Which statement describes a strength of PulseNet/PFGE-based subtyping?

• A. Has detected outbreaks that would otherwise not be detected
• B. It is the fastest method for sequencing entire genome
• C. It provides near real-time weather data
• D. It replaces all laboratory testing

Answer: (A)

PulseNet uses PFGE to create DNA fingerprints of bacterial isolates and compare patterns across laboratories. When several patients’ isolates share the same fingerprint, investigators can connect cases that occurred in different places and times, revealing a common source that might not be obvious from individual reports. This capability makes PFGE-based subtyping especially powerful for outbreak detection, uncovering outbreaks that would otherwise be missed or misattributed. It's not the fastest method for sequencing an entire genome, nor does it provide weather data or replace all laboratory testing. It’s a subtyping tool within a broader outbreak investigation toolkit, often complemented today by newer methods like whole-genome sequencing for higher resolution.