Dr. Ghassan Matar, tenured professor and chairperson in the Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology & Microbiology, has been elected as the co-chair / co-coordinator of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) PulseNet Middle East, a regional network dedicated to the detection and prevention of foodborne and waterborne disease outbreaks. Dr. Matar was elected during the regional PulseNet Steering Committee meeting held in Muscat, Oman, in May 2024.
PulseNet International, a global network renowned for its efforts in the early detection of outbreaks caused by enteric bacterial pathogens, has been instrumental since its inception in the early 2000s. The organization, in collaboration with regional coordinators, works towards enhancing global surveillance and providing an early warning system for food and waterborne diseases, emerging resistant pathogens to antimicrobial agents, and potential bioterrorism threats.
In 2017, PulseNet Middle East was re-established to address the growing concerns of foodborne diseases in the region, utilizing whole genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatics tools. The network plays a crucial role in identifying and responding to threats posed by pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli/Shigella, and Vibrio species.
In his new role, Dr. Matar will spearhead efforts to ensure that regional laboratories are equipped to perform WGS and analyze sequence data effectively, enabling a timely response to foodborne events both regionally and internationally.
Dr. Matar also serves as co-director of CIDR, director of the WHO Collaborating Center for Reference & Research on Bacterial Pathogens, in FM, AUB, and Adjunct Professor, department of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center.
His extensive involvement with international organizations, including his role as member of the “Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network Steering Committee“ (GOARN SCOM), Geneva, Switzerland, the Global Task Force for Cholera Control (GTFCC), Annecy, France and as a resource advisor for the WHO-Advisory Group on Integrated Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AGISAR), Geneva, Switzerland, further solidifies his reputation as a leader in the field.
With Professor Matar's leadership, US CDC PulseNet Middle East Network is poised to continue its critical work in safeguarding public health through enhanced genomic surveillance and regional collaboration.