An Overview of the Genetic Diversity and Epidemiological Potential of Yersinia pestis Populations in Natural Plague Foci of Kazakhstan

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the genetic diversity and epidemiological potential of Yersinia pestis in Kazakhstan’s natural plague foci, emphasizing the link between genotypic variation and outbreak capacity. Integrating historical epidemiological records with contemporary microbiological and genomic data (including PCR, VNTR/MLVA, SNP analysis, and whole-genome sequencing), we evaluate core and accessory genome variations. The data reveal substantial regional heterogeneity. High-risk desert foci (Caspian and Aral regions) are dominated by the Medievalis biovar, including atypical genovariants lacking canonical markers. Conversely, high-mountain foci (Sarydzhaz, Talas) harbor the Antiqua and Talas biovars, primarily linked to enzootic circulation. Notably, the Ili River focus exhibits extreme genomic variability, featuring strains with plesiomorphic traits. Furthermore, the widespread distribution of mobile elements like the cryptic plasmid pCKF suggests significant horizontal transfer contributing to pathogen adaptation. Ultimately, Central Asian plague dynamics are driven by complex evolutionary and ecological interactions. Given climate change and expanding human–wildlife interfaces, continuous genomic and ecological surveillance is essential for the early detection of high-risk Y. pestis genovariants and improving public health preparedness.