Diagnosis Of Brucellosis Research Articles

Human exposures to Brucella canis from a pregnant dog during an international flight: Public health risks, diagnostic challenges and future considerations.

This report documents the exposure of passengers and crew of a commercial international flight to the zoonotic pathogen Brucella canis after an infected dog aborted in the passenger cabin of the aircraft. This case demonstrates the challenges associated with brucellosis screening and the risks that airline personnel, airport employees and travellers face when animals with unrecognized zoonotic infections are transported. The public health investigation of this case was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, the Illinois Department of Health and the Illinois Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with a local veterinary clinic and several academic and federal diagnostic laboratories. It included an extensive diagnostic evaluation of the dam and aborted foetuses to confirm a diagnosis of canine brucellosis. Passengers, airline personnel and staff from the veterinary clinic where the dogs were treated underwent risk assessments, and clinic staff also received detailed guidance regarding infection prevention practices. Animal shelters and breeding programs are recommended to screen dogs routinely for brucellosis, but it is not unusual for domestic or imported animals to have unknown health histories, including the dog's brucellosis status, at the time of purchase, adoption, or re-homing. Testing recommendations and requirements vary by state, making it challenging for state public health and animal health agencies to monitor and respond appropriately. This case highlights the importance of Brucella spp. screening in sexually intact dogs prior to breeding, purchase, or domestic or international transportation of the dogs. The transportation of pregnant dogs may present a previously unrecognized public health threat in addition to contributing to unnecessary stress and health risks for pregnant animals.

Diagnosis of human brucellosis: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Brucellosis, a widely spread zoonotic disease, poses significant diagnostic challenges due to its non-specific symptoms and underreporting. Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management and public health control. However, a comprehensive comparative review of available diagnostic tests is lacking. This systematic review addressed the following question: 'What is the accuracy of the available tests to confirm human brucellosis?' Two independent reviewers examined articles published up to January 2023. The review included original studies reporting symptomatic patients with brucellosis suspicion, through any index test, with sensitivity and/or specificity as outcomes. As exclusion criteria were considered: sample size smaller than 10 patients, studies focusing on complicated brucellosis, and those lacking essential information about index or comparator tests. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed, with consideration for the index test, and 'culture' and 'culture and standard tube agglutination test (SAT)' were used as reference standards. Bias assessment and certainty of evidence were carried out using the QUADAS-2 and GRADE tools, respectively. A total of 38 studies reporting diagnostic test performance for human brucellosis were included. However, the evidence available is limited, and significant variability was observed among studies. Regarding the reference test, culture and/or SAT are deemed more appropriate than culture alone. Rose Bengal, IgG/IgM ELISA, and PCR exhibited equally high performances, indicating superior overall diagnostic accuracy, with very low certainty of the evidence. This systematic review underscores the potential of the Rose Bengal test, IgG/IgM ELISA, and PCR as promising diagnostic tools for brucellosis. However, the successful implementation and recommendations for their use should consider the local context and available resources. The findings highlight the pressing need for standardization, improved reporting, and ongoing advancements in test development to enhance the accuracy and accessibility of brucellosis diagnosis.

(245) Epididymo-Orchitis as the First Presentation of Brucellosis in an Endemic Area

