Department of Viral Hepatitis Research

The Department for the Study of Viral Hepatitis occupies a special place in the Research Institute of Virology of the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Federation. It is the leading structural unit of the Institute and a recognized center for viral hepatitis in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The work of the Department is built in accordance with modern world standards and national priorities in the field of health care.

In May 2016, the World Health Assembly adopted the first "Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis for 2016-2021". The main goal of the strategy is to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health problem. This is reflected in the global objectives to reduce the number of new cases of viral hepatitis infection by 90% and mortality from it by 65% by 2030. To achieve these goals, in-depth scientific research is being carried out in Uzbekistan to identify the prevalence of viral hepatitis, vaccination is being carried out, factors and pathogenetic mechanisms leading to the development of cirrhosis are being studied, and the effectiveness of the therapy is being assessed.

The Department for the Study of Viral Hepatitis of the Research Institute of Virology carries out a wide range of tasks aimed at combating this socially significant disease. Among the key areas of activity is screening the population of Uzbekistan for viral hepatitis B and C, which allows for timely diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases. Much attention is paid to providing advisory, diagnostic and therapeutic care throughout the country, as well as improving the skills of local specialists.

The center's employees periodically travel to the regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan to conduct training events on clinical protocols and as part of the implementation of Presidential Decree No. PP-243. During working visits, specialists impart practical knowledge and modern approaches to diagnostics and treatment, provide methodological support to medical personnel on the ground, and also contribute to improving the professional level of regional doctors and introducing current healthcare standards.

Employees are actively engaged in studying the effectiveness of antiviral therapy, which allows them to adjust clinical protocols and achieve better treatment results among various groups of patients. In addition, the effectiveness of vaccination against viral hepatitis B among school-age children is monitored - this is the most important element of the national strategy to reduce the incidence and prevent chronic forms of infection.

The Research Institute of Virology has modern laboratory and diagnostic equipment, implements advanced molecular genetic and immunological research methods, and participates in international and national scientific projects. In close cooperation with the CDC (USA), IGH (USA), Hannover Medical School (Germany) and other partners, initiatives are being implemented to eliminate viral hepatitis, a five-year National Action Plan is being developed, and the capacity of regional laboratories and primary health care institutions is being strengthened.

The Research Institute of Virology is actively involved in educational and awareness-raising work: seminars, hepatology schools, conferences for doctors and specialists are regularly held, which facilitates the exchange of experience and the introduction of modern approaches into clinical practice. The Research Institute of Virology remains an advanced scientific and practical center that contributes to the achievement of national and global goals in the fight against viral hepatitis and improving the health of the population of Uzbekistan.

Brigida Krestina Stepanovna

• 2012-2014 - Clinical Resident of the Research Institute of Virology
• 2014-2015 - Infectious disease specialist of the 52nd family polyclinic
• 2015-2018 - Research Intern at the Virology Research Institute
• 2019-2020 - Head of the grant for young scientists at the Virology Research Institute
• 2020-2023 - Basic PhD student at the Virology Research Institute of the RSSPCMCEMIZ
• 2023-2024 - Junior Researcher, Infectious Disease Specialist at the POOVI Department of the Virology Research Institute of the RSSPCMCEMIZ
• 2024-present - Head of the Department for the Study of Viral Hepatitis, Infectious Disease Specialist at the Outpatient Department of the Virology Research Institute of the RSSPCMCEMIZ