The Laboratory investigates various microorganisms in different environments. Aquatic systems are a particular focus of the lab, but studies are wide-ranging and include marine and freshwater plankton, sediments, cave and geothermal water microbial habitats.
The Laboratory studies different aspects of microbial evolution and ecology, such as evaluation of microbial diversity in natural and artificial environments, as well as micro environments of the human body, physiology of bacterial communities in relation to system level processes, and their environmental applications.
Phage research remains one of the main directions of the lab activity and is significantly associated with searching for perspective phage candidates for the prevention, diagnoses and treatment of bacterial diseases not only in medicine but also in the food industry, the environment, agriculture and veterinary. The Laboratory of Microbial Ecology is also actively engaged in different scientific directions related to microbial food safety, plant protection and medical microbiology.

Laboratory Personnel:

Marina Tediashvili, PhD – Head of the Laboratory   Email:   (m.tediashvili@pha.ge)
Ekaterina Jaiani, PhD – Leading Scientist   Email:   (e.jaiani@pha.ge)
Nino Janelidze, PhD – Leading Scientist   Email:   (n.janelidze@pha.ge)
Tamar Kokashvili, PhD – Senior Scientist   Email:   (t.kokashvili@pha.ge)
Tamar Eliashvili, PhD – Senior Scientist   Email:   (t.eliashvili@pha.ge)
Nino Lashkhi, MSc – Researcher   Email:   (n.lashkhi@pha.ge)
Anna Tskhvediani, PhD – Researcher
Elene Didebulidze, MSc – Researcher
Ketevan Porchkhidze, MSc – Technician
Tinatin Khukhunashvili, MSc – Technician
Tamar Koberidze, MSc – Technician

Participation in Scientific Grant Projects:

