Current ProjectsFood Safety Clearinghouse | Guidelines | Multi-Jurisdictional Guidelines | PulseNet Efficiency | FB Illness Complaints | Outbreak Training | Industry | Epi/Lab reporting | Cluster DefinitionsCluster Definitions The implementation of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for molecular subtyping of common foodborne pathogens has resulted in an increasing number of “localized clusters” being identified by states, and “multi-state clusters” being identified by CDC. Although these clusters represent potential foodborne disease outbreaks, there is no standard and useful definition of a cluster that has a reasonable predictive value for identifying an outbreak. The purpose of this project is to identify key factors for successful cluster investigations. The goal will be to develop agent-specific cluster definitions that can increase the likelihood of identifying a common source for cluster investigations that are conducted. For more information on the Cluster Definitions Work Group, contact Craig Hedberg, hedbe005@umn.edu.
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