Dr hab. Prof. UMCS Anna Turska-Szewczuk
Specialist in microbiology, especially in immunochemistry of bacterial antigens and cell surface components, experienced in classical and molecular biology methods including DNA isolation from different sources, PCR, PAGE electrophoresis, molecular separation techniques, and interpretation of mass spectrometry (ESI-MS, MALDI-TOF-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of glycoconjugates. Experiences in isolation and identification of different pathogens and bacteriophages (with lytic activities against symbiotic and pathogenic bacteria) and interactions between bacterial symbionts and pathogens with eukaryotic (host) cells.
MY LATEST RESEARCH
Structural heterogeneity of the lipopolysaccharide within the genus Aeromonas - correlation between the LPS structure, strain virulence and the ability to survive inside amoeba, a natural reservoir for bacteria in the water environment
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This project was financially supported by the grant of National Science Centre (DEC-2011/03/B/NZ1/01203)
The project is aimed at structural and immunochemical characterization of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Aeromonas bacteria isolated from cultured fish, which represent a potential threat to human health. The investigation will demonstrate which of the bacterial cell surface structures (smooth or rough form of LPS, presence or absence of the protein S-layer) promote adhesion to and infection of the protozoan Acanthamoeba castellanii. Moreover, the study should provide an answer to the question of what changes occur in bacterial surface antigens during their intracellular growth and whether they may enhance bacterial pathogenicity.