BSc(Hons) Sydney, PhD (ANU), FASM

Associate Professor

After several grant-funded research positions in the Depts of Medicine and Surgery (1975-1982), I was appointed lecturer in the Department of Pathology (1983) where I am currently Associate Professor (since1997). Overseas experience includes several periods of study leave in the USA and Canada.

Research Interests

Microbial pathogenesis, especially bacterium-host interactions (adhesion, colonization, invasion) on mucosal surfaces. Our lab is known for its work in characterizing the filamentous intestinal colonization factors (pili and flagella) of Aeromonas species, which has given insights into the pathogenesis and public health significance of these ubiquitous food- and water-borne organisms. Aeromonas species are an excellent model for dissecting the steps involved in colonization and biofilm formation. Our current work is helping to provide a platform for the development of novel anti-infective strategies for many persistent biofilm infections, e.g. chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis.

Teaching

Broad teaching areas:
General Medical Microbiology (including Virology) Microbial Pathogenesis Clinical Medical Microbiology Immunology Introductory Microbiology.
Modes of teaching include: Lectures; tutorials (large and small groups); advanced seminars to research students; practical laboratory sessions; laboratory demonstrations; computer-assisted learning materials, eg.Medical Microbiology Image Database (University of Tasmania Teaching Development Grants, 1997,1998).

Units

• CJA212 - Basic Patholgical Processes & Immunity
  
• CJA312 - Pathological Basis of Disease 3
  
• CJA313 - Medical Microbiology and Immunology (Bachelor of Science)
  
• CJA430 - Pathological Sciences (Bachelor of Science Honours)
  

Selected Publications:

• Kirov, S. M., J. S. Webb, and S. Kjelleberg, 2005, 'Clinical significance of seeding dispersal in biofilms', Microbiology (Comment), 151 pgs , pgs. 3452-3543
• Kirov, S. M., M. Castrisios, and J. G. Shaw. , 2004, 'Aeromonas flagella (polar and lateral) are enterocyte adhesins that contribute to biofilm formation on surfaces. ', Infection and Immunity, 72 pgs., pgs. 1939-1945
• Kirov, S. M. , 2003, 'Bacteria that express lateral flagella enable dissection of the multifunctional roles of flagella in pathogenesis.', FEMS Microbiology Letters, 224 pgs, pgs. 151-159 (Review)
• Kirov, S. M., L. A. O'Donovan, and K. Sanderson, 1999, 'Functional characterization of type IV pili expressed on diarrhea-associated isolates of Aeromonas species', Infection and Immunity, 67, pgs. 5447 - 5454
• Kirov, S. M., T. C. Barnett, C. M. Pepe, M. S. Strom, and M. J. Albert, 2000, 'Investigation of the role of type IV Aeromonas pilus (Tap) in the pathogenesis of Aeromonas gastrointestinal infection', Infection and Immunity, 68, pgs. 4040-4048
• Kirov, S. M., 2001, 'Aeromonas and Plesiomonas. ', Food Microbiology: Fundamentals and Frontiers, 2nd edition, Doyle, M.P., Beuchat, L. R. and Montville, T. J. (eds.)., pgs. 301 - 327
• Kirov, S. M., B. C. Tassell, A. B. T. Semmler, L. A. O'Donovan, A. A. Rabaan, and J. G. Shaw., 2002, 'Lateral flagella and swarming motility in Aeromonas species.', Journal of Bacteriology, 184, pgs. 547-555

Current and Supervised Project/s:

• Developing biofilm models to investigate novel therapeutic strategies for cystic fibrosis lung infection To develop new strategies to treat chronic bacterial lung infections in cystic fibrosis more ne
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm dispersal events: new opportunities for cystic fibrosis therapy
• Developing biofilm models to investigate novel therapeutic strategies for cystic fibrosis lung infection
• The roles of bacterial surface structures in mucosal colonization and disease
• Genetic and functional characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from Tasmanian cystic fibrosis patients