The main function of the Phage and Strains Collection is the organization and centralized recording of all bacteriophages and bacterial strains held across the various laboratories of the G. Eliava Institute. It is based on the Institute’s study of their biological properties, their registration, and storage, and allows for the further expansion and development of scientific research and biotechnological production.

Laboratory Personnel:

Marine Darsavelidze, PhD – Head of the Laboratory   Email:   (m.darsavelidze@pha.ge)
Tamar Suladze, PhD – Senior Scientist   Email:   (tamuna_suladze@pha.ge)
Sophio Gunia, PhD – Scientist
Maia Elizabarashvili, PhD – Scientist   Email:   (m.elizbarashvili@pha.ge)
Marina Dadunashvili – Senior Lab Technician
Manana Labadze – Lab Technician
Mzia Mchedlidze – Lab Technician

Participation in Scientific Grant Projects:

2015-2018, STCU P664, “Isolation, selection and characteristic of bacteriophages against antibiotic resistant no-fermentative microorganisms” (PI: M. Tediashvili).
2013-2015, DTRA, “Characterization of mechanisms of adaptive phage-host co-evolution using next generation sequencing and phenotypic profiling” (PI: M. Kutateladze).
2011-2013, STCU P486, “Application of bacteriophages against higly pathogenic bacteria in model studies” (PI: M. Tediashvili).
2011-2012, DTRA TAP, “Comparative whole genome sequencing of diagnostic Brucella phages” (PI: M. Kutateladze).
2009-2011, GG-18 CBR, “Ecology, genetic clustering and virulence of major bacterial and viral pathogens in the Republic of Georgia” (PI: M. Kutateladze).
2008-2010, DTRA GG-17, “Clinical, Epidemiologic and Laboratory Based Assessment of Brucellosis in Georgia” (PI: M. Kutateladze).
2005-2008, CBRGGg-13(CRDFGEb2)-1958, “Isolation, distribution and biodiversity of selected Vibrios and their bacteriophages from acuatic anviroments in Georgia” (PI: M. Tediashvili).
2004-2007, CRDF-576, “Study of biological properties of bacterial strains isolated from cow mastitis” (PI: T. Gabisonia).
2006, ISTC G-1246, “Construction and using of polyvalent polycomponent medical-prevention bacteriophage preparation for prophylaxis and treatment diarrheal desease caused by: E.coli, Salmonella, Shigella” (PI: A. Golijashvili).
2003-2005, INTAS 03-5563, “Elaboration of control strategy with bacteriophages of related pathogens to Сl.perfringensand Cl.difficile “ (PI: N. Chanishvili).
2002, DHHS, BTEP, “Mollecular mechanisms of bacteriophage evolution and host-to-virus transcription during bacteriophage infection in pathogenic bacteria” (PI: A. Golijashvili).

List of Selected Publications:

M. Elizbarashvili, M. Darsavelidze, T. Suladze, S. Gunia, M. Dadunashvili – “Study of Microbiocenosis of Intestine in Children of Different Age Category”, World Wide Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, 2018, volume 69, 23-25.

I. Antadze, M. Dadunashvili, T. Burbutashvili, S. Gunia, N. Balarjishvili, E. Tevdoradze, T. Pataridze, RJ. Obiso, S. Hagius, P. Elzer and M. Kutateladze – “Diversity of Phage-Host Specificity in Brucella Phage”, Journal of Bacteriology and Mycology, 2017, Volume 4, Issue 2, 1049.

E. Tevdoradze, J. Farlow, A. KotoraSvili, N. Skhirtladze, I. Antadze, S. Gunia, N. Balarjishvili, L. Kvachadze and M. Kutateladze – “Whole genome sequence comparison of ten diagnostic brucellaphages propagated on two Brucella abortus hosts”, Virology Journal, 2015, DOI: 10.1186/s12985-015-0287-3.