Evaluation of dot-blot test for serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis

Abstract The objective of this study was to standardize and validate the dot-blot test for the serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis, compare the results with those found in the 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) and complement fixation test (CF), and estimate the relative sensitivity and specificity of the dot-blot compared to these tests. Fifty bovine blood serum samples were used for the test standardization, and 1315 samples were used for evaluation and comparison between the tests; the results were compared using the Kappa indicator. At the end of standardization, it was established as optimal for the antigen obtained from Brucella abortus B19 after passing through a microorganism rupture process, the blood serum samples diluted at 1:100, and the conjugate at 1:30,000. The comparison of the dot-blot results with 2-ME showed Kappa index of 0.9939, sensitivity of 99.48%, and specificity 99.91%, with CF, Kappa index of 0.8226, sensitivity 100% and specificity 95.32%. Using the combination of the test results 2-ME and CF to establish the true condition of the animal, the dot-blot showed relative sensitivity of 100%, and relative specificity of 99.91%. The evaluated test proved to be effective and reliable, besides being easy to handle and interpret the results.

Comparison of inflammatory markers between brucella and non-brucella epididymo-orchitis

ABSTRACT Objectives: Brucellosis is a multi-system infectious disease that is associated with inflammation, which causes an increase in acute phase reactants. Hematological inflammatory markers of brucellosis include mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of hematological inflammatory markers in Brucella epididymo-orchitis (BEO), and to investigate the utility of these markers for differential diagnosis from non-Brucella epididymo-orchitis (non-BEO). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 22 BEO and 50 non-BEO patients. Hematological parameters were recorded and compared between the two groups. The main diagnostic criteria for BEO were positive clinical findings (i.e., testicular pain, tenderness and scrotal swelling), a positive Rose Bengal test result, standard tube agglutination (STA) titer ≥ 1/160, and/or a positive blood culture. Results: The most decisive factors in discriminating between BEO and non-BEO were NLR, RDW, and MPV, in decreasing order of their strength. Regardless of other factors, NLR values < 2.3 significantly increased the odds of BEO (OR=8.080, 95% CI: 1.929-33.843, p=0.004). After adjusting for other factors, RDW values >14.45% significantly increased the odds of BEO (OR=7.020, 95% CI: 1.749-28.176, p=0.006). Independent of the other factors, patients with MPV < 7.65 fL had a 6.336 times higher risk for BEO (95% CI: 1.393 - 28.822, p=0.017). Conclusion: Hematological inflammatory markers such as NLR, RDW, and MPV can aid in the differential diagnosis of BEO and non-BEO.

Prevalence of Brucella spp in humans / Prevalência da Brucella spp em humanos / Prevalencia de la Brucella spp en humanos

Objective: to determine the seroprevalence of Brucella spp in humans.Method: this is an observational study, developed with 455 individuals between 18 and 64 years old, who use the Estratégia de Saúde da Família (Brazil's family health strategy). The serum samples of volunteers underwent buffered acid antigen tests, such as screening, agar gel immunodiffusion and slow seroagglutination test in tubes and 2-Mercaptoethanol.Results: among the samples, 1.98% has responded to buffered-acid antigen, 2.85% to agar gel immunodiffusion test and 1.54% to the slow seroagglutination tests on tubes/2-Mercaptoethanol. The prevalence of Brucella spp was 4.4%, represented by the last two tests.Conclusion: the results of this research suggest that the studied population is exposed to Brucella spp infection.

Objetivo: determinar a soroprevalência da Brucella spp em humanos.Método: trata-se de estudo observacional, desenvolvido com 455 indivíduos entre 18 e 64 anos, selecionados, que utilizavam a estratégia de saúde da família. As amostras de soro dos voluntários foram submetidas aos testes de antígeno acidificado tamponado, como triagem, imunodifusão em gel de ágar e aos testes de soroaglutinação lenta em tubos e 2-mercaptoetanol.Resultados: dentre as amostras, 1,98% reagiram ao antígeno acidificado tamponado, 2,85% à imunodifusão em gel ágar e 1,54% aos testes de soroaglutinação lenta em tubos/2-mercaptoetanol. Sendo a prevalência da Brucella spp de 4,4%, representada pelos dois últimos testes.Conclusão: os resultados desta pesquisa sugerem que a população estudada encontra-se exposta à infecção por Brucella spp.

