Consumption of food from food stalls and water from vending machines has recently increased in Sakon Nakon Province, Thailand. This study investigated the microbial quality of food stalls and the sanitation of drinking water distributed through water vending machines. Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio cholerae were detected using polymerase chain reaction. In total, 33 food samples were collected from food stalls and 63 drinking water samples were collected from water vending machines. The results identified E. coli in 6.06% of the food and 11.11% of the drinking water samples. Salmonella spp., S. aureus, and V. cholerae were not detected in any of the food or drinking water samples. Food sanitation assessment indicated 21 (63.64%) of the food stalls did not meet the standards for drinking water as it was not stored in clean and closed containers equipped with a tap or nozzle. Regarding the sanitation of the water vending machines, the businesses failed to inspect the physical, chemical and biological aspects of water quality and never used a simple bacterial test kit to check water quality. It is concluded that the relevant government officials should educate the vender on food safety and hygiene as well as enforcing regular monitoring of the quality of food stall and drinking water vending machines.

This study investigates the influence of varying nitrogen-to-phosphorus (N:P) ratios on the growth, nutritional composition, and nutrient removal efficiency of Wolffia globosa under controlled laboratory conditions. Six treatments with N:P ratios of 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and a control were evaluated. The findings indicate that a balanced N:P ratio (1:1) promotes optimal growth, resulting in the highest biomass yield and specific growth rate (SGR = 0.120 g/day). In contrast, a nitrogen-rich ratio (3:1) enhanced protein accumulation and phosphorus removal, while the 2:1 ratio favored nitrogen uptake. These results reflect underlying physiological responses, including nitrogen assimilation and phosphorus uptake mechanisms regulated by nutrient balance. A trade-off was observed between biomass production and phosphorus removal efficiency, suggesting that different N:P ratios may be suited to specific application goals. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of how macronutrient balance affects growth and metabolism in W. globosa and offers practical implications for optimizing its use as both a sustainable protein source and a biological agent for nutrient remediation in wastewater treatment systems.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered a serious problem in many countries, including Thailand. AMR and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) could transfer between humans, animals, and the environment causing a threat to human health. This study described the antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli (E. coli) from surface water, wastewater, and discharge water in the Namsuay watershed in upper northeast Thailand. The water samples were collected in the dry and wet seasons. The 113 E. coli isolates were confirmed using a polymerase chain reaction and examined for their antibiotic susceptibility, ARGs, and genetic relationship. The results indicated that E. coli was resistant to the following classes of antibiotics: fluoroquinolone, third-generation cephalosporin, polymyxin, and carbapenem. The isolates carried the mcr-1, mcr-8, mcr-9, bla_oxa-48-like, aac(6′)-bl-cr, qepA, and oqxAB genes. Phylogroup B1 was a predominant group among the E. coli in the study. In addition, the E. coli isolates from the discharge water (a hospital and a fish farm) had a higher prevalence of antibiotic resistance and harboured more ARGs than the other water sample sources. The presence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and ARG contamination in the natural water source reflected an AMR management issue that could drive strategic policy regarding the active surveillance and prevention of AMR contamination.

Polar compounds in repeatedly used frying oil pose significant health risks to consumers. This study aimed to develop an improved test kit for detecting polar compounds in used frying oils and to compare the distribution of polar compounds across different types of cooking oils. The modified test kit was evaluated using six types of oils, which were heated and tested against a standard method with 100 samples. The modified test kit demonstrated an accuracy of 92.00%, sensitivity of 88.09%, specificity of 94.82%, positive predictive value of 92.50%, and negative predictive value of 91.66%. The polar compound distribution was analyzed in six types of oils: palm oil, coconut oil, rice bran oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, and soybean oil. Coconut oil was found to be the least suitable for frying due to the rapid formation of polar compounds. In contrast, rice bran oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, and palm oil were more suitable for frying, with polar compound contamination occurring only after more than 80 h of use. These findings can assist food service operators in extending oil usage while ensuring consumer safety.

Drinking water quality is one of the greatest factors affecting human health. The drinking water production process was investigated in 30 factories in Sakon Nakhon province, Thailand using hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) and water quality analysis. The results showed that the major hazards were pollution of the raw water source, final disinfection, personal hygiene of workers and drinking water quality. Overall, 28 samples contained total coliform bacteria, 23 samples were positive for fecal coliform bacteria and 16 samples contained Escherichia coli. These results suggested poor hygienic conditions in the water production process. To safeguard public health, more effort is required regarding a community program and strict regulation.

Background: Various predisposing factors contribute to the emergence and dissemination of the multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Understanding these factors is crucial for guiding appropriate antimicrobial therapy and infection control strategies. This study investigated the predisposing factors contributing to the MDR characteristics of E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolated in a community hospital in northeastern Thailand. Methods: This case–control study utilized retrospective data from bacterial culture, as well as demographic, clinical, and antibiotic susceptibility records collected during 5 years (January 2016–December 2020). E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates were analyzed from various clinical samples, including blood, urine, pus, sputum, and other body fluids. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and univariate logistic regression. Results: In total, 660 clinical isolates were analyzed (421 E. coli and 239 K. pneumoniae). Blood was the most common source of the detection of E. coli (63.0%) and sputum was the most common source of K. pneumoniae (51.0%). The median ages of patients were 67 and 63 years for E. coli and K. pneumoniae, respectively. E. coli cases were significantly associated with prior antibiotic use (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.17–2.74 p = 0.008). MDR was observed in 50.1% of E. coli and 29.7% of K. pneumoniae (p < 0.001). E. coli compared to K. pneumoniae had lower resistance to third-gen cephalosporins (64.9% versus 95.8%) and carbapenems (8.0% versus 6.9%). ICU admission was the only factor significantly associated with MDR E. coli (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.11–5.20 p = 0.026). No significant differences were observed in gender, age, or comorbidities between MDR cases. Antibiotic usage patterns also differed, with E. coli more likely to receive third-gen cephalosporins compared to carbapenems (OR = 3.02, 95% CI:1.18–7.74 p = 0.021). Conclusions: The use of third-generation cephalosporin may drive MDR E. coli more than K. pneumoniae. Prior antibiotic exposure was linked to E. coli bloodstream infections, while MDR E. coli showed greater clinical severity. These findings highlighted the need for improved antibiotic stewardship in rural hospitals.