PulseNet Latin America and the Caribbean Network: Present and Future.

Isabel Chinen,Tshewang Dorji,Josefina Campos,Enrique Pérez Gutiérrez

doi:10.1089/fpd.2018.2587

Abstract

PulseNet Latin America and Caribbean (PNLAC) was established in 2003 and is one of seven Regional networks within PulseNet International. The main objectives of the network are to strengthen national and regional laboratory-based foodborne disease surveillance for early detection and investigation of outbreaks to setup control and prevention strategies in contribution to Public Health. Participants perform standardized pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) protocols and analysis. For functioning, it is important for the network, the development of national and regional databases (RDBs) and the communication between countries, regionally and internationally. Metadata from over 8600 cases/outbreaks are profiled and isolated by PFGE and are incorporated into the RDB, hosted by the Pan American Health Organization. Currently PNLAC is moving toward whole-genome sequencing to use as a complementary strategy for surveillance. The aim of this article was to describe the experience of the construction of PNLAC, and its contribution to the surveillance of the foodborne diseases at the country and regional levels.

Highlights

PulseNet Latin America and Caribbean (PNLAC) was established in 2003 and is one of seven regional networks within PulseNet International (PNInt)
PNLAC is moving toward whole-genome sequencing to use as a complementary strategy for surveillance
Each country creates the national database (NDB) with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns obtained using standardized protocols to monitor the strains circulating in the country according to how each country established their surveillance system, and works in connection with other participants through the regional database (RDB), in contribution to the regional surveillance

Summary

Introduction

PulseNet Latin America and Caribbean (PNLAC) was established in 2003 and is one of seven regional networks within PulseNet International (PNInt). The main objective is to strengthen national and regional laboratory-based foodborne disease surveillance for early detection and investigation of outbreaks, to setup control, and prevention strategies in contribution to Public Health. Participants perform standardized pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) protocols and analysis. Each country creates the national database (NDB) with PFGE patterns obtained using standardized protocols to monitor the strains circulating in the country according to how each country established their surveillance system, and works in connection with other participants through the regional database (RDB), in contribution to the regional surveillance. PNLAC is moving toward whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to use as a complementary strategy for surveillance

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Conclusion