Aim of the PT: Molecular identification of Echinococcus granulosus, Echinococcus multilocularis and Taenia spp.
Who can participate to the PT: all the National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) for parasites from EU member states or associated countries.
PT Panel composition: the panel of samples consists of four tubes containing: DNA extracted from faecal material contaminated with Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), DNA extracted from faecal material contaminated with Echinococcus multilocularis, DNA extracted from faecal material contaminated with Taenia spp. and a negative control.
Procedure to analyze the panel of samples: the EURLP recommends the use of the multiplex PCR assay developed by Trachsel and colleagues (Parasitology, 2007, 134(Pt 6): 911-20). However, any other suitable molecular-based method will be accepted.
Criteria for the result evaluation: results evaluation is only qualitative. Participants have to correctly identify the items. Final evaluation is considered “positive” if all items, including the negative, are successfully identified.
