Prof. Malka Halpern
Full Professor
In my lab, at the Department of Biology and Environment, University of Haifa – Oranim, we study Environmental Microbiology. Our main interests are; (i) The ecology of waterborne pathogens and in particular Vibrio cholerae, Aeromonas and Legionella; (ii) Chironomids (Diptera; Chironomidae), fish and waterbirds as the natural reservoirs of V. cholerae; (iii) The role of chironomid microbiota in maintaining homeostasis under stress conditions; (iv) Plant bacteria interactions; floral nectar microbiota, flower pollinators and flower visitors and their role in plant fitness; (v) Bacterial taxonomy (novel species isolated from chironomid egg masses, raw milk and floral nectar)
Academic background
B.Sc. Biology, The Hebrew University
M.Sc. Zoology, Tel Aviv University
Ph.D. Biology, University of Haifa
Selected Publications
Laviad-Shitrit, S., Izhaki, I. and Halpern, M. (2019) Accumulating evidence suggests that some waterbird species are potential vectors of Vibrio cholerae. PLoS Pathogens. 15: e1007814.
Rodriguez-Martinez, S., Sharaby, Y., Brettar, I., Pecellin, M., Höfle, M. and Halpern, M. (2015) Spatial distribution of Legionella pneumophila MLVA-genotypes in a drinking water system. Water research 77: 119-132.
Senderovich, Y. and Halpern, M. (2013) The protective role of endogenous bacterial communities in chironomid egg masses and larvae. ISME Journal 7: 2147-2158
Fridman S., Izhaki, I., Gerchman Y. and Halpern M. (2012) Bacterial communities in floral nectar. Environmental Microbiology Reports 4: 97-104.
Senderovich, Y., Izhaki, I. and Halpern, M. (2010) Fish as reservoirs and vectors of Vibrio cholerae. PLoS ONE. 5: e8607. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0008607.
Broza, M. and Halpern, M. (2001) Chironomid egg masses and Vibrio cholerae. Nature 412: 40
Teaching
Introduction to Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, Workshop in Environmental Microbiology, Medical Microbiology