003) and contemporary monitoring (2000–2025), including spatial analysis and risk zoning. A total of 64 cases of camel plague and 43 epizootic foci were identified during the historical period. More than 400 human cases, including fatal outcomes, associated with infected camels were documented, with direct contact during slaughter and meat processing accounting for 94.7% of infections. Spatial analysis and epidemiological zoning revealed a heterogeneous risk distribution, with western and southern regions representing the highest-risk areas. Serological investigation (n = 2726) showed 75.6% seropositivity, likely reflecting substantial population immunity largely associated with vaccination. Despite increasing camel population size (from 227.7 to 304.0 thousand heads in 2020–2025), vaccination coverage varied between 32.0% and 51.0%, reflecting risk-based preventive strategies. The absence of recent camel plague cases supports the effectiveness of integrated control measures, including vaccination, surveillance, and the establishment of protective zones. These findings suggest that camels remain an important component of plague transmission systems and should be systematically integrated into surveillance programs within a One Health framework.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in clinical medicine. Rheumatology is well-suited to AI applications due to diagnostic complexity of rheumatic diseases, variable disease presentations, and multisystem involvement. This cross-sectional study examines global AI research in rheumatology through bibliometric analysis of Scopus data. The Scopus database was searched on May 5, 2026, using the terms "artificial intelligence" AND "rheum*" in the title, abstract, and keyword fields. No temporal restrictions were applied, and all English documents were analyzed. Bibliometric data, including publication year, country, institution, author, journal, and keywords, were extracted. Retracted articles were identified using Scopus tags and were manually verified through related journal editorial notices. Disease-specific publication counts were determined through independent searches for rheumatic diseases. Survey-based studies were identified through manual review. Linear regression analysis was conducted to assess temporal trends. A total of 1,057 publications were identified. Annual output remained below 10 until 2018, then rose sharply to a peak of 282 in 2025. Linear regression confirmed a significant upward trend (p < 0.001). The United States produced the most publications (n = 249), followed by the United Kingdom (n = 141) and India (n = 138). Harvard Medical School was the leading institution (n = 33), and Knitza, J., was the most prolific author (n = 17). Rheumatology International published the most articles (n = 27). Osteoarthritis (n = 1,017) and rheumatoid arthritis (n = 646) dominated the field, while systemic vasculitis (n = 40), Behçet disease (n = 29), and familial Mediterranean fever (n = 16) were underrepresented. Eleven survey-based studies were identified, mostly published between 2024 and 2025. Two articles were retracted due to peer review irregularities. AI research in rheumatology has increased significantly, with research outputs stemming from a limited number of countries, institutions, and disease categories. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most frequently explored diseases in the field. The increasing number of survey-based studies indicates heightened attention to clinician and patient perspectives. Future research should focus on expanding international collaboration, addressing gaps in AI research on underrepresented diseases, and strengthening ethical and methodological standards to facilitate broader AI adoption in rheumatology.

Plague remains a globally significant zoonotic infection maintained in natural foci, with ongoing epizootic activity and periodic human cases reported in different regions of the world. Continuous monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility of Yersinia pestis is essential due to the potential emergence and spread of resistant strains. A total of 75 Yersinia pestis isolates, including clinical and epizootic strains obtained from plague outbreaks in Kazakhstan, were analyzed. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated using standard phenotypic methods, and molecular screening for resistance determinants was performed by real-time PCR. Genome-level analysis based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from the NCBI BioProject PRJNA1249055 was conducted to assess the presence of acquired antimicrobial resistance genes and chromosomal mutations associated with resistance. All isolates demonstrated high susceptibility to clinically relevant antibiotics. No resistance genes were detected by molecular screening. Genome-based analysis confirmed the absence of acquired antimicrobial resistance determinants, resistance-associated mutations in key loci (rpsL, gyrA, parC), and plasmid-mediated resistance mechanisms. Minor lineage-associated variation in phoP was identified in a limited number of isolates and was not associated with antimicrobial resistance. These findings indicate a stable antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Yersinia pestis in Kazakhstan and confirm the absence of emerging resistance despite long-term circulation in natural plague foci. The results highlight the importance of integrated surveillance and support the continued effectiveness of current therapeutic strategies for plague.