Summary report

The Friedrich Loeffler Institute in Germany has extensive experience with a genotyping method for T. gondii called microsatellite typing. The goal of this mission was to visit the FLI and receive hands-on training in microsatellite typing and implement it at the RIVM in the Netherlands. The method will be used to investigate the genotype distribution of T. gondii in the Netherlands by use of squirrel, sheep and human samples.

During this mission, we performed the lab workflow for micro-satellite typing, consisting of PCR and capillary electrophoresis on a set of 16 T.gondii isolates. A presentation was held about the background of the methods by one of the lab technicians.

All aspects necessary for performing microsatellite typing were covered, and reference materials were shared, enabling rapid implementation of the method at the RIVM.

The main outcome of the STM was that all knowledge required to perform microsatellite typing was exchanged during the course of one week. The data of a set of 16 samples was analysed and we obtained the genotypes. The short term mission also led to improved relations with the FLI and knowledge sharing on T.gondii research in general.