Objetivo: determinar la seroprevalencia de la Brucella spp en humanos.Método: se trata de un estudio observacional, desarrollado con 455 individuos seleccionados con edades entre 18 y 64 años, que utilizaban la Estrategia de Salud de la Familia. Las muestras de suero de los voluntarios fueron sometidas a las pruebas de antígeno acidificado tamponado, como tamizaje, inmunodifusión en gel de agar y a las pruebas de seroaglutinación lenta en tubos y 2-mercaptoetanol.Resultados: entre las muestras; el 1,98% reaccionó al antígeno acidificado tamponado, el 2,85% reaccionó a la inmunodifusión en gel agar; y el 1,54%, a las pruebas de seroaglutinación lenta en tubos/2-mercaptoetanol. La prevalencia de laBrucella spp representada por las dos últimas pruebas fue del 4,4%.Conclusión: los resultados de esta investigación sugieren que la población que ha sido estudiada se encuentra expuesta a la infección por Brucellaspp.

A rare cause of Rhabdomyolysis from Brucella: a case report / Una causa rara de Rabdomiolisis a partir de Brucella: un reporte de caso

Rhabdomyolysis is caused by myocyte necrosis, which results in the release of muscular cell contents into the circulation and extracellular fluid. We present a case of rhabdomyolysis due to brucella infection without any complications. Following the treatment for brucella, creatinine kinase level was significantly reduced. Rhabdomyolysis associated with brucella is rare in children.

La rabdomiolisis es causada por necrosis del miocito, que resulta de la liberación de los contenidos de la célula muscular en la circulación y el líquido extracelular. Presentamos un caso de rabdomiolisis debido a infección por brucella sin complicaciones. Tras el tratamiento aplicado por brucella, se redujo significativamente el nivel de creatinina kinasa. La rabdomiólisis asociada a brucella es rara en niños.

Factores asociados con la seropositividad a Brucella canis en criaderos caninos de dos regiones de Antioquia, Colombia / Factors associated with Brucella canis seropositivity in kennels of two regions of Antioquia, Colombia / Fatores associados à soropositividade por Brucella canis em cães reprodutores em duas regiões no Estado de Antioquia, Colômbia

El objetivo fue determinar la seroprevalencia a Brucella canis en perros y humanos convivientes en criaderos caninos y explorar los factores de riesgo asociados a la seropositividad. Se tomaron 20 criaderos, en los cuales se realizó diagnóstico serológico por PARP-2ME de 428 caninos y 91 humanos. Se aplicó una encuesta para determinar los factores de riesgo y se analizaron los datos mediante regresión logística. Se determinó una seroprevalencia de 15% en caninos y 9% en humanos convivientes. Se determinaron como factores asociados a la seropositividad canina el historial de seropositividad canina, conservar los caninos seropositivos, historial de aborto, higiene y protección del operario deficientes durante el servicio reproductivo, y procedimiento inseguro durante la atención de abortos. Como factores protectores se establecieron la ubicación rural de los criaderos, facilidad de aseo de los caniles, PARP-2ME premonta, y procedimiento seguro durante la atención de partos. En humanos se determinaron factores asociados: criaderos ubicados en el Valle Aburrá y de tipo urbano.

The objectives of this study were to determine Brucella canis seroprevalence in dogs and in humans living near kennels and to explore risk factors associated with seropositivity. Twenty kennels were included in a serological survey with RSAT-2ME, and samples were collected from 428 dogs and 91 humans. An interview was applied to determine risk factors, and the data were analyzed using logistic regression. Seroprevalence was 15% in dogs and 9% in humans. Factors associated with current canine seropositivity were: history of canine seropositivity, non-culling of seropositive dogs, history of abortion, poor hygiene and personal protection during reproductive service, and unsafe procedures during care for abortions. Protective factors included: rural location of kennels, ease of cleaning kennels, pre-mating RSAT-2ME, and safe procedures during care for delivery. Factors associated with seropositive status in humans were: kennels located in Valle de Aburrá and urban location.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar a soroprevalência de brucelose dada por Brucella canis na população canina e os seres humanos que moram junto com os cães reprodutores, e explorar os fatores de risco associados à soropositividade.Vinte cães foram amostrados, nestes se fez o diagnóstico sorológico por PARP-2ME para 428 caninos e 91 pessoas. Para o estudo de fatores de risco associados à doença foi realizada uma análise por regressão logística. Encontrou-se uma soroprevalência de 15% e 9% nos caninos e humanos, respectivamente. Foram identificados como fatores de risco associados à soropositividade canina nos canis avaliados a história clínica com antigos diagnósticos de abortos e de soropositividade, conservar caninos que sejam soropositivos, a má higiene no canil e uma indumentária laboral insuficiente para o trabalhador que mexe com os cães, tanto durante o serviço reprodutivo quanto na atenção de abortos que possam ser inseguros. Encontraram-se como fatores de proteção nesta pesquisa as regiões rurais onde estava a incubadora, a facilidade de limpeza que possibilita uma melhor higiene dos canis, PARP-2ME pré-nupcial e procedimento seguro durante o parto. Em humanos foram determinados como fatores associados: criadores localizados no Valle Aburrá e do tipo urbano.

