PulseNet is the national molecular subtyping network designed to rapidly detect clusters of foodborne disease outbreaks, ensuring contaminated food products are quickly recalled.
PulseNet is vital to food safety. It facilitates the early detection, prevention and control of foodborne diseases by allowing scientists to compare the DNA fingerprinting profiles of bacteria from patients and contaminated food products. This enables them to detect and define clusters of bacterial foodborne pathogens, such as
Salmonella, Listeria and
E. coli O157, and identify the source of contamination.
PulseNet utilizes whole genome sequencing (WGS), which replaced pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for pathogen identification. APHL continues to support the onboarding of next generation technologies that would in turn improve the PulseNet Network surveillance program.
APHL's Role in PulseNet Surveillance
The PulseNet program within Food Safety works with the federal, state and local partners to create a globally integrated surveillance network in response to foodborne disease outbreaks.
Quality Assurance
APHL is committed to helping PulseNet participants produce the highest quality WGS data. High quality data continues to aid in the accuracy with which outbreaks are detected and thus can lead to implementation of more timely and effective preventative measures and improvements to food safety as a whole.
APHL collaborates with CDC to manage the network's standard operating procedures by administering, organizing and evaluating certifications and proficiency testing.