Prevalence of Brucella Melitensis and Brucella Abortus in Raw Milk and Dairy Product by Real Time PCR Technique

Abstract

Introduction: Brucellosis is a public health problem with a high incidence. The main causes of acquiring brucellosis are through the consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products. In this study we described a real-time PCR assay for more sensitive, rapid detection and differentiation of Brucella.abortus and Brucella.melitensis in raw milk and dairy products in Isfahan province. Materials and Methods: A Taq Man analysis and single step PCR (BruAb2_0168BMEII0466 genes) has performed in total of 132 unpasteurized milk samples and 65 dairy products. Samples were selected from various markets and animal farms located in different cities of Isfahan province. The duration period of sample collection was nearly two months (May to June 2012). Results: By real-time PCR 4 of 132 milk specimens (3%) were positive for B. melitensis. Also one oil sample between 65 different dairy products (1.5%) was positive for B. melitensis. None of the specimens were positive for B. abortus. We detected direct and incomplete correlation between brucella infected milk and different cities(r=0.024, p value >0.05). Conclusion: Results of present study indicated a relative high presence of this pathogen in raw milk. Real-time PCR is technically more simple, accurate, and rapid than current standard methods for identification of Brucella species .One of the most effective routes to control the disease includes pasteurization or boiling of milk and other dairy products for human consumption.