Iryna B. Sorokulova, MS, PhD, DSc
Professor of Microbiology
Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology
(334)844-5307
sorokib@auburn.edu
Dr. Sorokulova joined the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University (Kiev, Ukraine) with M.S. in Microbiology. She received her Ph.D. and D.Sci. Degrees in Microbiology from the Institute of Microbiology and Virology National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Dr. Sorokulova received professional training at Moscow State University (Russia), Bureau of Biologics (Ottawa, Canada), Massachusetts Biological Laboratories (Boston, MA, USA).
- Recipient of the Ukraine State Prize in Science and Technology.
Research Interests:
Our research focuses on the development of new microbial approaches for detection and control of pathogens.
- Therapeutic (probiotic) bacteria may provide a valuable alternative in the treatment of infections caused by pathogens. It was shown that probiotic bacteria can enhance intestinal barrier function. Probiotics are able to modulate signal transduction pathways and gene expression in epithelial and immune cells. Probiotic bacteria may improve both innate and adaptive immune responses. Probiotics were reported to regulate disturbed gut microflora. Our research interests are centered on Bacillus probiotic bacteria and their role in prevention of stress-related complications and treatment of infections due to multiresistant pathogens. Previously we have created several biotechnological products and saw them through all stages of development from bench top experiments to clinical practice. One of these products – probiotic Biosporin – is approved as a drug in Russia and Ukraine and is now on the market in these countries. Another product – recombinant probiotic Subalin – is approved as a drug in Ukraine.
- Rapid detection of methycillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is of the key importance in prevention and prognosis of infections caused by antibiotic resistant S. aureus. Our approach in specific recognition and detection of MRSA includes identification of bacteria together with confirmation of MRSA in real time. For this purpose, we used a newly isolated S.aureus bacteriophage with a wide range of hosts (including MRSA strains) together with monoclonal antibody against protein PBP 2a. PBP 2a is a cell wall protein responsible for antibiotic resistance of MRSA. Simultaneous recognition of Staphylococcus bacteria and PBP 2a protein increases specificity and reliability of MRSA detection.
Teaching Responsibilities:
Graduate course BIOL 7970 “Microorganisms for health promotion and product development”.
