# The Jumbophage Cocktail_Fighting Superbugs and Shrimp Disease

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/the-jumbophage-cocktail_fighting-superbugs-and-shrimp-disease
- Published: 2026-10-28T13:24:00+07:00
- Author: PR Newswire

BANGKOK, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What if a weapon against some of the world’s
most stubborn bacteria were hiding in the soil beneath our feet? Could these microscopic
hunters help us confront antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" and bacterial diseases
devastating shrimp? The answer may lie in understanding these astonishing viruses—
and the hidden battles unfolding all around us.

 [⌊The Jumbophage Cocktail_Fighting Superbugs and Shrimp Disease⌉](https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS2022391/20261027230508EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA3043893&p=medium600)

The Jumbophage Cocktail_Fighting Superbugs and Shrimp Disease

Researchers at [Chulalongkorn University](https://www.chula.ac.th/en/) are exploring
an extraordinary class of viruses called jumbophages—giant bacteriophages that prey
on bacteria. Among them are unusual "nucleus-forming" phages that build a protective
compartment inside infected bacterial cells, creating a microscopic battlefield 
unlike anything seen in ordinary phage infections. 

These remarkable viruses could open new possibilities for tackling antibiotic-resistant
bacteria and diseases that threaten shrimp farming. From the ground beneath our 
trees to the tiniest arenas of microbial life, researchers are uncovering a hidden
world where viruses hunt bacteria—and where new tools for fighting disease may be
waiting.

**Decoding Microbes, Designing Tomorrow’s Therapies** 

At [Chulalongkorn University](https://www.chula.ac.th/en/), **Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vorrapon
Chaikeeratisak of the **[**Department of Biochemistry**](https://www.bc.sc.chula.ac.th/)**,**
[**Faculty of Science**](https://www.sc.chula.ac.th/), has studied an unusual group
of bacterial viruses known as nucleus-forming jumbophages. Since 2018, his laboratory,
known as [**The Microbe Lab**](https://themicrobelab.wordpress.com/), focuses on
three interconnected themes: bacteriophages, phage-derived antimicrobials, and antibiotic
discovery.  

"Our focus is on understanding how bacteriophages infect bacteria and how they can
be used to target multidrug-resistant pathogens. We also develop bacterial cytological
profiling methods to see what happens inside bacterial cells when they are exposed
to antibiotics or phage-derived proteins. Ultimately, we want to understand how 
these treatments kill bacteria and uncover new ways to fight difficult-to-treat 
infections." 

Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon said the ultimate goal of this project is to support alternative
ways to treat infections, tackling one of the world’s growing health threats – antimicrobial
resistance. Within a decade, that vision has been shown to become a reality. His
research reveals a remarkable twist: nature’s microscopic predators might just be
our best defense against harmful bacteria threatening human health, food supply 
and sustainable farming. 

**Bacteriophages: Viruses That Hunt Bacteria** 

Bacteriophages, or simply phages, are viruses that infect bacteria. They attach 
to bacterial cells, inject their genetic material and take over the cell’s machinery
to produce new phages. Eventually, the infected cell bursts, releasing the new viruses
to infect other bacteria. 

Phages come in an extraordinary range of shapes and sizes. Some are tiny, while 
others carry exceptionally large genomes and are known as jumbo or giant phages.
Among the most unusual are nucleus-forming jumbophages. See Inside a Giant Phage-
Infected Bacterium at [https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/427670/](https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/427670/)

Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon first encountered these viruses during his postdoctoral research
at the [University of California San Diego](https://ucsd.edu/), where he worked 
with **Prof. Joe Pogliano, Department of Molecular Biology and Collaborative to 
Halt Antibiotic-Resistant Microbes (CHARM)**. What fascinated him was not simply
their size, but their sophisticated strategy for surviving inside infected bacteria.

