INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR BULGARIAN MICROBIOLOGY

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR BULGARIAN MICROBIOLOGY

Prof. Angel Galabov, long-term director of the Institute of Microbiology to the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences was interviewed by Ksenia Kisselincheva for the Spot On magazine. The occasion was the admission of the above mentioned institute as an associated member of the Luis Pasteur Institute in Paris.

Prof. Galabov is an internationally recognized scholar in the area of virusology. He has to his account over a hundred publications in international journals, two monographic books, he is the author of many inventions of new anti-virus preparations.

“What happened on the 26^th of June 2004?”

“Our institute was admitted as an associated member of the Luis Pasteur Institute in Paris, having in mind we are the sixth associated member in Europe.  It is a great recognition for Bulgarian science by this world center of microbiology, which is a leader in the struggle with contagious diseases. To mention only a few of their significant contributions - the regulatory mechanism of the genetic code of the cell, the AIDS causing virus and only recently the SARS causing virus.”

“What is envisaged as the specific contribution of Bulgarian microbiology to the avantguard research in world science?”

“This is the research in the domain of anti-virus preparations which is one of the most promising trends in modern science. Also, they recognize our achievements in applied microbiology, the so-called “useful microorganisms” to be used in various products to man’s benefit.”

“Why did you apply to become a member of Pasteur’s family?

“First of all, there is an underlying emotional bond since a number of our eminent scholars have specialized in Pasteur. I, personally, am awarded with the title of “student of Pasteur”. Also, many of our scholars are associated with other French institutions, universities and academic sections. But, generally speaking, this strong link with French science can be personified by Institute Pasteur. For instance, Prof. Stefan Angelov, the founder of our institute has specialized with Gaston Ramon and he has studied in particular the principles of making vaccines. On the eve of the First World War, he made an extraordinary invention which won him world recognition – the vaccine against plague on cattle. For the first time, cattle breeding was spared in Europe, having been devastated by plague for centuries on end.

Actually, there are a number of advantages of being a member of this family. There will be full free access to their information systems. Also, there will be a chance for young promising scholars to do specialization at the Institute Pasteur. Last but not least, we will be allowed to take part in joint projects, such as initiated by the European Union and NATO for Peace and other programs.”

“What is the impact of molecular biology on research in microbiology?”

“The impact is tremendous. Molecular biology has infiltrated our findings and these new technologies comprise the top achievements in modern science. For instance, the tracing of dangerous microorganisms in food products like milk can be done only with the help of such methods.  The fast accurate tests can prevent the spread of epidemics. Another example is the technology for making yoghurt where the various lactobacilli contribute to a variety of flavors. Again this type of technology helped defeat the virus causing encephalytis which took hundreds of lives in Roumania five years ago. Science is attacking tuberculosis with similar methods, especially efficient at a child’s age.”

“Which is your latest innovation at the Institute of microbiology?”

“We created an antiviral disinfectant distributed on the market by German companies. It has already been registered in Canada and the US. This is a number one in the generation of hand disinfectants and is of paramount importance for hospital hygiene. It is both highly effective and sparing the skin. The so-called synergistic substances which have been added, contribute to full protection against bacterial and viral infections which amount to one third of hospital infections.”

This interview sketched only a few details of the ongoing struggle of modern science against those multiple invisible enemies of humans like viruses which often cause more casualties than wars and natural disasters. We should always keep in mind that the miraculous cures to these threats come as a result of the combined committed endeavor of a number of scholars, the like of Prof. Angel Galabov who live every minute of their life to serve mankind.