George Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology and Virology

George Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology and Virology (LEPL), under the Ministry of Education and Science.

Founded in 1923 on the initiative of George Eliava as the Bacteriological Institute; in 1936 it was reorganized as the Institute of Microbiology, Epidemiology, and Bacteriophages. From 1952, it was known as the Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera. In 1988, the “Bacteriophage” Scientific-Industrial Union was established on its basis.

The institute was the first in the world to begin systematized fundamental and applied research into bacterial viruses, known as bacteriophages (or phages), under the leadership of G. Eliava and the co-discoverer of phages, Felix d’Herelle. This remains the institute’s primary area of operation. Scientists at the institute have established a museum of pathogenic and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria, as well as an extensive collection of active bacteriophages targeting them. Furthermore, methodological principles for their practical application have been developed, leading to the creation of over 30 therapeutic, prophylactic, and diagnostic phage preparations. Currently, the company “Bacteriophage Bio-preparations,” founded by the institute, produces several types of polyvalent and monovalent bacteriophage preparations widely used both in Georgia and internationally.

The primary directions of the institute’s activities include: studying the etiological structure of various human and animal infections—particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria—and developing specific bacteriophage preparations against them; fundamental research in bacteriophagy, specifically the study of molecular-biological and physicochemical properties of new phages and the mechanisms of their interaction with host cells; ecological monitoring of water, food, and the environment; developing biocontrol strategies for plant diseases based on phage technologies; and researching agents of especially dangerous bacterial infections to create biological countermeasures.

The institute operates six scientific laboratories, a bacteriophage collection, and a Research and Development (R&D) department. The staff also established George Eliava Foundation. The institute actively participates in the Georgian-American Biosafety Program and regularly receives scientific grants. Its scientists systematically publish research in local and high-impact international journals and participate in global conferences and symposia.

R. Adamia