**Building a Protective "Nucleus"** 

Unlike most phages, nucleus-forming jumbophages construct a protective protein shell
around their DNA after infection. This compartment resembles a nucleus and separates
the phage genome from many of the bacterium’s defense mechanisms.  See video for
more details: [https://youtu.be/bnOwTeWjIkg](https://youtu.be/bnOwTeWjIkg)

"Bacteria are anything but passive hosts; they possess sophisticated defenses that
detect and eliminate foreign genetic material. By forming a protected nucleus-like
compartment, phages create an additional layer of defense, enabling their genomes
to replicate shielded from some of the host’s antiviral mechanisms." Assoc. Prof.
Vorrapon shared. 

Understanding this unusual system could help researchers develop new strategies 
for controlling bacteria—including strains that have become resistant to conventional
antibiotics. 

**Phage Therapy vs Superbug**  

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the world’s growing health challenges. 
A [2024 Lancet Series](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01867-1/fulltext)
on antimicrobial resistance study forecast since 2016 that 10 million people could
die annually from AMR by 2050. In Thailand, the Second National Action Plan on AMR
2023-2027, revealed that AMR is attributed to 38,000 deaths annually, and the numbers
will continue to rise if no immediate and efficient actions are in place. 

The rising death statistics are caused by "Superbug", a bacterium that has developed
resistance to multiple antibiotics, making infections increasingly difficult to 
treat. 

Phages offer a fundamentally different approach. Rather than using a chemical drug
to kill bacteria, **phage therapy harnesses viruses that naturally infect and destroy
specific bacterial targets.**  

"The idea is straightforward: when antibiotics can no longer kill a specific bacterium,
a naturally occurring phage that targets that bacterium may offer an alternative."
Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon explained. 

But phage therapy is not simply a replacement for antibiotics. Phages are highly
specific biological agents, and their effectiveness depends on selecting the right
phage for the right bacterial strain. Their clinical use therefore requires careful
testing, formulation and regulation. 

**The Churi phage: A Discovery Beneath a Fallen Tree** 

One of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vorrapon’s most memorable discoveries began in an unexpectedly
ordinary place. In 2019, a large Chamchuri tree fell on the Chulalongkorn University
campus. Researchers collected soil from beneath it as part of an effort to build
a collection of phages found in Thailand.

Among the discoveries was **Churi**, **a jumbophage isolated from campus soil and
named after the Chamchuri trees.** According to Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon, **Churi infects****
_Pseudomonas aeruginosa_****, an opportunistic pathogen associated with hospital-
acquired infections and antimicrobial resistance.** Churi belongs to the family 
_Chimalliviridae_, whose members have genomes exceeding 200,000 base pairs and form
a nucleus-like compartment inside bacterial cells. 

In simple terms, Churi: 

 1. injects its DNA into the bacterium;
 2. builds a protective "phage nucleus";
 3. replicates its genome inside that compartment; and
 4. shields much of its viral DNA from bacterial defense systems. 

The discovery demonstrated that Thailand’s own environment could be a rich source
of phages with potentially valuable properties. 

**Phage: A Promising Future Therapy**  

On April 2026, the potential medical value of phage research became particularly
clear when Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon’s team was contacted by a Thai hospital treating
a patient infected with a drug-resistant strain of _Pseudomonas aeruginosa._ With
conventional antibiotics providing limited options, the hospital sought information
about phages that might target the bacterium.  

A scenario like this demonstrates the urgent need for researchers to find alternatives
to conventional antibiotics.  

"Unfortunately, we could not proceed further because a clear regulatory pathway 
for clinical phage use in Thailand is not yet established,” Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon
reflected. "Phage therapy, though considered as a potential option, is still an 
emerging field. Yet carefully selected phages could eventually give us another way
to treat difficult bacterial infections." 

In Thailand, scientific potential faces a regulatory hurdle. Without a framework
specifically designed for phage products, there is still a gap between laboratory
discoveries and clinical application.