Abstract Introduction Brucellosis, which is also called Mediterranean or Malta fever, is an endemic enzootic disease and can involve various organ systems. It is commonly endemic in the Mediterranean countries and the Middle East. Epididymo-orchitis is a focal form of human brucellosis. Brucella species cause granulomatous orchitis usually presenting as an acute or chronic unilateral swelling of the testis. Patients rarely present to the clinicians with acute scrotum due to Brucellosis Epididymo-Orchitis (BEO) as an initial finding. Objective Our aim is to estimate the prevalence of the BEO among the cases diagnosed with Epididymoorchitis in our hospital over the last four years. Methods Retrospective study from 2015–2018 involving all cases diagnosed with Epididymoorchitis in our hospital. A total of 92 cases of Epididymoorchitis were diagnosed during this period. These cases presented to ER complaining of severe unilateral scrotal pain, swelling, fever and sweating. Local examination showed swollen enlarged testis and epididymis with marked tenderness. Brucella serologic test for both B abortus and B melitensis were requested routinely for all cases of epididymo-orchitis. Scrotal Doppler ultrasonographic examination was requested at initial diagnosis and after 2 weeks to exclude abscess formation. Results Out of 92 cases, 8 were diagnosed to have brucellosis (8.7%). The median age of patients was 32 years (range, 18–41 years). All patients had positive history of consuming unpasteurized dairy products, which is a risk factor for brucellosis. The diagnosis of brucellosis was made via positive serological testing results (Brucella abortus and melitensis). One case showed testicular abscess formation. All cases were given combination of tetracyclin and rifampicin for 6–12 weeks. Two cases required prolonged hospital stay due to testicular abscess formation in one and development of Brucellosis spondylitis in the other. Gentamycin was added for one week in such cases. Conclusions In endemic regions for brucellosis, we have to consider it in the workup of all cases of epididiymo-orchitis. The diagnosis is easy by positive serology tests. Positive cases need special antibiotic combination protocol for longer time and close monitoring for development of local complications or other systemic brucellosis manifestations Disclosure No.

Diagnosis of Chronic Brucellosis with Interferon-Gamma Quantification

Background: Brucellosis can vary in severity and duration, requiring multiple tests for diagnosis. Its prevalence in Iraq complicates the interpretation of test results. Objective: This study aimed to develop a diagnostic tool leveraging variations in γ interferon to aid the immune system in recognizing illness. Methods: A comparative study was conducted at Anbar Teaching Hospital from October 2022 to September 2023. 86 blood samples were collected from the outpatient infectious clinic, comprising 43 confirmed Rose Bengal-positive and 43 negative cases. Various diagnostic methods were employed, including specific IgM and IgG antibodies, culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and gamma interferon targeting the brucella antigen. Results: Patients with positive results exhibited symptoms validated by PCR. The gamma interferon assay demonstrated 79.2% sensitivity and 100% specificity. PCR showed 89.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity, while brucella-specific IgG had 21.4% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Other laboratory studies, including Brucella-specific IgM, showed 100% sensitivity and specificity, with positive Brucella culture observed in only one case. Conclusion: Chronic brucellosis's sustained high levels of gamma interferon may offer better follow-up for patients with lingering symptoms than Brucella-specific IgG, especially after acute cases with low-grade fever.

Investigation of Reproductive Failure in Buffaloes at a Farm of Itarsi Tehsil in Madhya Pradesh in India for Detection of Antibodies to Brucella Species Organisms by Rose Bengal Test and Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis Virus by Indirect Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay

Background: Reproductive failures due to abortion in buffaloes are a major cause of concern to livestock owners that cause economic losses. Brucellosis (bacterial disease) and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (viral disease), both infectious diseases in buffaloes are implicated in abortions in India. Methods: The investigated buffalo farm experienced a few cases of abortions in pregnant animals in the late trimester. Blood samples were collected aseptically from individual animals without anticoagulants. After clotting of the blood, extracted serum samples were clarified and tested in Rose Bengal test and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the serological diagnosis of brucellosis and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis. Result: Out of 147 buffalo serum samples tested by using the Rose Bengal test, a total of 27 buffalo serum samples (18.36%) tested positive for the presence of agglutinating antibodies against Brucella species. None of the tested serum samples had detectable levels of antibodies against the infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus in an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Investigation of LncRNAs Expression as a Potential Biomarker in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Brucellosis

