Professional Biography of Associate Professor Vivornpun Sanprasert, Ph.D.
Associate Professor Vivornpun Sanprasert, Ph.D., is a dedicated researcher, educator, and innovator in the field of parasitology, currently serving in the Department of Parasitology at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. Her innovative research has significantly contributed to advancing our understanding of parasitic diseases and their public health impact.

Educational Background
Dr. Sanprasert earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology with First-Class Honors and a Gold Medal from Chulalongkorn University in 2001. She later completed her Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology at the same institution in 2010, focusing on filariasis and its endosymbiotic relationship with Wolbachia bacteria offering novel approaches to treatment and control.

Her international exposure includes a guest researcher role at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA, in 2010. This experience enriched her research perspective and bolstered collaborations in global health.

Academic and Research Career
Dr. Sanprasert began her tenure at Chulalongkorn University in 2011 as a lecturer in the Department of Parasitology. She advanced to Assistant Professor in 2017 and Associate Professor in 2022. Her research focuses on intestinal parasitic infections, filariasis, and zoonotic diseases, focusing on improving public health through innovative approaches to understanding and combating parasitic infections. Key highlights of her work include:

• Parasitic Infections in Vulnerable Populations: She has conducted extensive research on the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in Thailand, particularly among school-aged children. Her studies have improved the understanding of parasitic epidemiology in suburban and rural areas of Thailand and informed public health interventions.
• Molecular Diagnostics: She has developed innovative techniques for diagnosing parasitic infections, including a rapid multiplex PCR method for simultaneous detection of soil-transmitted helminths. These advancements have enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of parasite detection.
• Blastocystis Subtype Differentiation: Her work includes a groundbreaking genotyping method for rapid differentiation of Blastocystis subtypes, contributing to a deeper understanding of the protozoan’s pathogenic potential​.
• Soil-Transmitted Helminths: Her studies on the prevalence, molecular characterization, diagnosis, therapeutic strategies, as well as the drug-resistance among soil-transmitted helminths, have contributed to more effective strategies for disease control and prevention.
• Drug Development and Testing: Sanprasert has collaborated on projects testing the efficacy of compounds like Bacillus thuringiensis Cry5B against Strongyloides stercoralis, demonstrating her commitment to exploring novel therapeutic approaches.
• Filariasis and Zoonotic Filariasis: Sanprasert has explored the role of Wolbachia bacteria in the biology and pathogenesis of filarial worms, focusing on its potential as a target for anti-filarial drugs. This research supports the use of antibiotics to disrupt the symbiotic relationship, leading to the death of the worms and reduced disease transmission. Her studies have informed control and prevention strategies, particularly in high-risk regions like the Thai-Myanmar border.
• Host-Pathogen Interactions: Her research also delves into the immune responses elicited by Wolbachia in infected hosts, shedding light on inflammation and disease progression in lymphatic filariasis. Additionally, her studies covered the immune responses against Strongyloides stercoralis.
• Nanotechnology in Diagnostics: She has worked on projects that integrate nanotechnology for the development of rapid diagnostic kits, enhancing the accessibility and accuracy of parasitic disease detection.

Research Grants and Innovations
Dr. Sanprasert has acquired multiple research grants supporting her work in parasitology. She also holds patents for rapid diagnostic tests utilizing nanotechnology, which have made significant strides in detecting lymphatic filariasis and Strongyloides stercoralis infections.

Academic and Leadership Roles
She has held a number of important academic roles since enrolling at Chulalongkorn University in 2011, including Assistant Secretary to the Faculty Board in 2019 and Secretary to the Faculty Board in 2021. Since 2024, she has held the position of Head of the Department of Parasitology.She has also played a pivotal role in curriculum development as a committee member and secretary for the graduate program in Medical Parasitology since 2011, and now as a chair for the program. Additionally, she has contributed to the administration of quality management systems and biosafety protocols at the university and hospital levels.

Recognition and Memberships
A dedicated advocate for scientific advancement, Dr. Sanprasert is an active member of professional organizations, including the Parasitology and Tropical Medicine Association of Thailand and the Thai Medical Technologist Association. She is also a recognized expert for clinical pathology certifications in Thailand.

Legacy
Through her dedication to research, education, and leadership, Associate Professor Vivornpun Sanprasert has made a lasting impact on the field of parasitology. Her work continues to inspire advancements in diagnostics, disease prevention, and public health policy.