PulseNet International is a network of networks encompassing seven regions in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Caribbean, Asia Pacific, North America and Europe dedicated to the surveillance and detection of foodborne outbreaks caused by bacterial enteric pathogens. Established in the 2000s, the network has since expanded to more than 80 countries worldwide. Using standardized methods and utilizing a common platform for data sharing, PulseNet International has demonstrated regional and international success in identifying foodborne outbreaks at the regional and international levels. In 2019, PulseNet began transitioning its subtyping method from pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to whole-genome sequencing (WGS). The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada currently co-chair PulseNet International activities.
In 2021, PulseNet International became part of the
Global Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory and Response Network (GARLRN) an initiative funded by the CDC. APHL is working with PulseNet International regional coordinators to implement whole-genome sequencing for the surveillance and detection of antimicrobial resistance in enteric pathogens. Working with more than 19 partners, including APHL, GARLRN reaches more than 38 countries worldwide.