To bridge this gap, Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon together with **Prof. Joe Pogliano** and**
Prof. David Pride**, a prominent leader at [**The Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics** **(iPATH)**](https://idgph.ucsd.edu/research/center-innovative-phage-applications-and-therapeutics/index.html),
have been working toward strengthening phage research and clinical capabilities 
in Thailand. The proposed **Center for Applied Phage Science and Discovery (CAPSiD)
in Chulalongkorn University** is part of this broader vision, connecting basic research,
clinical needs and future applications. 

**Phages in the Global Spotlight**  

Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon’s story of discovery and research was featured on [**CNN’s Vital Signs**](https://edition.cnn.com/health/vital-signs)**
program** in an episode titled **_"How Naturally Occurring Viruses Could Help Treat
Superbug Infections."_**  The international recognition is highly encouraging, Assoc.
Prof. Vorrapon said, as it introduces phage research to audiences beyond the scientific
community.  

"The feature highlights the potential of naturally occurring viruses, or bacteriophages,
in addressing antibiotic-resistant infections and showcases our work and story as
part of this important field of research. **Being featured on CNN’s Vital Signs 
provided an opportunity to communicate to a much broader audience that bacteriophages
are not simply laboratory curiosities—they may provide practical solutions to major
challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and bacterial diseases in aquaculture**,"
Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon shared. To watch the full feature here: [https://edition.cnn.com/videos/health/2023/12/05/phages-antibiotic-resistance-research-vital-signs-intl-spc.cnn](https://edition.cnn.com/videos/health/2023/12/05/phages-antibiotic-resistance-research-vital-signs-intl-spc.cnn)

"For our research group, this visibility has also opened opportunities for international
collaboration and discussions with researchers, industry, farmers, and other stakeholders.
It has strengthened our motivation to move beyond proof-of-concept studies toward
technologies that can actually be used in the field." 

**"Perhaps most importantly, greater public awareness helps people understand that
phage therapy represents a complementary biological approach to controlling bacterial
infections, rather than simply another replacement for antibiotics.** This broader
understanding will be important as Thailand develops the scientific evidence, regulatory
framework, and public confidence needed for future phage applications," Assoc. Prof.
Vorrapon continued.

**From Human Health to Shrimp Farms** 

Beyond human health, the research extends to aquatic animal health, where phage 
technology targets lethal bacterial pathogens threatening Thailand’s shrimp industry,
including **acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND)**, commonly known as
Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS). The disease is associated with pathogenic strains
of _Vibrio parahaemolyticus_ and can cause devastating losses. 

In response to this challenge, Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon’s team has been investigating
nucleus-forming jumbophages that target Vibrio bacteria, working with the [Department of Fisheries](https://www4.fisheries.go.th/dof_en)
and collecting samples from major shrimp-producing areas including Chanthaburi, 
Chachoengsao, Krabi, Rayong, Songkhla, Pattani and Phuket.  

The approach is fundamentally different from broad-spectrum antibiotics. Phages 
can target specific bacterial strains while leaving many other microorganisms untouched.

The researchers compare the principle to targeted cancer therapy: instead of attacking
everything, the treatment focuses on a particular biological target. That specificity
can be a major advantage—but it also means that success cannot always be measured
simply by whether total bacterial numbers decline. The key question is whether the
harmful bacterium has been controlled while beneficial microorganisms remain intact.

**Meet the Star Phages: Eric and Ariel ** 

Among the most promising phages discovered during the aquaculture research were 
two nucleus-forming jumbophages collected from marine samples near Songkhla.  

They were named **Eric** and **Ariel**, inspired partly by Disney’s animation **
_The Little Mermaid_** and partly by their ocean origins. 

Their discovery was closely linked to collaboration with the Department of Fisheries,
which works directly with shrimp farmers. When farmers encounter disease outbreaks,
fisheries officials collect samples and identify the bacterial strains involved.
Researchers can then use those local strains to search for matching phages.  

