MinION-Sequencing Workshop in Mauretania

Within the framework of the German Biosecurity Programme, a MinION-Sequencing Workshop was held in Nouakchott, Mauretania from 19^th to 28^th September 2023. Expert teams from Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) & German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) trained partners from ONARDEP, INRSP, and CICM-Mali. The focus was on wet lab experiences. Participants learned hands-on application using an untargeted SISPA-PCR protocol that allows whole genome sequencing of viruses such as West Nile virus, Yellow fever virus, Dengue virus and many more.

In the second week, the German ambassador of Mauritania visited the participants to get an idea of the current project progress. In this context the joint project of IMB, FLI & GIZ was presented and a guided tour through the laboratories was given.