Abstract: Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are significant contributors to bacterial infections and host defense responses, presenting a novel class of gene regulators beyond conventional protein-coding genes. This narrative review aimed to explore the involvement of LncRNAs as a potential biomarker in the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections, with a specific focus on Brucella infections. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify relevant studies examining the roles of LncRNAs in immune responses during bacterial infections, with a specific emphasis on Brucella infections. Pub- Med, Scopus and other major scientific databases were searched using relevant keywords. LncRNAs crucially regulate immune responses to bacterial infections, influencing transcription factors, proinflammatory cytokines, and immune cell behavior, with both positive and negative effects. The NF-κB pathway is a key regulator for many LncRNAs in bacterial infections. During Brucella infections, essential LncRNAs activate the innate immune response, increasing proinflammatory cytokine production and immune cell differentiation. LncRNAs are associated with human brucellosis, holding promise for screening, diagnostics, or therapeutics. Further research is needed to fully understand LncRNAs' precise functions in Brucella infection and pathogenesis. Specific LncRNAs, like IFNG-AS1 and NLRP3, are upregulated during brucellosis, while others, such as Gm28309, are downregulated, influencing immunosuppression and bacterial survival. Investigating the prognostic and therapeutic potential of Brucellarelated LncRNAs warrants ongoing investigation, including their roles in other immune cells like macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils responsible for bacterial clearance. Unraveling the intricate relationship between LncRNAs and brucellosis may reveal novel regulatory mechanisms and LncRNAs' roles in infection regulation, expediting diagnostics and enhancing therapeutic strategies against Brucella infections.

Brucella Spondylitis: Current Knowledge and Recent Advances.

The most prevalent zoonotic disease is brucellosis, which poses a significant threat for worldwide public health. Particularly in endemic areas, spinal involvement is a major source of morbidity and mortality and can complicate the course of the disease. The diagnosis of Brucella spondylitis is challenging and should be suspected in the appropriate epidemiological and clinical context, in correlation with microbiological and radiological findings. Treatment depends largely on the affected parts of the body. Available treatment options include antibiotic administration for an adequate period of time and, when appropriate, surgical intervention. In this article, we examined the most recent data on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and management of spinal brucellosis in adults.

Avaliação do desempenho analítico de um teste imunocromatográfico rápido para o diagnóstico da brucelose bovina baseado em uma proteína recombinante BP26

ABSTRACT Brucellosis is an important bacterial disease of global distribution with zoonotic potencial. Serological tests used in Brazil for diagnosis of bovine brucellosis, including the Rose Bengal test (RBT), 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME), fluorescent polarization (FPA), and complement fixation (FC), are based on the smooth lipopolysaccharide antigen (S-LPS) of Brucella abortus. The aim of this study was to evaluate a recombinant BP26 protein used as antigen in a rapid lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (rBP26-LFIA) for serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis. Analytical performance of rBP26-LFIA was evaluated in positive and negative bovine serum samples previously characterized by RBT and 2-ME. Estimates of analytical sensitivity and specificity were 73.91% and 97.14%, respectively. Bovine sera reactive to Neospora, Trypanosoma vivax or Leptospira were used to assess specificity because these diseases are commonly associated with abortion in cattle. In addition to a possible cross-reaction induced by commercial vaccines against Leptospira in serological tests for bovine brucellosis using S-LPS as an antigen. In conclusion, rBP26-LFIA, with its current standardization, had good analytical performance. However, a future evaluation of diagnostic performance by rBP26-LFIA with samples from regions with known prevalence is necessary for its recommendation for use in the Brazilian program for the control and eradication of bovine brucellosis.

Brucellar arthritis and sacroiliitis: an 8-year retrospective comparative analysis of demographic, clinical, and paraclinical features.

