PulseNet, the national molecular subtyping network for foodborne bacterial disease surveillance, was established in 1996 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in collaboration with several state health departments with the purpose of subtyping foodborne pathogens. Currently, PulseNet comprises over 64 laboratories in the United States and Canada and future expansion is expected to occur in Europe, Asia, and Latin America in the near future. PulseNet uses standardized rapid pulsed?field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) protocols to identify distinctive "fingerprint" patterns of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Shigella spp. The PFGE fingerprints are shared via the Internet between the PulseNet laboratories with the purpose of rapidly detecting clusters that might indicate that an outbreak is occurring. The main goal of PulseNet is to assist epidemiologists in outbreak investigations by improving outbreak detection. Rapid detection leads to faster intervention and establishment of control measures that could prevent additional individuals from becoming infected.
Learning Objectives: To learn about PulseNet, the Molecular Subtyping Network for Foodborne Disease Surveillance in the United States.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.