Breathing New Life into AMR Surveillance: Thailand’s Pioneering Bioaerosol Sampling Training under the SEAOHUN OHRT Awards Program

By Dr. Saharuetai Jeamsripong and Team 

Editor: Anti Rismayanti, SEAOHUN Regional Program Manager 

In the global fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), novel surveillance strategies are critical—particularly in agricultural environments where antibiotic use is widespread, and risks of AMR spread are high. In this context, the project "Capacity Building for AMR Research: Bioaerosol Sampling Practical Training Modules", supported by the SEAOHUN One Health Research and Training (OHRT) Awards Program, marks a groundbreaking step in Thailand’s One Health efforts.

Led by Dr. Saharuetai Jeamsripong of Chulalongkorn University, the project addresses the absence of localized technical tools and trained personnel for AMR monitoring through airborne bioaerosols—an often overlooked pathway for resistance gene dissemination. By developing training modules and practical guides, and delivering immersive workshops, the initiative not only deepens technical capacity but also embeds sustainability into AMR surveillance education.

From Vision to Impact: The Implementation Experience

The project was launched in May 2024 with a focused ambition: to democratize access to bioaerosol sampling expertise, particularly in settings with limited resources. Early in the implementation, the team recognized the importance of hands-on learning. Rather than solely relying on remote consultations, Ms. Thanaporn Thongthum undertook a summer internship at Laval University in Canada, where she was trained directly in sample collection, DNA extraction, and microbial analysis by global experts. This immersive experience informed the content and structure of both the Field Guide and Facilitator Guide, grounding them in practical application rather than abstract theory.

In parallel, the team conducted a needs assessment among registered workshop participants to tailor the training content. This ensured that the curriculum addressed existing knowledge gaps and aligned with real-world challenges. The guides, rich with diagrams, case studies, and context-specific protocols, were later translated into Thai to ensure wide accessibility and relevance.

The capstone of the project was the two-day training workshop held on July 18–19, 2024, involving classroom lectures, hands-on field sampling at a livestock farm, and laboratory demonstrations at Chulalongkorn University. The sessions covered bioaerosol theory, equipment handling, DNA extraction techniques, and qPCR-based detection of AMR genes, engaging a diverse group of 36 participants including graduate students, lecturers, research assistants, and veterinarians.

Building One Health Capacity: Knowledge, Skills, and Confidence

Through the SEAOHUN OHRT Awards Program, the team not only honed their research and teaching skills but also cultivated a deeper understanding of the interplay between human, animal, and environmental health. Participants emerged from the workshop with increased confidence in their ability to conduct AMR surveillance using bioaerosol techniques—an area many had not encountered prior to the training.

Pre- and post-assessments revealed marked improvement in participants' comprehension. The average score rose from 25 to 29 out of 40, with notable gains in understanding sample preparation and DNA analysis. While certain topics like sampler types and bioaerosol sources remained challenging for some, this feedback has been incorporated into updated versions of the training guides to improve future learning outcomes.

The workshop also promoted critical soft skills. Group discussions encouraged reflection on real-world barriers to AMR surveillance, such as equipment costs, environmental logistics, and stakeholder coordination. These sessions emphasized the need for cross-sector collaboration, data transparency, and context-aware interventions—skills essential for driving long-term change in One Health initiatives.

Elevating Education: Impacts on One Health Teaching and Research

For faculty members at Chulalongkorn University and THOHUN member institutions, the project provides a springboard for transforming One Health education. The materials developed—now being integrated into graduate courses—enable instructors to offer experiential learning in environmental microbiology and AMR surveillance. This positions the university as a leader in training the next generation of scientists who can navigate complex health threats at the human-animal-environment interface.

Plans are already underway to embed the bioaerosol sampling curriculum into upcoming MSc and PhD thesis projects. These studies will compare AMR profiles in bioaerosol samples against those in slurry and wastewater, offering a holistic view of microbial transmission pathways in agricultural ecosystems. Moreover, the guides are being prepared for broader dissemination to institutions across Southeast Asia, potentially serving as a model for regional training.

Anticipated Impact and Sustainability

The project’s benefits extend beyond the university walls. By empowering educators and students, the initiative has created a multiplier effect: those trained can now facilitate similar sessions, apply knowledge in their own institutions, and lead research that informs public health policy.

In the near future, the team envisions expanding the scope of surveillance to include slurry, wastewater, and surface water sampling, further enriching the training materials. The bioaerosol samplers and reagents purchased for the workshop will be used in longitudinal studies, allowing for sustained AMR monitoring in Thai agricultural zones.

A key concern, however, is the cost of sampling equipment, which can be prohibitive for many researchers. To address this, the project team recommends future OHRT cycles include funding provisions for follow-up studies and resource acquisition. Additionally, extending the project timeline from six to twelve months would allow for more robust implementation, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis.

A Model for One Health Advancement in Thailand

At its core, this initiative exemplifies how targeted investment in capacity-building can drive systemic change. By forging ties between veterinary and public health fields, between academia and practice, and between Thai and international experts, the project nurtures a resilient One Health ecosystem. It offers a replicable framework for environmental AMR surveillance in other low-resource settings across Southeast Asia.

The project also demonstrates that technology transfer is not a one-way street. While global expertise informed the training materials, local feedback and field realities refined them. The result is a set of practical, adaptable tools that reflect both scientific rigor and cultural relevance.

Reflections and Lessons for the Future

Several insights emerged from this experience. First, flexibility is crucial—whether in adapting procurement timelines, modifying protocols using locally available reagents, or restructuring workshop activities. Second, engagement trumps exposure: while international guidelines are useful, localized, hands-on training produces deeper, more lasting learning. Finally, collaboration breeds innovation. The success of this project hinged on seamless cooperation among Chulalongkorn University, the University of Florida, Mahidol University, and the wider SEAOHUN network.

Conclusion

The “Capacity Building for AMR Research: Bioaerosol Sampling Practical Training Modules” project marks a pivotal contribution to One Health education, research, and practice in Thailand. It brings scientific inquiry out of the lab and into real-world settings, empowering a new generation of professionals to tackle AMR where it often begins—in the air we breathe, on the farms we rely on, and in the systems we build together.

As One Health challenges grow in complexity, so too must our tools, our collaborations, and our commitment to sustainable change. This project is not an endpoint—it is a launchpad for future research, deeper regional partnerships, and the continual evolution of AMR surveillance strategies.

Team Leader: Dr. Saharuetai Jeamsripong, Chulalongkorn University

Team Members:

• Dr. Benjamin D. Anderson, University of Florida

• Ms. Thanaporn Thongthum, University of Florida

• Dr. Varangkana Thaotumpitak, Mahidol University

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• Mr. Saran Anuntawirun, Chulalongkorn University