Microbial Source Tracking (MST) methods for the detection of fecal pollution in water:Fecal contamination in water resources has become a problem of i ncreasing concern worldwide. Human pathogens and antibiotic resistant bacteria that are present in fecal material and wastewater can contaminate water and pose a risk to public health. However, current fecal pollution detection methods test for the presence of fecal contamination, but cannot distinguish what type of animal was the ultimate source. MST is an approach to identify fecal sources that contaminate bodies of water through the detection of enteric microorganisms that are specific to a particular host, such as humans, pigs, cows, goats, horses, or groups of similar animals, like ruminants and birds. By identifying the sources of fecal pollution, MST can greatly facilitate the management of polluted bodies of water, thus reducing public health risks and promoting environmental sustainability (Figure 1). The laboratory conducts research involving: the development of methods for measuring MST markers in laboratories and the characterization of different types of MST markers that can be used to identify specific sources of contaminants. These novel methods are then field tested in problem areas around Thailand. This involves the optimization of sampling techniques in the field and assessing the health risks of exposure to contaminated water. Ultimately, the research goals are to expand disciplinary knowledge...
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to human health and is recognized as a silent pandemic. A recent report in 2019 revealed that deaths associated with bacterial AMR number 4.95 million per year worldwide, including 1.27 million directly attributable to AMR. Since penicillin was discovered, many types of antibiotics have been used to successfully treat infectious diseases. However, these achievements are now at risk mainly because of the overuse or misuse of antimicrobials, leading to the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria. AMR bacteria are not only confined to health care settings. They have spread to the environment and have been isolated from human-associated animals, including companion pets, livestock, and farmed fish. Given the increased risks to human health that this spread presents, a multidisciplinary “One-Health approach” is required to solve the problem. In accordance with the mission of the CRI to improve the quality of life through the use of Science and Technology, AMR is one of the primary research focuses of the Laboratory of Biotechnology. To better understand the extent and causes of AMR, the levels of AMR bacteria and their potential drivers are monitored in the environment and food supply. A CRI research team along with collaborators in the United Kingdom (UK) led by the University of Bristol has received a Global Challenge Research Fund...
Nosocomial, or hospital-acquired, infections are an important problem worldwide that affects both developed and developing countries. Nosocomial infections are a major cause of mortality in patients admitted to the hospital and have become a public health problem. Multidrug resistant bacteria are commonly the causative agents of nosocomial infections. These infections are difficult to treat and often require the use of new generation antibiotics, which are highly expensive. The research that is being conducted in the Laboratory of Biotechnology is performed using the bacterial species: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. These pathogens, which are often multidrug resistant, are among the most common causal agents of nosocomial infections in Thailand. Research is being conducted to characterize the novel mechanisms underlying multidrug resistance in these bacteria using genetic engineering techniques to isolate genes that are involved in antibiotic resistance. The results of the research can aid in the identification of new drug targets. The Laboratory of Biotechnology has discovered the novel multidrug efflux transporters, MfsA and MfsQ, from S. maltophilia. MfsA contributes to the transport of several groups of antibiotics, especially those belonging to the fluoroquinolones, out of the bacterial cells, thereby rendering S. maltophilia resistant to multiple antibiotics (Fig. B). MfsQ also functions as an efflux transporter and is involved in bacterial resistance to quaternary ammonium compounds, which are widely used...
The Laboratory of Biotechnology is also interested in genes that contribute to bacterial pathogenesis. During infection, bacteria have to evade and defend against host immune responses. White blood cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, are the key players in the host innate immune response to infection (Fig. A). These cells generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in order to kill invading bacteria. The Laboratory is focused on the study of the genes and enzymes that bacteria use to protect themselves from reactive oxygen species. A more complete understanding of these bacterial defense mechanisms will contribute to one of the laboratory’s main goals, which is to gain insights that can lead to the development of more effective treatments for bacterial infections. One active area of research involves the study of how t-RNA modifications by enzymes such as the methylase, TrmB, increase the translation rate of mRNAs encoding oxidative stress defense proteins such as catalases (Fig. C). The proteins involved in these processes, such as TrmB, are not found in humans and are therefore attractive targets for the development of novel antibacterial therapies. Other lines of enquiry are probing the relationships between oxidative stress and the expression of xenobiotic and antibiotic efflux pumps. Studies of the effect of environmental stresses on bacterial pathogenicity and resistance to antimicrobial compounds are also ongoing. Figure....
