International research exchange advances Pneumocystis diagnostics at IHTM Lisbon
Dr. Salsoso completed a one-month STSM at the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine under the supervision of Dr. Fernando Cardoso. The stay focused on advanced training in recombinant antigen production and immunoassay development for Pneumocystis jirovecii, contributing to the diagnostic objectives of COST Action CA23142 – Delve-into-Pneumocystis.
Dr. Rocío Salsoso, researcher within COST Action CA23142 Delve-into-Pneumocystis, successfully completed a one-month Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) during October 2025 at the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHTM), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, hosted by Dr. Fernando Cardoso.
The main objective of the STSM was to acquire specialised training in recombinant protein expression, purification, and immunoassay development relevant to the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii. During her stay, Dr. Salsoso worked on the production and validation of selected P. jirovecii antigens with recognised immunological relevance, strengthening methodological expertise within the Action.
The mission combined hands-on laboratory work with close scientific mentoring, allowing for effective knowledge transfer and protocol sharing. In addition to technical training, the stay fostered scientific exchange and collaboration between institutions actively involved in Pneumocystis research.
This STSM represents a valuable contribution to the capacity-building and knowledge-transfer objectives of Delve-into-Pneumocystis, supporting the development of robust diagnostic approaches and reinforcing collaborative links within the COST network.
*Photographs from the stay, including images of the host and visiting researchers as well as selected experimental activities, illustrate the collaborative and hands-on nature of this scientific exchange.
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