LABORATORY ECOLOGY OF PATHOGENIC BACTERIA

Head: Assist. Prof. Zvezdomira Tsvetanova, PhD

Tel.: +359 879 499 172

E-mail: tsvetanovazv@dir.bg, zvezdimira@yahoo.com

Author ID Scopus (ScienceDirect): 35758139800

https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=35758139800

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Zvezdimira_Tsvetanova

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STAFF:

Assist. Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, PhD

Tel.: +359 879 499 172

E-mail: dimitrov61@abv.bg

Author ID Scopus (ScienceDirect): 7202564568
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Chemist, technician Vanya Slaveva

Tel.: +359 879 499 172

 

MAIN TOPICS OF RESEARCH:
  • Microbiology of water
  • Infectious microbiology

The research in the water microbiology field was aimed at studying the biofilms in technical water systems with different purposes and water quality, and in drinking water supply systems. The dynamics of biofilm formation process, and biofilm composition and impact on the microbiological quality of drinking water in domestic water supply systems and their physical models have been studied. The effectiveness of the drinking water disinfection for biofilm control, as well as the biofilm behavior in simulated accidental fecal contamination of water was assessed. The processes of integration and survival of pathogenic bacteria (such as Yersinia, Salmonella, E. coli O157, etc.) in biofilm, including the interspecies interactions with the aquatic microbiota, have been studied. Currently, an important research aim is the antimicrobial resistance of bacteria in drinking waters, natural waters and wastewaters. The prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes as  pollutants important for human health and ecological well-being of aquatic ecosystems is studied.

The team conducts microbiological analyses of drinking water and surface water through standardized and express methods, evaluates the potential of polymer pipe materials intended for contact with drinking water to enhance the overall microbial growth.

 

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS:
  • Tsvetanova, Z. Quantification of the bacterial community of drinking water-associated biofilms under different flow velocities and changing chlorination regimes. Applied Water Science, 2020, 1: 3.. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-019-1086-6
  • Tsvetanova, Z., Najdenski, H. Biofilm formation potential of enteropathogenic bacteria and their survival in drinking water-associated biofilms. Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica, 34(3), 153-159, 2018.
  • Tsvetanova, Z., Najdenski, H. Influence of bacterial diversity and interspecies interactions on the drinking water-associated biofilms of Yersinia enterocolitica. Ecological Engineering and Environment Protection, 2, 47-53, 2018. ISSN 1311-8668
  • Tsvetanova, Z., Najdenski, H. Pathogenic bacteria in water and drinking water-associated biofilms. Review. Ecological Engineering and Environment Protection, 1, 50-61, 2017. ISSN 1311-8668
  • Tsvetanova, Z., Korsachka, M., Marinski, J. Water quality assessment of the Bourgas port waters. Sustainable Development of Sea-Corridors and Coastal Waters, S. Chrysostomos, T. Floqi, J. Marinski, L. Damiani (Eds.), Springer, Switzerland, 57-66, 2015.
  • Tsvetanova, , Dimitrov, D. Biofilms and bacteriological water quality in a model of domestic installation simulating daily drinking water consumption. Water Science & Technology: Water Supply, 12(6), 720-726, 2012. IF: 0.60; Q3
  • Tsvetanova, Z., Hoekstra, E. Assessment of microbial growth potential of PVC flexible tubing in contact with drinking water. Water Science & Technology: Water Supply, 12(4), 489-495, 2012. IF: 0.60; Q3
  • Tsvetanova, Z., Hoekstra, E. A study on assessment of biomass production potential of pipe materials in contact with drinking water. Water Science & Technology: Water Supply, 9(4), 423–429, 2009. IF: 0.49; Q3
  • Tsvetanova, Z., Hoekstra, E. A study on the effect of the surface-to-volume contact ratio on the biomass production potential of the pipe products in contact with drinking water. Water Science & Technology: Water Supply, 10(1), 105–112, 2009. IF: 0.49; Q3
  • Tsvetanova, Z. Study of the biofilm formation on different pipe materials in a drinking water distribution system and its impact on drinking water quality. NATO Security through Science Series, L.Simeonov and E.Chirila (Eds.), Springer, 463-468, 2006.

 

ACHIEVEMENTS:
  • Scientific expertise for: biofilm characteristics and impact in technical water systems and drinking water supply systems; inclusion and survival of pathogenic bacteria in drinking water biofilms; interspecific interactions in biofilm; antimicrobial resistance of the microbiome in drinking and natural waters.
  • Ecological expertise for: microbiological pollution of surface waters; dissemination of antimicrobial resistance among the aquatic microbiota; assessment of the microbial growth potential of materials in contact with drinking water.
  • Analytical expertise for: verification of microbiological methods for water analysis; microbiological analysis of water with standardized methods.