Salmonella enterica pulsed-field gel electrophoresis clusters, Minnesota, USA, 2001-2007

Emerg Infect Dis. 2010 Nov;16(11):1678-85. doi: 10.3201/eid1611.100368.

Abstract

We determined characteristics of Salmonella enterica pulsed-field gel electrophoresis clusters that predict their being solved (i.e., that result in identification of a confirmed outbreak). Clusters were investigated by the Minnesota Department of Health by using a dynamic iterative model. During 2001-2007, a total of 43 (12.5%) of 344 clusters were solved. Clusters of ≥4 isolates were more likely to be solved than clusters of 2 isolates. Clusters in which the first 3 case isolates were received at the Minnesota Department of Health within 7 days were more likely to be solved than were clusters in which the first 3 case isolates were received over a period >14 days. If resources do not permit investigation of all S. enterica pulsed-field gel electrophoresis clusters, investigation of clusters of ≥4 cases and clusters in which the first 3 case isolates were received at a public health laboratory within 7 days may improve outbreak investigations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cluster Analysis
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field*
  • Humans
  • Minnesota / epidemiology
  • Public Health Administration
  • Salmonella Infections / epidemiology*
  • Salmonella Infections / microbiology*
  • Salmonella enterica / classification
  • Salmonella enterica / isolation & purification*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Serotyping
  • Time Factors