2018-2020, CPEA-LT-2017/10061, “Network for research-based higher education in microbial biotechnology” (PI: N. Birkland Co. PI: E. Jaiani).
2017-2020, SRNSF FR 17-442, “Viruses in the Black Sea: diversity, community dynamics, virus-host interactions” (PI: E. Jaiani).
2017-2019, CPEA-LT-2016/10095, “Network for improving research based higher education in basic and applied microbiology” (PI: N. Birkland Co. PI: E. Jaiani).
2016-2018, SRNSF PhD Fellowship, “Antibiotic resistance mechanisms in environmental Bacillus spp” (PI: E. Gabashvili).
2016-2018, SRNSF-04/11-STCU -6209, “Phage-based environmentally safe strategy for control of bacterial infections in cultured freshwater fish species” (PI: N. Janelidze).
2015-2018, STCU partner project P664, “Isolation and Detailed Characterization of Bacteriophages Lytic to Human Pathogenic Species Intrinsically Resistant to Antibiotics” (PI: M. Tediashvili).
2015-2017, Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation project № 460/10, “Study of the quarantine disease – Brown Rot of potato and elaborations of effective counter measures” (PI: G. Mepharishvili Co.PI: M. Tediashvili).
2014-2016, UNICRI: Strengthening bio-safety and bio-security capabilities in South Caucasus and Central Asian countries project A4 – G. Eliava Institute, “Repairs and provision of equipment to essential laboratories of the Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology and Virology (IBMV) Georgia”, Work package P1++ “Purchasing of equipment and performance of upgrades essential for the Laboratory of Microbial Ecology (PI: M. kutateladze Co.PI: M. Tediashvili).
2015-2017, CRDF-DTRA 60920, “Phage Mediated Antibiotic Resistance Gene Transfer in Marine, Freshwater and Extreme Environment” (PI: E. Jaiani).
2014-2015, GRDF GLOBAL & Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation (ECSP-2013), “Detection and characterization of hybrid biotypes among Georgian population of environmental isolates of V.cholerae” (PI: T. Kokashvili).
2012-2014, STCU P450, “Screening for antiviral activity of indol-containing heterocyclic condensed systems for application in veterinary medicine” (PI: M. Tediashvili).
2012-2013, GRDF GLOBAL – Mini Grant Program GMG 06/13, “Selection of Vibrio cholera specific bacteriophages for effective tracking down and control of new outbreaks of emerging infectious disease cholera” (PI: N. Janeldize).
2011-2013, STCU P486, “Application of bacteriophages against highly pathogenic bacteria in model studies” (PI: M. Tediashvili).
2011-2014, EU FP7, “Marie Courie PIRSES Network for development of phage therapy in aquaculture” (PI: P. Katharios Co.PI: M. Tediashvili).
2010-2013, STCU-5148, “Development of a novel bacterial preparation for immunotherapy of cancer” (PI: K. Gambashidze Co.PI: M. Tediashvili).
2009-2010, GRDF-GNSF/08-529, “Study of the diversity of Georgian environmental V.cholerae isolates by Eric-PCR and Phage typing techniques” (PI: T. Kokashvili).
2008-2010, ISTC project 416.C, P.2, “Improvement of technology for preparation of anti-Anthrax immunoglobulin” (Phase II) (PI: D. Gogiashvili).
2007-2008, EU-Greek-Georgian Project, “Bacteriophages for the control of diseases in Mediterranean cultured fish” (PI: M. Tediashvili).
2007-2010, US‑ISRAEL CDR-CAR PROGRAM – TA-MOU-03-CA23-037, “Control of Crown-gall disease in grape: Integration of Biological Control with Transgenesis” (PI: M. Tediashvili).
2007-2008, US DoS BII Program project, “Elaboration of strategic plan for development of the Eliava Institute” (PIs: M. Tediashvili and R. Adamia).
2007-2008, Eliava-UK project (funded by Robert Patton-Business Man from UK), MRSA phages: in vitro trial (PIs: M.Tediashvili and N. Chanishvili).
2006-2008, ISTC G-1467, “Preparation of monograph/literature review on the practical application of bacteriophages in Medicine, veterinary and environmental research based on documentations and scientific articles (PI: N. Chanishvili).
2006-2007, INTAS Young Scientist Fellowship (Individual Grant), “The study of bacteriophages to be used for pathogen removal from water reservoirs” (PI: E. Jaiani).
2005-2009, CRDF-GEB2-1958-TB-05 (DTRA GG-13), “Isolation, distribution, and biodiversity of selected Vibrios and their bacteriophages from aquatic environments in Georgia” (PI: M. Tediashvili).
2005-2007, ISTC project 416.B, P.1, “Improvement of Technology for preparation of anti-Anthrax immunoglobulin” (phase I) ( PI: D. Gogiashvili).
2005-2007, CRDF Gb2-2497, “Elaboration of phage amplification assay for the detection of Bacillus anthacis in the environment” (PI: S. Rigvava Co.PI M. Tediashvili).
2004-2007, EU INTAS 6610, “Elaboration of new bacteriophage based strategy for control of pathogenic bacteria Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile” (PI: N. Chanishvili).
2004-2005, NATO Linkage grant, “Macromolecular and Biophysical Characterization of Bacteriophages Used As Tracers in the Water Environment” (PI: M.Tediashvili).
2002-2004, INTAS- Polluted Environment 2001 01-788, “Evaluation of coastal pollution status and bio indicators for the Black Sea (BIOBS)” (PI: M. Tediashvili).
2002, INTAS – Young Scientists Fellowship YSF 2002-0358 Individual Grant, “Study of phage-host cell interactions on the model of E.coli bacteriophages Un and DDVI using microcalorimetry, FESEM and Flow cytometry” (PI: N. Janelidze).
2001-2005, CRDF GR2-998, “Regional experimental center for applied microbiology and bacteriophage research (RECAMBR)” (PI: N. Chanishvili).
2001-2002, OSG-Soros Foundation ISSEP 01/11, “Microbial monitoring of ecological status of the Lisi and Ku lakes” (PI: M. Tediashvili).
2001-2003, INTAS-FOOD 00-727, “Food Prevention of food spoilage by suppression of phenoloxidase, peroxidase and growth of pathogenic micro flora by use of natural inhibitors of plant origin” (PI: M. Tediashvili).
2000-2003, CRDF –Gb 2-527, “Phage based strategy for control of potato bacterial diseases” (PI: M. Tediashvili).
2000-2002, INTAS 99-1390, “The biological dispersion phenomenon and the energetics of microplancton: a search for the ecological regularities and the relationships to environmental fluctuations” (PI: M. Tediashvili).
1997-2011, INTAS-1341, “Bacteriophages – a new approach for treatment of nosocomial respiratory infections caused by P. aeruginosa” (PI: N. Chanishvili).

List of Selected Publications:

T. Tserodze, D. Jgenti, M. Mgeladze, I. Gambashidze, N. Chkheidze , E. Jaiani, E. Didebulidze, N. Janelidze, R. Goradze and M. Tediashvili – “Dynamic changes in the upper respiratory tract microflora of the Black sea and Pacific bottlenose dolphins in noogenic habitat: possible influence of environmental conditions”, International Journal of Advanced Research, 2018, 6(3), pp. 1255-1263.

N. Lashkhi, T. Kokashvili, T. Eliashvili, T. Koberidze, G. Tsertsvadze, M. Muradashvili, G. Meparishvili, Z. Sikharulidze, M. Tediashvili – “The Isolation and biological characterization of bacteriophages lytic to Georgian strains of Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2”, International Journal of Advanced Research, 2018, 6(2), pp. 850-860.

T. Tserodze, D. Jgenti, M. Mgeladze, N. Chkheidze, R. Lomidze, I. Gambashidze, N. Janelidze, E. Didebulidze, A. Groene, M. Kik, M. Tediashvili – “Fatal bacterial infection of the heart in captive bottlenose dolphin (tursiops truncates gilli)”, A case study, International Journal of Advanced Research, 2018, 6(1), pp. 795-804.

