Our laboratory conducts translational research on Chagas disease (CD), focusing on the development and validation of both parasitic and human molecular markers. We apply these markers to diagnostic, prognostic, and patient monitoring studies to help optimize clinical and public health strategies.
Additionally, our group performs genetic manipulations in Trypanosoma cruzi—including the generation of transgenic parasites—to study the mechanisms of genetic variability, tissue tropism, and susceptibility to trypanocidal drugs. These approaches allow us to delve deeper into parasite biology and its interaction with the host.
We also study gene expression in human placental models within the context of congenital CD transmission, aiming to identify molecular factors associated with this process and provide key insights for its prevention.
Overall, our laboratory combines basic and applied research, with a strong focus on developing innovative diagnostic tools and generating scientific evidence that impacts both clinical practice and disease control policies.
Current Lab Members
Silvia Longhi, PhD
Independent Researcher – CONICET
longhi@dna.uba.ar
longhi.ingebi@gmail.com
Arturo Muñoz-Calderón, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow – CONICET
arturomc35@gmail.com
María Florencia Ballesteros, PhD
Postdosctoral Fellow – I+D+i Agency
Mflorenciaballesteros@gmail.com
Lic. Mag. Lady Juliette García Casares
Doctoral Fellow – CONICET
ladyjuliette1108@gmail.com
Recent publications
2026 Publications:
Schijman, A. G., Forsyth, C., Abras, A., Almeida, I. C., Alonso-Padilla, J., Alonso-Vega, C., … & Pinazo, M. J. (2026). Consensus framework for developing a target product profile of real-time PCR in Chagas disease therapeutic monitoring. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 20(7). (link)
Apodaca, S., Campos, E. E., Calupiña, K. D., Davies, C., Lucero, R. H., Longhi, S. A., … & Schijman, A. G. (2026). Placental transcriptome profiling in congenital Chagas disease: gene networks associated with transmission. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 16, 1749307.
2025 Publications:
Longhi, S. A., García-Casares, L. J., Muñoz-Calderón, A. A., Alonso-Padilla, J., & Schijman, A. G. (2025). Ultra-Rapid DNA Extraction Coupled with Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Point-of-Care Detection of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Heparinized Blood and Dried Blood Spots. In T. cruzi Infection: Methods and Protocols (pp. 153-162). New York, NY: Springer US.
Watson, J. A., Cruz, C., Barreira, F., Forsyth, C., Schijman, A. G., Peploe, R., … & Maki, N. (2025). Quantifying anti-trypanosomal treatment effects in chronic indeterminate Chagas disease: a secondary analysis of individual patient data from two proof-of-concept trials. The Lancet Microbe, 6(10).
Marques, T., Forsyth, C., Barreira, F., Lombas, C., Blum de Oliveira, B., Laserna, M., … & Pinazo, M. J. (2025). New regimens of benznidazole for the treatment of chronic Chagas disease in adult participants in indeterminate form or with mild cardiac progression (NuestroBen study): protocol for a phase III randomised, multicentre non-inferiority clinical trial. BMJ open, 15(9), e098079.
2023/24 Publications:
Schijman, A. G., Alonso-Padilla, J., Britto, C., & Bernal, C. P. H. (2024). Retrospect, advances and challenges in Chagas disease diagnosis: a comprehensive review. The Lancet Regional Health–Americas, 36.
Apodaca, S., Di Salvatore, M., Muñoz-Calderón, A., Curto, M. D. L. Á., Longhi, S. A., & Schijman, A. G. (2024). Novel 3D human trophoblast culture to explore T. cruzi infection in the placenta. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 14, 1433424.
Longhi, S. A., García-Casares, L. J., Muñoz-Calderón, A., Irazu, L., Rodríguez, M. A., Landfried, G., … & Schijman, A. G. (2024). Interlaboratory Harmonization Study and Prospective Evaluation of the PURE–Trypanosoma cruzi–Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Detecting Parasite DNA in Newborn’s Dried Blood Spots. The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, 26(12), 1055-1064.
Longhi, S. A., García Casares, L. J., Muñoz-Calderón, A. A., Alonso-Padilla, J., & Schijman, A. G. (2023). Combination of ultra-rapid DNA purification (PURE) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for rapid detection of Trypanosoma cruzi DNA in dried blood spots. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 17(4), e0011290.
Open to work
DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP
At the moment, we are not offering positions for a doctoral fellowship
POSTDOC FELLOWSHIP
We are currently open to applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in the following topic:
“Transcriptomic studies on Trypanosoma cruzi strains with distinct behavior in 2D and 3D human trophoblast models”
Knowledge on diagnostic molecular techniques, such as PCR and LAMP, are required. Experience in biological samples handling will be positively considered.
We are happy to offer the position; however, it is contingent upon securing external funding from CONICET or other institutions. We are fully prepared to support your fellowship applications. In addition, we offer opportunities to travel to reference centers for training and the scientific transfer of diagnostic methods.
If you are interested, please contact us at: aleschijman@gmail.com
FORMER LAB MEMBERS
Lic. Sofía Apodaca
Doctoral fellow – CONICET
so.apodaca@gmail.com
Marco Di Salvatore
Undergraduate fellow in Biotechnology (UNSAM)
disalvatoremarco@gmail.com
Alejandro Schijman, PhD
aleschijman@gmail.com
- 1992
PhD, University of Buenos Aires, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences. Argentina. - 1996 – present
Senior Researcher (Investigador Superior), CONICET. Argentina. - 2010 – present
Consultant, Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi). Geneva, Switzerland. - 2010 – present
Grant Reviewer for Chagas Disease Research Projects, Bunge y Born Foundation. Argentina. - 2011, 2016
Consultant, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). - 2012 – 2015
Member of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND). - 2015 – 2016
President of the Argentine Society of Protozoology and Parasitic Diseases. Argentina.