According to Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon, "This local approach is crucial. Instead of 
relying on generic solutions developed elsewhere, scientists can identify phages
specifically adapted to the bacterial strains present in Thailand’s own aquaculture
environments." 

**The Phage Cocktail** 

A single phage may kill one bacterial strain but have little effect on another. 
To overcome this limitation, researchers combine several phages into a phage cocktail.
Each phage acts as a specialist targeting particular bacterial strains. Together,
they can potentially provide broader coverage and reduce the risk that bacteria 
will develop resistance to any one phage. 

But developing a successful cocktail involves more than identifying effective phages.
Researchers must also determine the right combination, formulation, dosage, delivery
method and storage conditions. 

**From Research to Commercial Application** 

Currently, the research has advanced toward commercial development with the creation
of **LeapMicroTech’s "3in1 Jumbophage cocktail"**, a phage-based biological solution
designed for bacterial disease control in aquaculture.  (See the 3in1 Jumbophage
cocktail at [https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/427670/](https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/427670/))

"While this cocktail delivers a highly targeted approach for controlling bacterial
outbreaks compared to conventional antibiotics, its broader value lies in its exquisite
bacterial specificity. By selectively eliminating pathogens, it preserves beneficial
microorganisms and provides a viable strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant strains,"
Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon said.  

**Shrimp Mortality Control**  

One of the most dramatic field observations came from a commercial shrimp farm where
shrimp disease known as Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) had repeatedly threatened
production. The team of researchers conducted a field comparison involving two neighboring
ponds. One served as a comparison, while the other received phage-treated feed. 

Around day 29 of the production cycle, a major die-off occurred in the untreated
pond. According to the farm’s estimate, approximately 100,000 shrimp died in a single
day. Samples showed evidence consistent with EMS. 

The researchers then introduced their phage cocktail into the affected pond. Within
a couple days, they observed no further shrimp deaths in the treated pond. Their
analysis indicated that the bacteria associated with the disease had been eliminated
following treatment. 

The neighboring pond receiving phages as a feed supplement also experienced no shrimp
mortality during the observation period described by the researchers. While such
results require further controlled validation, they illustrate the potential of 
phage technology as a tool for managing bacterial disease in aquaculture. 

The researchers concluded the outcomes of phage cocktail application on shrimp farms
as follow: 

 ◦ Reduced mortality caused by bacterial infections
 ◦ Potential replacement or reduction of antibiotic use 
 ◦ Sustainable disease management for aquaculture 
 ◦ Possibility of adapting the technology for other bacterial diseases in animals
   and humans 

**The Challenges Beyond the Science** 

Scientific discovery is only the beginning. For phage technology to become a widely
used medical or agricultural product, researchers must also address regulation, 
intellectual property, manufacturing, quality control, farmer education and distribution.

Biggest challenge is **human habits**, Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon said and shared his
concern that farmers who have relied on familiar products for years may naturally
be cautious about a treatment based on viruses. Phages do not work like antibiotics,
and their effects may need to be evaluated differently. That makes field demonstrations
especially important. Real-world experience can help farmers understand not only
what the technology does, but also how to use it effectively. 

**CAPSiD: Building a Library of Tiny Weapons** 

The researchers are thinking beyond individual phages such as Churi, Eric and Ariel.

Their longer-term vision includes the proposed CAPSiD Center, which would expand
Thailand’s collection—or "library"—of phages available for research and development.

Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon highlighted the prospect of capsids researches, "Capsids are
more than protective shells: their structures can potentially be adapted as nanoparticles,
delivery systems, vaccine platforms and diagnostic tools."  

In creating [CAPSiD Center](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vk9ZRrGSjBaWOaKVRkyBhFp2Kek3Zvll/view?usp=share_link),
Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon hopes to bring together researchers, clinicians, veterinarians,
industry partners, government agencies, and young scientists within one translational
platform.  

