PulseNet monitors and detects outbreaks from which pathogens?

• A. Campylobacter, Cronobacter, Escherichia coli and other STEC, Salmonella, Listeria, Shigella, Vibrio cholerae, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus
• B. Staphylococcus aureus
• C. Campylobacter jejuni
• D. Clostridium botulinum

Answer: (A)

PulseNet is a national network that uses DNA-based subtyping to detect outbreaks across key foodborne bacterial pathogens. The pathogens it tracks include Campylobacter, Cronobacter, Escherichia coli (including non-O157 STEC), Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella, Vibrio cholerae, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. By comparing DNA fingerprints from isolates obtained from patients, foods, and environments, PulseNet identifies clusters that signal an outbreak and helps link cases that might otherwise seem unrelated. This broad, defined set of organisms is why the full list in the option is the best answer. Staphylococcus aureus, while important in food safety surveillance, is not the primary focus of PulseNet’s outbreak-detection network.