Brucellosis is a common global zoonotic disease with a wide range of complex and nonspecific clinical manifestations that may lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Osteoarticular involvement is the most common complaint in brucellosis. This present study aims to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics and treatment of brucellosis patients with arthritis and sacroiliitis. This retrospective descriptive study was performed on patients presenting to a teaching hospital in Kermanshah, Iran with a diagnosis of brucellosis from 2011 to 2019. The demographic and clinical characteristics, complications, laboratory findings, and treatment were recorded during the study period. Then, the difference in the collected data was investigated between brucellosis patients with and without arthritis or sacroiliitis. Of 425 patients studied, 130 (30.58%) had osteoarticular involvement. Among them, 41 (9.64%) and 58 (13.6%) patients were diagnosed with arthritis and sacroiliitis, respectively. There were no significant demographic differences between patients with and without brucellar arthritis or sacroiliitis (p > 0.05). The patients with Brucella arthritis had a significantly higher frequency of arthralgia and radiculopathy (p ⩽ 0.05). Sacroiliitis was significantly more common in patients with arthralgia, neck pain, and low back pain, positive flexion-abduction-external rotation (FABER) test, radiculopathy, and vertebral tenderness compared to patients without sacroiliitis (p ⩽ 0.05), while fever and headache were significantly more common in patients without sacroiliitis (p ⩽ 0.05). The median Wright and 2-Mercapto Ethanol titers were higher in brucellosis patients with arthritis or sacroiliitis versus patients without arthritis or sacroiliitis, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). Synovial fluid had been analyzed in 20 cases. The mean white blood cell count, glucose, and protein level were 3461 ± 2.70 cells/mm3, 58.54 ± 31.43 mg/dL, and 8.6 ± 11.85 g/dL, respectively. In 80% of the subjects, neutrophil cells were predominant. There were no significant laboratory differences between patients with and without brucellar arthritis or sacroiliitis, except for a higher median platelet count in patients with arthritis and higher median levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in patients with sacroiliitis. Most cases of arthritis and sacroiliitis were diagnosed with ultrasound (31.8%) and FABER test (79.3%), respectively. Arthritis and sacroiliitis were the two most important and common manifestations of brucellar osteoarthritis with a frequency of 9.64% and 13.6%, respectively. Any complaints of low back pain and radiculopathy as well as the presence of spondylitis in patients should raise suspicion of sacroiliitis. High levels of AST and ALP and a high platelet count may be associated with brucellar sacroiliitis and arthritis, respectively. The use of imaging methods such as MRI and bone scan seems necessary for the diagnosis of sacroiliitis.

Brucellar Spondylodiscitis - A Silent Cause of Concern

A 68-year-old male with a history of persistent lower back discomfort visited our orthopedic department. Based on magnetic resonance imaging that was compatible with infective spondylodiscitis at a medical facility close to his home, spinal tuberculosis (TB) was suspected, and the patient was transferred to our hospital for further therapy. The patient was treated appropriately after investigations revealed that he had an unusual diagnosis of Brucellar spondylodiscitis. Therefore, it must be taken into consideration as a differential diagnosis when a patient presents with lower back discomfort (especially in the elderly) and symptoms of a persistent infection. Brucellar spondylodiscitis may clinically mimic spinal TB. Serological screening is essential for the early diagnosis and treatment of spinal brucellosis.

A Comprehensive Review of Brucella canis: Zoonotic Risks and Preventive Strategies

Brucella canis, a zoonotic agent, primarily infects dogs and wild Canidae. Infection is notably suspected in dogs exhibiting epididymitis, infertility, or diskospondylitis. Recent reports indicate a growing incidence of Brucella canis infections in dogs, particularly among those imported into the UK from Eastern Europe. Although human infections by B. canis are relatively uncommon, clinical manifestations are typically mild, yet severe cases can potentially lead to septicemia. The disease in humans is incurable and spreads through contact with fluids from infected animals. Various diagnostic protocols, including Real-time PCR, Rapid slide agglutination test (RSAT), and Complement fixation test (CFT), are employed for the diagnosis of canine brucellosis. These serological tests play a crucial role in diagnosing canine brucellosis. Given the potential zoonotic risks, it is imperative to consistently include B. canis in diagnostic algorithms for canine diseases.

Possible laboratory predictors in the diagnosis of brucellosis

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease affecting humans and domestic animals. The pathogenic capacity of Brucella depends on its stealth strategy and ability to replicate within host cells and cause long-lasting infections. The growth of brucellosis in the Russian Federation necessitates the search for new diagnostic approaches and algorithms that allow obtaining valid results in a short time, reducing the risk of chronicity of this pathology. Presently, the diagnosis of brucellosis, due to its pronounced polymorphism, is impossible without objective laboratory confirmation. Search for laboratory predictors is a current trend in modern laboratory medicine.

