Which agency maintains the PulseNet database used for genetic relatedness analyses within NARMS?

• A. CDC
• B. FDA
• C. USDA
• D. WHO

Answer: (A)

PulseNet is the national network and database of DNA fingerprint patterns used to assess genetic relatedness among isolates for detecting and investigating foodborne outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains PulseNet, coordinates the laboratory network, and integrates it with surveillance programs like NARMS. In the NARMS framework, PulseNet provides the genetic relatedness analyses that help link human illness data to isolates from animals and food, supporting outbreak detection and source attribution. Other agencies like FDA and USDA have roles in food and animal surveillance, and WHO operates globally, but the PulseNet database itself is maintained by CDC for U.S. public health surveillance.