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／Research Collaboration Center for Infectious Diseases  Section of Bacterial Infections

Enteric infectious diseases caused by various microbes occur frequently in Thailand. However, there are few nationwide epidemiological studies of the etiology of gastroenteritis. In the Section of Bacterial Infections, we are trying to develop effective diagnostic methods to detect bacterial pathogens and exploit measures to prevent enteric infections, including those mediated by Vibrio cholerae.

 

We collect and analyze fecal specimens from patients with severe diarrhea admitted to leading hospitals in different parts of Thailand. Then we try to detect specific pathogens by using real-time PCR and cultivation analyses. Additionally, we attempt to identify unknown pathogens using TOF-MS or whole genome sequencing. In cases of cholera in Thailand or Myanmar, we will cooperate with governmental authorities to analyze V. cholerae isolates to clarify the route of transmission. Furthermore, we will undertake molecular and/or genomic characterization of the isolated pathogens. Our research goals are to develop methods for rapid diagnosis and to prepare countermeasures against challenging pathogens.

  • Fig. Multiple outbreaks (●) and sporadic cases (●) have been investigated in collaboration with the Department of Disease Control and the Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. Investigations of Vibrio cholerae and other enteropathogens in border areas (lower left photo) were conducted. Detection and analysis of pathogens are performed using multiplex real-time PCR methods and genome sequencing

Staff

  • Prof.: Tetsuya Iida (concur.)
  • SA Assoc.Prof.: Kazuhisa Okada

Publications

  • (1) Flagella-related gene mutations in Vibrio cholerae during extended cultivation in nutrient-limited media impair cell motility and prolong culturability. Okada K. et al., mSystems (2023) e0010923.
    (2) Emergence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus serotype O10:K4 in Thailand. Okada K. et al., Microbiol Immunol. (2023) 67: 201-203.
    (3) Etiologic features of diarrheagenic microbes in stool specimens from patients with acute diarrhea in Thailand. Okada K. et al., Sci. Rep. (2020) 10:4009.
    (4) Simultaneous detection and quantification of 19 diarrhea-related pathogens with a quantitative real-time PCR panel assay. Wongboot W. et al., J Microbiol Methods. (2018) 151:76-82
    (5) Vibrio cholerae embraces two major evolutionary traits as revealed by targeted gene sequencing. Okada K., et al., Sci. Rep. (2018) 8(1):1631
    (6) Characterization of 3 Megabase-Sized Circular Replicons from Vibrio cholerae. Okada K., et al., Emerg Infect Dis. (2015) 21(7):1262-3.
    (7) Cholera in Yangon, Myanmar, 2012-2013. Aung WW., et al., Emerg Infect Dis. (2015) 21(3):543-4.
    (8) Vibrio cholerae O1 isolate with novel genetic background, Thailand–Myanmar. Okada K., et al., Emerg Infect Dis. (2013) 19:1015-7.

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