Use of recombinant malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) [Cu[sbnd]Zn] as antigens in indirect ELISA for diagnosis of bovine brucellosis

The objective of this study was to validate an indirect enzyme-linked immunoassay (iELISA) using the recombinant proteins, malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) [CuZn], as antigens and to evaluate its ability to discriminate antibodies produced by vaccination from those induced by infection in the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis. Sera from six groups were evaluated: G1 – culture-positive animals (52 serum samples) (naturally infected); G2 - non-vaccinated animals (28 serum samples) positive in RBT (Rose Bengal test) and 2ME (2-mercaptoethanol test) selected from brucellosis-positive herds; G3 - animals from a brucellosis-free area (32 serum samples); G4 - S19 vaccinated heifers (114 serum samples); G5 – RB51 vaccinated heifers (60 serum samples); G6 - animals inoculated with inactivated Yersinia enterocolitica O:9 (42 serum samples). Diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) and diagnostic specificity (DSp) were estimated using the frequentist approach and the confidence interval (CI) (95%) calculated by the Clopper-Pearson (exact) method. The DSe for iELISA_MDH in the G1 group was 71.7% (CI 95%: 57.6–83.2%) and for the G2 100.0% (CI 95%: 87.7–100.0%), whereas the DSp was 84.4% in the G3 (CI 95%: 67.2–94.7%). For the iELISA_SOD the DSe was estimated 67.3% for the G1 (CI 95%: 52.9–79.7%) and 71.4% for G2 (CI 95%: 51.3–86.8%), while the DSp for G3 was 87.5% (CI 95%: 71.0–96.5%). iELISA_MDH and iELISA_SOD showed potential to be used in the diagnosis of infected animals, increasing the range of serological tests available for the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis, with the advantage of being S-LPS-free. However, none of the tests could differentiate between infection and vaccination.

Comparative study of the ELISA use with milk and blood serum for bovine brucellosis diagnosis

Enzyme immunoassay, being a more sensitive method, makes it possible to identify specific antibodies in samples of combined milk. The ELISA study of harvested milk in farms can become an important element in the system of anti-brucellosis measures regarding the control of the epizootic state in farms taking into account the availability and ease of implementation of this method. For screening express-diagnostics of bovine brucellosis the method of enzyme immunoassay with milk of cows has been developed. ELISA with milk serum is specific, sensitive, easy to formulate, account for and interpret the results. It has been found that the conditions of storage and transportation of milk samples corresponding to room temperature values and leading to fermentation do not affect the level of specific anti-viral immunoglobulins for eight days, and the question of the use of a cold chain during transportation of milk samples to be examined to the place of analysis can be withdrawn from the agenda. When working out the optimal sample preparation, the difference in the specific signal when setting the ELISA between the milk serum obtained by high-speed centrifugation and the milk serum obtained by fermentation for 24 hours was less than 10%. Therefore, high-speed centrifugation was chosen for the preparation of milk serum samples during the ELISA study. The possibilities of using ELISA with milk serum on vaccinated and non-vaccinated cattle against brucellosis have been studied. Milk and blood for testing in the ELISA should be taken 6 months or more after vaccination (within the instructional time frame). A high level of correlation was established between ELISA data with milk and ELISA data with blood serum, regardless of epizootic or immune status (satisfactory and unfavorable herds, vaccinated and unvaccinated animals), which amounted to 86.8–92.0%.

Fever of Unknown Origin in Children: The Challenge of History Taking

A fever of unknown origin (FUO) in children is usually described as a fever of at least 8 days duration with no apparent diagnosis after initial investigations, including taking medical history and preliminary laboratory assessment. Infectious diseases are the most common cause of FUO, followed by rheumatologic and neoplastic conditions. In this report, we present a case of a 15-year-old Caucasian boy with a silent past medical history, who presented at our Pediatric ER department with a three-day history of fever, fatigue, and abdominal pain with diarrhoea. Initial laboratory testing and microbiological work-up were non-significant. At hospital admission, a broad infectious diagnostic work-up was pursued, including serologies and polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) for CMV, EBV, HAV, Parvovirus, Toxoplasma gondii and Adenovirus, all negative. Given mild splenomegaly and linfadenopathy, systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (s-JIA) was suspected, as well as Multi-inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), but the patient did not meet their main diagnostic criteria. Malignancy was ruled out by a negative bone marrow fine-needle aspiration cytology and whole-body PET-CT scan. On hospital day 8, Brucella was identified on a new set of blood cultures and a combined antibiotic therapy was started with IV Gentamicin plus per os Doxycycline. The patient’s general conditions rapidly improved, and both fever and diarrhoea resolved. A reassessment of the patient’s medical history before discharge revealed exposure to unpasteurized soft cheese in the weeks prior to the onset of symptoms. This case underlines the importance of taking a complete medical history, as well as a full diagnostic work-up to unveil unusual infectious etiologies behind FUO. After the preliminary negative microbiological tests, a connective tissue disease was ruled out (i.e. lack of cutaneous or articular involvement), as well as malignancy, which led to a closer evaluation for infection and the diagnosis of Brucellosis.

