Eliava Institute
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Laboratory of Virology and Immunology

The primary research focus of the laboratory is to investigate the impact of phage therapy on the immune response of patients with various infectious diseases. The studies include the evaluation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, humoral immune responses, and phage-specific antibodies generated during treatment, as well as the determination of the role of immunogenetic factors in phage therapy efficacy and individual immune reactions.

The laboratory also investigates the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of bacteriophages, including their distribution, circulation, and elimination within the host organism. These studies are essential for optimizing phage therapy protocols and improving their clinical effectiveness.

 

Laboratory Personnel

Ekaterine Kartvelishvili, Ph.D. –  Head of the Laboratory - e.kartvelishvili@pha.ge

Besarion Lasareishvili Ph.D. – Leading scientist

Dali Gogiashvili, PhD – Senior scientist

Ketevan Tsanava, MSc – Scientist

Tamar Dalakishvili, MSc – Lab technician 

 

 

Scientific Grant projects (last 5 years)

  • 2024  - International Education Center – "National and International School: Immunity, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Phage Therapy." Project Manager: Bessarion Lasareishvili. School Locations and Dates: Telavi: February 28, 2025 – March 2, 2025 Kutaisi: March 14, 2025 – March 15, 2025 April Session: April 26, 2025 – April 28, 2025
  • 2024 - NNLE “Eliava Foundation – Association for the Development of Bacteriophages in Georgia”- Exploring the Impact of Phage Particle Surface Properties on Circulation Duration.(PI: B.Lasareishvili).
  • 2019–2021 - Project “Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Geoergia” AR-18-306 – “Development of polyclonal immunoglobulins for treatment of complicated staphylococcal infections”. (PI: S. Rigvava).

 

Selected Publications (Last 5 years)

  • S.Rigvava L.Gubeladze, N.Karumidze, M.Natidze, D.Gogiashvili, L.Kvachadze, D.Bolkvadze,L.Kavtaradze. Some Serological and Biochemical Characteristics of Antistaphylococcal Policlonal Immunoglobulin. Experimental and Clinical Medicine,2022,#5,p.100-101. ISSN 1512-0392, E-ISSN 2667-9736.
  • S. Rigvava, M. Natidze, L. Gubeladze, N. Karumidze, D. Gogiashvili, T. Turiashvili, L. Kavtaradze. Selection of staphylococcal immunogens hyperimmune to obtain polyclonal serum. Experim. and Clinic. Medicine, 2022, #8, p. 37- 40.
  • Rigvava S., Natidze M., Gubeladze L., Karumidze N., Gogiashvili D., Dalakishvil T., Turiashvili T., Kavtaradze L., T.Torok. Selection of staphylococcal strains and obtaining polyclonal immune serum. WWJMRD,2021,vol.7, Issue 12, p.116-119. DOI:10.17605/OSF. IO/CJYZT. E-ISSN:2454-6615,p-128-131
  • Rigvava S.,Natidze M.,Gubeladze L.,Karumidze N.,Gogiashvili D.,Dalakishvili T.,Turiashvili T.,Kavtaradze L,T.Torok. “Selection of Staphylococcal Strains and otaining policlonal immune serum”.wwjmrd.2021,Vol.7,Issue 12, p.116-119. DOI:10.17605/OSF.IO/CJYZT.
  • Rigvava S,Gubeladze L,Natidze M,Gogiashvili D, N.I.Karumidze N,Dalakishvili T, Staphylococcal anatoxin preparation and diagnostic Test-system development. Annals of Agrarian Science”,2020,#4,vol.18,p.483-489.