ABSTRACT
Brucellosis is a major cause of zoonosis and is endemic in Kurdistan Province in Iran. The purpose of this study was to isolate Brucella species from brucellosis patients and identify different species of this bacterium in order to determine the prevalence of these species in Kurdistan Province. 60 blood samples were obtained from brucellosis patients with clinical symptoms of the disease in Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj. The samples were cultured in BACTEC medium and incubated at 35 0C for 5 days. Then, the samples were cultured on Brucella agar for 3 days. For detection of the bacteria we used catalase, oxidase and urease tests, PCR, Gram stain and media with various dilutions of Thionin and Fuschin dyes. Also we used agglutination test for identification of Brucella species. 18 Brucella strains were isolated from 60 blood samples of the patients. PCR and biochemical methods revealed that all the 18 isolated bacteria were Brucella melitensis.The results of agglutination test showed that 14 bacteria belonged to biovar 1 and 4 bacteria to biovar 3. This study showed a high prevalence of brucellosis due to Brucella melitensis in Kurdistan Province and efforts in this region should be aimed at the eradication of this bacterium