T. Koiava, D. Gonçalves, J. Palmeira, K. Arobelidze, L. Akhvlediani, H. Ferreira – “Phenotypic and molecular characterization of SHV, TEM, OXA and extended spectrum β-lactamase produced by Klebsiella pneumonia isolates in Adjara hospital”, International Journal of Current Research, 2016, Vol. 8, Issue, 06, pp. 32332-3236.

T. Tserodze, N. Zobova, D. Jgenti, M. Mgeladze, R. Goradze, E. Jaiani, E. Didebulidze, M. Tediashvili – “Study of water hydrochemical and microbiological quality in the noogenic habitat of the Black Sea bottlenose dolphins”, International Journal of Advanced Research, 2016, vol., 4 issue, pp. 2063 – 2067.

Z. Alavidze, W. Sybersma, M. Tediashvili, A. Ujmajuridze et al – “Silk route to the acceptance and re-implementation of Bacteriophage therapy”, Biotechnology Journal, Vol. 11, Issue 5, 2016. pp. 593–724.

T. Koiava, D. Gonçalvesa J. Palmeira, K. Arobelidze, M. Tediashvili, H. Ferreira – “NDM arrived to Republic of Georgia”, J Global Antibiotic Resistance, 2017, v. 8, pp. 157–158.

T. Kokashvili, C. Whitehouse, A.Tskhvediani, C. Grim, T. Elbakidze, N. Mitaishvili, N. Janelidze, E. Jaiani, B. Haley, N. Lashkhi, A. Huq, R. Colwell, M. Tediashvili – “Occurrence and diversity of clinically important Vibrio species in the aquatic environment of Georgia”, Front, Public Health, 2015, 3:232. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2015.00232.

G. Muradashvili, V. Meparishvili, M. Tediashvili, Z.V. Sikharulidze – “Phenotypic peculiarities of Georgian isolates of Ralstonia solanacearum”, Annals of Agrarian Sciences, 2015, v.13, No. 3, pp. 20-25.

T. Elbakidze, T. Kokashvili, N. Janelidze, K. Porchkhidze, T. Koberidze, M. Tediashvili – “Biological characterization of V.cholerae-specific bacteriophages isolated from water sources in Georgia”, Georgian Medical News, 2015, (240):65-72.

B. Haley, T. Kokashvili, A. Tskshvediani, N. Janelidze, N. Mitaishvili, C.J. Grim, G. Constantin de Magny, A.J. Chen, E. Taviani, T. Eliashvili, M. Tediashvili, C.A. Whitehouse, R.R. Colwell, A. Huq – “Molecular diversity and predictability of Vibrio parahaemolyticusalong the Georgian coastal zone of the Black Sea”, front, Microbiol, 2014, V5. Article 45. Pp 1-9, doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00045.

A. Tskhvediani, T. Khukhunashvili, T. Eliashvili, G. Tsertsvadze, N. Gachechiladze, M. Tediashvili – “The possible use of V. parahaemolyticus – specific bacteriophages for prevention and therapy of infections caused by V. parahaemolyticus”, Georgian Medical News, 2014, (231):82-8.

T. Kokashvili, T. Elbakidze, E. Jaiani, N. Janelidze, G. Kamkamidze, C.A. Whitehouse, A. Huq, M. Tediashvili – “Comparative phenotypic characterization of Vibrio cholerae isolates collected in the aquatic environment of Georgia”, Georgian Medical News, 2013, No 11(224), pp.55-62.

L. Chernin, N. Toklikishvili, N. Dandurishvili, M. Tediashvili, A. Vainstein – “Suppression of Crown Gall Disease by Rhizosphere Bacteria and Agrobacterium – Specific Bacteriophages”, Chapter 57 In: Molecular Microbial Ecology of the Rhizosphere, Vol. 2, First Edition. Edited by Frans 1. De Bruijn, 2013, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

E. Jaiani, T. Kokashvili, N. Mitaishvili, T. Elbakidze, N. Janelidze, N. Lashkhi, R. Kalandadze, E. Mikashavidze, G. Natroshvili, CA. Whitehouse, A. Huq, M. Tediashvili – “Microbial water quality of recreational lakes near Tbilisi, Georgia”, J Water Health, 2013, 11(2):333-45.

N. Janelidze, E. Jaiani, N. Lashkhi, T. Kokashvili, T. Gvarishvili, D. Jgenti, R. Diasamidze, C. A. Whitehouse, A. Huq, M. Tediashvili – “Water microbial quality of the Georgian coastal zone of the Black Sea”, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2011, vol. 62, no. 3, pp. 573-580.

P.J. Ceyssens, T. Glonti, A. Kropinski, R. Lavigne, N. Chanishvili, L. Kulakov, N. Lashkhi, M. Tediashvili, M. Merabishvili – “Phenotypic and genotypic variations within a single bacteriophage species”, Virology Journal, 2011, v. 8(1), pp. 134-139.