"My vision for CAPSiD – the Center for Applied Phage Science and Discovery is to
create a national hub that bridges fundamental phage science with real-world applications.
Thailand has strong biodiversity and significant potential for discovering novel
bacteriophages, but discovery alone is not enough. We need an ecosystem that can
move promising phages through characterization, formulation, validation, scale-up,
regulatory approval, and ultimately commercialization." Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon Chaikeeratisak
said.

In the long term, he hopes CAPSiD can help transform Thailand’s unique microbial
biodiversity into high-value biological technologies and products. Instead of being
only a source of biological resources, Thailand could become a developer and exporter
of phage-based innovations, contributing to a sustainable bioeconomy and One Health
solutions. 

Each phage could potentially become a biological component of a future treatment.
Beyond medicine, phages have tremendous potential in aquaculture, agriculture, food
safety, and biotechnology. Therefore, the larger and more diverse the library, the
more options researchers would have for developing cocktails against different bacterial
targets. The idea is ambitious but straightforward: if bacteria continue to evolve,
researchers need a diverse collection of biological tools that can evolve with them.

**Beyond Shrimp** 

The same strategy could eventually be applied to other areas of agriculture.  

Researchers have discovered numerous nucleus-forming jumbophages and are exploring
their potential against bacterial diseases affecting livestock and poultry, including
chickens and pigs. 

These applications remain at earlier stages. Researchers must first identify suitable
phages, develop cocktails and conduct laboratory testing before progressing to controlled
trials in farming environments. This highlights a broader lesson: scientific discovery
requires an ecosystem around it. 

Researchers need access to bacterial strains, relationships with farmers, regulatory
pathways, manufacturing capacity and practical knowledge of each industry. The Department
of Fisheries provides an important bridge in aquaculture, and similar partnerships
will be essential for expanding phage technology into other sectors. 

**The Future for Fighting Bacteria** 

The story of these phages stretches across very different worlds. It begins in soil
beneath a fallen Chamchuri tree. It continues in laboratories studying microscopic
viruses and drug-resistant bacteria. It reaches ocean samples collected near Songkhla
and shrimp farms across southern Thailand. Along the way, it connects microbiologists,
fisheries officials, farmers, clinicians and biotechnology researchers.  

"Over the next 10 years, I expect research to move from describing these remarkable
structures toward understanding their molecular mechanisms and eventually learning
how to harness them. Their unusual biology may reveal new antimicrobial targets,
enzymes, delivery systems, and biotechnology tools. Their ability to overcome some
bacterial defense systems may also make them particularly interesting candidates
for developing robust therapeutic phages."  Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon Chaikeeratisak
explained.

Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon believes that the next decade will be particularly exciting
for nucleus-forming jumbophages. These phages have completely changed the perception
of how sophisticated viruses can be. By constructing a nucleus-like compartment 
inside bacterial cells and organizing their own intracellular machinery, they reveal
biological principles that we can only begin to understand. 

For Thailand, the opportunity is especially significant. An enormous and still largely
unexplored reservoir of jumbophages is provided by the country’s rich biodiversity.
By integrating discovery, fundamental biology, engineering, translational research,
and commercialization, these natural biological resources could be transformed into
innovations for human health, livestock, aquaculture, agriculture, and food production.

"Ultimately, I hope Thailand can become not only a place where new jumbophages are
discovered, but also a global center where their biology is understood and translated
into technologies that contribute to health security, sustainable agriculture, and
the bioeconomy." Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon Chaikeeratisak said.

Continue reading a full article on the website: [https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/427670/](https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/427670/)

Chulalongkorn University has been ranked Thailand’s No. 1 university for the 17th
consecutive year (since 2009) in the newly released QS World University Rankings
2026. The university is ranked 221st in the world and places among the world’s Top
100 in two key indicators: Academic Reputation (89th) and Employment Outcomes (64th).

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