Trench fever is a bartonellosis disease with a transmissible mechanism transmitted via specific vector – the human body louse (Pediculus humanus), manifested by a sudden onset, relapsing fever, severe pain in the calf muscles, and abundant maculopapular rash.

Aim. To determine the infestation of the population as a predictor of the occurrence of epidemic complications caused by trench fever, and to assess the impact of social factors resulting from the Russo-Ukrainian war on population prevalence rates.

Materials and Methods. A comprehensive epidemiological method was employed, involving the analysis of official statistics data on pediculosis, the dynamics and geographical distribution characteristics for years 2021-2023, and the processing of primary literature sources regarding trench fever.

Results. Trench fever remains a relevant endemic transmissible disease in Ukraine. The detection of seropositive individuals in all age groups indicates a hidden epidemic process of this disease, as well as the inadequacy of the epidemiological surveillance system in detecting and recording cases. The increase in the prevalence of pediculosis is the highest in administrative areas with the largest population density of internally displaced persons.

Discussion. The intensity of the epidemic process of trench fever correlates with socio-economic disruptions and wars; it is accompanied by worsening of living conditions and impoverishment of the population. The adaptation of the pathogen to spread by body lice has led to changes in the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the disease.

Conclusions. Ukraine is endemic of trench fever. During war, active epidemiological surveillance should be conducted to promptly identify cases, with control of pediculosis infestation in the general population.

Key words: trench fever, pediculosis, clinical and epidemiological characteristics, war.

Abbreviations:ICD – International classification of diseases; DNA – deoxyribonucleic acid; UN – United Nations Organization; GR – growth rate; PR – prevalence rate; HIV – human immunodeficiency virus; USA – United States of America.

Introduction. Infectious diseases have been a threat during all periods of human existence. Primary measures to protect against extremely dangerous pathogens included quarantine, observation and vaccination. Vaccination was crucial in the fight against smallpox — the only disease, which was eradicated on a global scale. The aim of the work was to identify the main stages of development and application of vaccines for the protection against especially dangerous infection (EDI) and the contribution of Ukrainian scientists in the development of vaccines for EDI. Methods. An analysis using the Search Strategy of narrative reviews of literary sources and Internet resource was conducted to systematize data about the application of immunobiological preparations to create an active immunity against several actual EDI. The participation of scientists with Ukrainian roots in the creation of vaccines against this group of diseases is indicated. Results. Smallpox (variolation in China in the 11th century) is known as the first disease against which specifc protection was created. Until the 20s century, the first five vaccines against EDI were developed: smallpox, rabies, anthrax, cholera, and plague. In the 20s century, the list was supplemented by vaccines against typhus, yellow fever, tick-borne encephalitis,тtularemia, brucellosis, coxiellosis (Q-fever), hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). The introduction of new technologies in the 21st century allowed improving existing preparations and creating new ones against Ebola viral disease (EVD), COVID-19 as EDIs relevant ones for the pandemic potential. Outstanding scientists with Ukrainian roots contributed to the creation of vaccines against EDI: V. Khavkin, D. Samoilovich, V. Zhdanov. Conclusion. Protection of the population against EDIs is limited by the number of available effective vaccines. The development of vaccines against COVID-19 has improved the prognosis for containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The study guide was prepared according to the typical syllabus for Epidemiology with due account of the qualification description and standards of training on the basis of regulatory and binding documents of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. The book sets out in concise detail the fundamentals of general epidemiology and ­approaches to prevention of epidemiological complications, protection of the population and territory from the spread of infectious diseases.
The fourth edition describes the WHO recommendations on the introduction of immunization programs for children and adults on epidemiological indications.
The study guide is intended for masters and internship doctors of higher education establishments — medical universities, institutes and academies.

Навчальний посібник підготовлено відповідно до типової навчальної програми “Епідеміологія” з урахуванням вимог кваліфікаційних характеристик і стандартів освіти на основі нормативно-директивних матеріалів МОЗ України. Стисло викладено основи загальної епідеміології та підходи щодо запобігання виникненню епідемічних ускладнень, захисту населення і території від поширення інфекційних хвороб.
Для магістрів і лікарів-інтернів медичних закладів вищої освіти — університетів, інститутів і академій.