Pulse-Field Gel Electrophoresis
(PFGE)
Overview
Pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) is a technique used to separate especially long strands of DNA by length in order to tell differences among samples. It operates by alternating electric fields to run DNA through a flat gel matrix of agarose. PFGE enables scientists to ascertain the relatedness of bacterial strains found in samples taken from patients. MT-PHL currently performs PFGE on E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella isolates. PFGE on MRSA isolates will be performed upon request.
MT-PHL is a participant in Pulse Net, which is a national network of public health and food regulatory agency laboratories coordinated by the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC). PulseNet participants perform standardized molecular subtyping (or “fingerprinting”) of foodborne disease causing bacteria by PFGE. The DNA patterns are submitted electronically to a dynamic database at CDC and these databases are available to participants for rapid comparison of the patterns. PulseNet is used as an early warning system enabling professionals to rapidly compare infectious strains of certain bacteria in effort to effectively reduce the time needed to respond to regional and national food borne outbreaks.
In addition, MT-PHL performs retail meat regulatory testing for the Montana Department of Livestock testing for Salmonella spp., E. coli O157 and Listeria spp., as well as participates as a member of the Laboratory Response Network (LRN), performing testing for microbiological threat agents using LRN procedures and protocols. MTPHL is also registered as a Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) laboratory, and a participant in eLEXNET
