Section of Bacterial Infections

Enteric infectious diseases caused by various microbes occur frequently in Thailand. However, there are no large-scale epidemiological studies of the etiology of gastroenteritis in Thailand. In the Section of Bacterial Infections, we are trying to develop effective diagnostic tools to detect bacterial pathogens and devise measures to prevent enteric infections, including those mediated by Vibrio cholerae O1.

We collect and analyze fecal specimens from patients with severe diarrhea admitted to leading hospitals located in different parts of Thailand. We then try to detect specific pathogens by real-time PCR analysis of bacterial genes and culture analysis. We also attempt to identify unknown pathogens using TOF-MS or NGS. In cases of cholera in Thailand or Myanmar, we will co-operate with governmental authorities to analyze V. cholerae isolates to elucidate the route of transmission. We will also undertake molecular and/or genomic characterization of any identified pathogen. Our research goals are to develop methods for rapid diagnosis and to prepare countermeasures against what is still a challenging pathogen.