Why are the PulseNet Canada national databases important?
PulseNet was first developed in the United State in response to a large outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in 1993. During the outbreak, scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, Atlanta, Georgia) performed DNA fingerprinting by PFGE and determined that the strain of E. coli found in patients had the same PFGE pattern as the strain found in hamburger patties served at a large chain of regional fast food restaurants. Prompt recognition of this outbreak led to the creation of PulseNet in the US. PulseNet Canada was developed in 2000 to create a similar system for Canadians as well as to harmonize with PulseNet USA . Currently, the Canadian network includes the public health laboratories of all ten provinces plus two federal laboratories (the Public Health Agency of Canadas Laboratory for Foodborne Zoonoses and Health Canadas Bureau of Microbial Hazards). Contact PulseNet Canada: PN_Canada@phac-aspc.gc.
