Laboratory standard operating procedure for MLVA of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium
This technical document provides a single protocol for performing MLVA of S. Typhimurium and thereby ensure inter-laboratory comparability of the generated results using capillary electrophoresis.
Executive Summary
The 5-locus MLVA method has been widely used in Europe in recent years. European laboratories have agreed to use a new nomenclature based on the actual number of repeat units in each locus, therefore independent of the equipment used for fragment analysis. This will significantly enhance the possibility of detecting international foodborne outbreaks of Salmonella.
ECDC’s technical document provides a single protocol for performing MLVA of S. Typhimurium and ensure inter-laboratory comparability of the generated results using capillary electrophoresis. ECDC supported the development of the protocol aiming at establishing MLVA for typing of Salmonella Typhimurium in public health laboratories and selected veterinary laboratories in Europe. The protocol will enable implementation of the method so that results are comparable between laboratories.