Accuracy of serological tests for bovine brucellosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The direct methods for diagnosis of bovine brucellosis have several limitations, therefore serological tests are the basis for the diagnosis of the disease. However, a meta-analysis estimating the diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) and diagnostic specificity (DSp) on the main tests used in bovine brucellosis control programs worldwide has not been performed. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the DSe, DSp and thereby accuracy of serological tests individually used in the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis. The databases CABI, Cochrane Library, PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, Scopus and Web of Science were used to select articles. The search resulted in 5308 studies, of which 71 were selected for systematic review using quality assessment tools and 65 studies were included in the meta-analysis. For the meta-analysis, 178 assays and 11 different serological tests were considered. To estimate DSe and DSp of the tests, studies were divided according to animal selection for the studies: (1) studies that carried out a random or consecutive selection of participants (noncasecontrol studies) and (2) all studies, including casecontrol studies. Considering only the non-case-control studies to estimate the DSe, the tests that exhibited the best and worst performance were the iELISA test (indirect enzyme immunoassay - bacterial suspension as antigen - BS) (96.5%, 95% CI: 94.1–97.9%) and 2ME (2- mercaptoethanol test) (85.0%, 95% CI: 79.6–89.1%), respectively; while for DSp, the FPA (fluorescence polarization assay) (99, 7%, 95% CI: 99.5–99.8%) and PCFIA tests (protein concentration fluorescence immunoassay) (78.5%, 95% CI: 70.0–85.1%) showed better and worse performance, respectively. Overall, our results showed an overestimation in the DSe and DSp of the eleven serological tests assessed when casecontrol studies were included in the meta-analysis, which is a concern considering its impacts on the time and costs associated with populational diagnosis of the diseases, since several of these tests are routinely used in the control and eradication programs of bovine brucellosis worldwide. Furthermore, the tests that exhibited the best DSe and DSp, iELISA (BS) and FPA, respectively, are relatively easy to perform and interpret and the test which showed the best overall accuracy was FPA.

Demographic characteristics, laboratory features and complications in 346 cases of brucellosis: A retrospective study from Qatar

ObjectivesTo study the epidemiology and laboratory findings and outcomes of human brucellosis in the state of Qatar. MethodsA retrospective study involving adult patients with a definitive diagnosis of brucellosis was conducted. ResultsOf the 346 patients 299 were males. The mean age was 39.62 years. 120 patients had history of drinking raw milk and 116 had a history of contact with animals. Fever (89.9%) and myalgia (56.6%) were the most common presenting symptoms observed. Raised C-reactive protein level was the most frequent laboratory finding noted. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were raised to three times the normal in 39.6% and 37% of patients, respectively. Blood culture was positive in 72.8% whereas Brucella immunoglobulin G antibody and immunoglobulin M antibody titer was positive in 72.5% and 73.1% patients, respectively. Approximately 21.4% had focal involvement and osteoarticular (11.6%) involvement was the most frequently observed focal form. Doxycycline with rifampicin or gentamicin was the common regimen received. Relapse was seen in 7.2% patients. ConclusionHuman brucellosis continues to be a serious health issue in Qatar predominantly affecting healthy young adult men resulting in significant morbidity. Preventive measures and community awareness particularly among high-risk groups will help in decreasing the prevalence of the disease and its aftereffects.

