Dr. Aongart Mahittikorn Associate Professor of Parasitology

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aongart.mah@mahidol.ac.th
+66 (0) 2354 9100, Ext 9182

Background

Aongart Mahittikorn´s research focuses on the development of a new molecular diagnostic techniques in order to provide an alternative tool for use in resource-poor settings. He has a particular interest in investigating the molecular epidemiology of enteric protozoa in both humans and animals. Dr. Aongart teaches students from the Diploma, MSc and PhD courses at the Bangkok School of Tropical Medicine in the topics related to Medical Protozoology.

He also works with the Tropical Medicine Diagnostic Reference Laboratory (TMDR) to investigate toxoplasma infection of clinical samples using Real-time PCR and the Sabin –Feld dye test and provides advice on risk and risk reduction.

Affiliations

Department of Protozoology
Tropical Medicine Diagnostic Reference Laboratory (TMDR)

Research

Infections with enteric protozoa (including Blastocystis, Cryptosporidium, Enterocytozoon, Toxoplasma) remain one of the most significant global health issues, especially in developing countries. Comprehensive Investigations and interventions are required to pinpoint and resolve issues related to protozoan pathogens. Dr. Aongart’s research aims to identify and characterize disease-causing protozoa in humans, determine their prevalence and method of transmission from animals to humans using both conventional and/or molecular methods. He believes in using multi-disciplinary, comprehensive investigations in order to pinpoint and resolve issues related to enteric/food/waterborne and zoonotic pathogens.

To this end, much of his work is focused on developing new molecular diagnostic techniques to enable intervention using timely prophylaxis and treatment before severe clinical manifestations appear for example in diagnosing toxoplasmosis and Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis. These diagnostic techniques be easy, rapid, sensitive, and reproducible, characteristics which are particularly necessary when numerous samples must be analysed.

Qualifications

2009 Tropical Medicine PhD Mahidol University, Thailand
2003 Public Health BSc Mahidol University, Thailand

Research Areas

  • Toxoplasmosis
  • Molecular diagnosis
  • Molecular epidemiology of intestinal protozoa

Publications

Selected publications by Dr. Aongart Mahittikorn are listed below. The full list can be seen on Google scholar.

Selected Publications

Development of a rapid, simple method for detecting Naegleria fowleri visually in water samples by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP).
Mahittikorn A, Mori H, Popruk S, Roobthaisong A, Sutthikornchai C, Koompapong K, Siri S, Sukthana Y, Nacapunchai D.
PLoS One. 2015; 10(3):e0120997.

Molecular identification of Cryptosporidium spp. in seagulls, pigeons, dogs, and cats in Thailand.
Koompapong K, Mori H, Thammasonthijarern N, Prasertbun R, Pintong AR, Popruk S, Rojekittikhun W, Chaisiri K, Sukthana Y, Mahittikorn A.
Parasite. 2014; 21:52.

Presence of zoonotic Enterocytozoon bieneusi in cats in a temple in central Thailand.
Mori H, Mahittikorn A, Thammasonthijarern N, Chaisiri K, Rojekittikhun W, Sukthana Y.
Vet Parasitol. 2013; 197(3-4):696-701.

A promising diagnostic tool for toxoplasmic encephalitis: tachyzoite/bradyzoite stage-specific RT-PCR.
Sukthana Y, Mahittikorn A, Wickert H, Tansuphaswasdikul S.
Int J Infect Dis. 2012; 16(4):e279-84.