Dr. Klao Runcharoon

Assistant Professor of Microbiology
Dr. Klao Runcharoon
kruncharoon@AState.edu
(870) 680-8908
ABI (Arkansas Biosciences Institute), 203
College of Veterinary Medicine

About Dr. Klao Runcharoon

Dr. Klao Runcharoon, DVM, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Arkansas State University. Originally a poultry veterinarian from Thailand, her research focuses on protecting bird health, ensuring food safety, and exploring how animal and human health intersect. Beyond her research, Dr. Klao is deeply dedicated to supporting her students. While earning her PhD at the University of Georgia, she developed her student-centered approach, winning the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award. Today, she is driven by a mission to mentor and inspire the next generation of veterinarians and scientists who will protect global public health.

Education

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Georgia, Athens, USA

Affiliations

  • Member, American Association of Avian Pathologists
  • Member, American Society for Microbiology
  • Member, World Poultry Science Association

Research at a Glance

Summary

My research involves using broad molecular typing tools to identify bacterial virulence factors (VFs), resistance genes, and plasmids to understand how they contribute to pathogen pathogenicity and the spread of antimicrobial resistance. My work mainly focuses on poultry diseases, specifically Avian Pathogenic E. coli (APEC), which causes multimillion-dollar losses annually to the US poultry industry. While my primary focus is on poultry health, I am broadening my scope to include food safety and the One Health paradigm. By helping to reduce cross-contamination from poultry products to consumers, my research aims to lessen foodborne outbreaks, safeguarding both human and animal health. My ultimate goal is to protect this valuable protein source and develop sustainable health strategies for both humans and animals.

Areas of Expertise

  • Molecular microbiology
  • Poultry health and medicine
  • One health
  • Animal health

Selected Publications

  • Runcharoon, K., Garcia, B., Peterson, B. N., Young, M. M., Favro, M. E., Barbieri, N. L., Waltman, D., Flores, B., Dinh, E., & Logue, C. M. (2025a). Longitudinal Study of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) serogroups associated with disease in Georgia poultry using molecular serology and virulence gene analysis. Avian Pathology, 1-101. doi:10.1080/03079457.2024.2403414
  • Runcharoon, K., Farvo, E. M., & Logue, C.M. (2025c). The Pathogenicity Traits of Avian Pathogenic E. coli (APEC) O25-ST131 Associated with Avian Colibacillosis in Georgia Poultry and their Genotypic and Phenotypic Overlap with other ExPEC. Journal of Applied Microbiology. doi:10.1093/jambio/lxaf015
  • Runcharoon, K., Ienes-Lima, J., Y,Y.Tsai., Becerra. R., & Logue, C.M. (2026) Using in vitro, in vivo, and histopathological analyses to characterize the pathogenicity of novel APEC strains collected from colibacillosis cases from Georgia poultry populations. ASM Animal Microbiology. doi:10.1128/asmam.00011-26
View Full CV

Teaching

Courses Taught

  • DRVM 7152: Veterinary Immunology
  • DRVM 714V: Veterinary Bacteriology and Mycology
  • DRVM 7171: Clinical Skills II
  • DRVM 722V: Animal Populations I
  • DRVM 7351: Avian & Exotic Animal Medicine

Teaching Interests

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Poultry Health and Medicine
  • Food safety
  • One health
  • Immunology