New brucellosis erythrocyte diagnosticum for IHT in comparison with other serological methods (SAT, CFT, RBT and IDT)

Relevance. Brucellosis is registered in many countries of the world, including Russia. The most unfavorable situation in the Russian Federation has developed in the Southern and North Caucasus Federal Districts. In the first place among the number of identified sick animals is the Dagestan Republic, where, despite the efforts of veterinary specialists, it is not possible to reduce the number of oci of brucellosis. With the help of classical methods (SAT, CFT), only 70% of animals infected with brucellosis can be detected. In this regard, domestic and foreign researchers have done a lot of work to improve existing and develop new diagnostic tools and methods.Methods. One of the most sensitive methods for the diagnosis of brucellosis is the indirect hemagglutination reaction (IHT). In comparative tests in IHT, with an improved antigen, good results were obtained.Results. The possibility of obtaining a highly active erythrocyte diagnosticum has been established with the combined use of two new surfactants: Progress products manufactured by AMC Media LLC (LosinoPetrovsk, Moscow region) and sodium dodecyl sulfate. The most rational parameters of the use of detergents for the treatment of brucella suspension and their optimal concentrations have been determined. It was found that IHT with a new antigen is specific and highly sensitive, compared with other serological reactions.

Relief of brucellosis in an acute focus of returning infection with the use of a vaccine from the strain B. abortus 82

The purpose of the study was to study the features of the manifestation of the epizootic process during a returning infection in a fresh focus of brucellosis in cattle. The work was carried out on a dairy farm on a herd of cattle of a black-and-white breed, for a long time successful in brucellosis. The intensity of the epizootic process was assessed based on the results of serological studies of cattle of all sex and age groups. Immunological studies were carried out in accordance with regulatory documents on the diagnosis of brucellosis of animals. Standard diagnostic kits (S-) from commercial kits were used for serological studies in generally accepted reactions. Differentiation of positive and doubtful reactions was carried out using an experimental sample of an antigen made from brucella in R-form. A dynamic spread of brucellosis was noted during the six months with the 7% ill animals among all of the receptive cattle. Wellness measures were carried out with using the poorly agglutinogenic vaccine of strain Brucella abortus 82. The recovery period was 24 months. During of the trouble period 23% of infected animals were detected, including 19% of cows and 4% of young animals. The number of sick animals in a percent was estimated from the total numbers of the cattle in the farm. Based on the data obtained, it was established that under modern conditions, against the background of longterm well-being in a fresh focus of brucellosis, a dynamic spread of infection was noted with a wide coverage of susceptible livestock and a high intensity of the epizootic process.

A novel, highly sensitive, one-tube nested quantitative real-time PCR for Brucella in human blood samples.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella spp. and is a major threat to human and livestock health. The accurate and rapid detection of Brucella DNA is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. However, traditional diagnostic methods, such as culture and serological tests, have limitations in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and time consumption. To address these challenges, we developed a highly sensitive one-tube nested quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) method to detect Brucella DNA using a closed-tube approach with two primers and two probes that sequentially react with encoding a Brucella outer membrane protein. The analytical sensitivity of this one-tube nested qPCR approach was 100 fg/μL, which is 100-fold higher than that of a conventional qPCR. Intra-batch and inter-batch replicates showed low coefficients of variation, both less than 5%. The study included 250 clinical samples, showing that this one-tube nested qPCR method has a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 98.6%, exceeding the sensitivity of conventional qPCR (84.1%) at a cycle threshold (CT) cutoff of 38. More importantly, the one-tube nested qPCR reduced the CT values by an average of 6.4 compared to conventional qPCR, significantly improving the detection rate of low-load samples (CT > 35). In conclusion, the bcsp31 one-tube nested qPCR method is a promising tool for the detection of brucellosis, owing to its high sensitivity and operational simplicity. This study highlights the potential of qPCR-based methods to improve the accuracy and speed of brucellosis diagnoses. IMPORTANCE This study developed a highly sensitive and efficient method for the detection of brucellosis by introducing a one-tube nested quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) approach, representing a remarkable advance in the field. The method demonstrated an impressive analytical sensitivity of 100 fg/μL, surpassing conventional qPCR and enabling the detection of even low levels of Brucella DNA. In addition, the study's comprehensive evaluation of 250 clinical samples revealed a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 98.6%, underscoring its reliability and accuracy. Most importantly, the new method significantly improved the detection rate of low-burden samples, reducing cycle threshold values by an average of 6.4. These results underscore the immense potential of this approach to facilitate rapid and accurate brucellosis diagnosis, which is critical for effective disease management and control.