Attention has been drawn to recent reports circulated widely on social media and online news outlets concerning a Thai scholar who allegedly purchased research works and had them published in academic journals. The case may have led the public to mistakenly believe that the individual in question is affiliated with the Chulabhorn Research Institute (CRI). The CRI would like to clarify that the scholar mentioned was neither a researcher nor an employee of the CRI. Furthermore, the CRI had no involvement in the publication of the research works in question. The CRI totally disapproves any practice involving the purchase of authorship for the sole purpose of gaining credit in a published work. Such actions constitute a blatant violation of disciplines and ethical standards in the research circle. The Chulabhorn Research Institute has always adhered to the researcher ethics and practices, as set forth by the National Research Council of Thailand, with strict ethics in conducting research and disseminating research findings at the international level. This clarification is issued to provide accurate information to the public and prevent any misunderstanding that could potentially harm the CRI’s reputation and tarnish its esteemed image. Chulabhorn Research Institute January 12, 2023
On December 27, 2022 at approximately 1.30 p.m., by Royal Command of Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol, President of the Chulabhorn Research Institute (CRI), the CRI hosted an ordination ceremony as a merit-making act in dedication to Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati for Her Royal Highness’s speedy recovery from illness and good health, in the main hall of Wat Phra Si Mahathat Wora Maha Viharn, Bang Khen District, Bangkok. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chusak Limsakul, Vice President for Administration, Building and Grounds of the CRI and Chairman of the ceremony, together with other CRI executives and employees, attended the ceremony. This ordination in dedication to Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati lasted from December 27, 2022 to January 10, 2023, for the duration of 15 days. Phra Phrom Muni (Boonruang Punyachoto), the Abbot of Wat Phra Si Mahathat Wora Maha Viharn, kindly officiated the ordination ceremony. Seven CRI employees in total were ordained as Buddhist monks to express their gratitude for Her Royal Highness’s significant contributions to the nation and the Thai people. As a gesture of loyalty, they would also practice meditation, the highest form of worship that could be physically practiced by Buddhists, in dedication to Her Royal Highness and to uphold Buddhism. Public Relations Section, Office of the President, and Genaral Administration Division, Office...
On December 28, 2022 at 2.09 p.m., in the HM Queen Sirikit’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Building, at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkhen Campus, Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol graciously granted audiences to Mr. Suttipong Juljarern, Permanent Secretary for Interior, and Dr. Wandee Khunchornyakong Juljarern, President of the Ladies Association of the Ministry of Interior, and delegation, to humbly present donation to the Chulabhorn Foundation and the Tippimarn Foundation for Sick and Homeless Animals under the Royal Patronage for public assistance activities to improve the quality of life and well-being of the Thai people, as well as of sick stray, abandoned, and homeless animals so that they would be efficiently treated and could safely live close to humans. Public Relations Section Office of the President December 28, 2022
The Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology participates in the integrated research program of the Chulabhorn Research Institute on Liver cancer through the study of 1) Environmental and life styles, and genetic risk factors of HCC and CCA. 2) Molecular mechanisms associated with liver cancer and cholangiocarcinoma development. 3) Molecular signaling underlying cholangiocarcinoma progression and therapeutic opportunities and 4) Identification of novel targeted molecules as potential therapeutic targets for cholangiocarcinoma in Thai patients. Research described above will lead to identification of important etiological factors and development of more targeted policy measures for prevention and early detection of liver cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. Previous Next
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