Seroprevalencia y factores de riesgo para brucelosis canina en perros domésticos de once comunas de la ciudad de Medellín-Colombia / Canine brucellosiss: Seroprevalence and risk factors in pets from eleven neighbourhoods in Medellin, Colombia

Objetivo: Se estableció la seroprevalencia de brucelosis canina en perros domésticos de 11 comunas de la ciudad de Medellín y se realizó una encuesta de factores de riesgo a los propietarios. Materiales y Métodos: Fueron analizados por inmunoensayo cromatográfico 441 muestras de suero de caninos cuyos dueños aceptaron responder a una encuesta epidemiológica para explorar factores de riesgo de transmisión de brucelosis canina a la población humana. Resultados: La seroprevalencia de brucelosis fue 2,76 % (IC: 1,11 %- 4,42 %) siendo mayor para las comunas Buenos Aires (6,9 %) y Villa Hermosa (5,7 %). La mayor seroprevalencia fue en machos (4,6 %), caninos criollos (4,8 %), menores de un año (3,7 %), caninos de viviendas con fuentes de agua cercanas (4,5 %), y en aquellos que han permanecido con el dueño por más de 5 meses (3,1 %). La raza presentó asociación con la presencia de anticuerpos (p < 0,05). La seroprevalencia aumentó a 7,5 % cuando la vivienda era compartida con otros animales domésticos. Se encontró mayor seroprevalencia entre los caninos que habitaban en viviendas sin suministro de agua potable (6,7 %) y sin conexión de acueducto y alcantarillado (7,7 %). Para ninguna de estas variables se encontró asociación con la presencia de anticuerpos. Conclusión: El riesgo de transmisión a los humanos de esta zoonosis emergente en circunstancias diferentes a las de índole ocupacional, como son los ambientes domésticos, puede considerarse en aumento si persisten o se incrementan los factores de riesgo que se exploraron en este estudio.

Objective: Determining Brucella canis prevalence in domestic dogs (pets) from 11 districts in Medellín. A survey of risk factors was also carried out. Materials and Methods: Immunoassay was used for analysing441 dog serum samples and several risk factors regarding their owners and some related to the immediate environment were established. Results: Brucellosis prevalence was 2.76 % (1.11-4.42 95 %CI), being highestin the Buenos Aires (6.9 %) and Villa Hermosa districts (5.7%). Seroprevalence was higher in male dogs (4.6 %),mongrels (4.8 %),dogs less than one year old (3.7 %), in homes having nearby water sources (4.5 %) andindogs living with their owners for more than five months (3.1 %).The dogs’ breed was associated with antibody presence (p<0.05). Seroprevalence became increased to 7.5 % when the home was shared with other pets. Higher prevalence was found when the dogs lived in homes without drinking water (6.7 %) and homes lacking a fixed water supply or sewerage connection (7.7 %). No association was found for any of the aforementioned variables with the presence of antibodies. Conclusion: Apart from cases involving occupational risk, the risk ofBrucella canistransmission to humans in domestic settings may increase if the aforementioned risk factors continue increasing in urban areas, such as those explored in this study.

Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis, leptospirosis and brucellosis in sugarcane fieldworkers in Trinidad and Tobago / Seroprevalencia de la toxoplasmosis, la leptospirosis y la brucelosis en los trabajadores de las plantaciones de caña de azúcar en Trinidad y Tobago

Sugarcane field-workers, like rice field-workers, livestock farmers and abattoir workers are known to be occupationally exposed to zoonotic agents. The study determined the seroprevalence of immunoglobulins to Toxoplasma gondii (IgM), Leptospira spp (IgM) and Brucella abortus (IgG) in sugarcane field-workers across weighing stations in the island of Trinidad. In addition, the association of risk factors to infections by the three zoonoses was investigated. Blood samples were collected from consenting apparently healthy sugarcane field-workers across the island of Trinidad. Current/acute infection in individuals was determined in the sera of individuals using the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for T gondii IgM antibodies, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Leptospira spp IgM immunoglobulins and both buffered plate agglutination test (BPAT) and competitive ELISA for B abortus IgG antibodies. The seroprevalence of IgM immunoglobulins to T gondii was 15.7% (64 of 407) and to Leptospira spp was 0.7% (5 of 704) and the difference was statistically significant (p 0 < 0.05; χ2). All 704 samples tested for B abortus IgG immunoglobulins were negative. All risk factors (age, gender, race and type of work done) were not statistically significantly (p > 0.05; χ2) associated with infections by T gondii and Leptospira spp. It was concluded that sugarcane field-workers in Trinidad were at high risk of acute toxoplasmosis and, to a lesser extent, to leptospirosis. The fact that the four risk factors studied were not significantly associated with T gondiiand Leptospira spp infections suggests that they may not be important in the epidemiology of both diseases in the population studied.

Se sabe que los trabajadores de las plantaciones de caña de azúcar - al igual que los trabajadores de los campos de arroz, la ganadería y los mataderos - se hallan expuestos a agentes zoonóticos debido a su ocupación. El estudio determinó la seroprevalencia de las inmunoglobulinas en relación con Toxoplasma gondii (IgM), Leptospira spp (IgM) y Brucella abortus (IgG) en los trabajadores cañeros a lo largo de las estaciones de pesaje en la isla de Trinidad. Además, se investigó la asociación de factores de riesgo de infecciones por las tres formas de zoonosis. Se obtuvieron muestras de sangre a lo largo de la isla de Trinidad, tomadas de trabajadores cañeros de apariencia saludable, que dieron su consentimiento. La infección aguda presente en los individuos, fue determinada en sus sueros mediante el inmunoensayo enzimático (IEE) para anticuerpos de T gondii IgM, el ensayo inmunosorbente vinculado a enzimas (ELISA) para inmunoglobulinas frente a Leptospira spp IgM, y la prueba de aglutinación tamponada en placa (BPAT) así como el ELISA competitivo para anticuerpos de B abortus IgG. Palabras claves: toxoplasmosis, leptospirosis, brucelosis, trabajadores cañeros, Trinidad. La seroprevalencia de inmunoglobulinas IgM para T gondii fue de 15,7% (64 de 407) en tanto que para la Leptospira spp fue 0,7% (5 de 704). La diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (p 0 < 0.05; c²). Las 704 muestras sometidas a la prueba de inmunoglobulinas para B abortus IgG, fueron negativas. Los factores de riesgo (edad, género, raza y tipo de trabajo realizado) no estuvieron significativamente asociados (p > 0.05; c²) de manera estadística con las infecciones por T gondii y Leptospira spp Se llegó a la conclusión de que los trabajadores cañeros de Trinidad presentaban un alto riesgo de toxoplasmosis aguda y, en menor medida, de leptospirosis. El hecho de que los cuatro factores de riesgo estudiados no estaban significativamente asociadas con T gondiiy a infecciones de Leptospira spp, sugiere que puede que no sean importantes en la epidemiología de ambas enfermedades en la población estudiada.

Evaluation of oxidative status in patients with brucellosis

Oxidative stress can be defined as an increase in oxidants and/or a decrease in antioxidant capacity. We aimed to determine total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total peroxide, malondialdehyde and catalase levels in plasma samples, and calculation of oxidative stress index (OSI) in patients with brucellosis to evaluate their oxidative status using a novel automated method. Sixty-nine patients with brucellosis and 69 healthy control subjects were included in the present study. Plasma levels of total peroxide and malondialdehyde were significantly increased in patients as compared with healthy controls (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). In contrast, TAC level was significantly lower in patients as compared with controls (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the catalase results of the two groups (p>0.05). OSI level was significantly increased in patients as compared with healthy controls (p<0.001). In conclusion, oxidants were increased and antioxidants were decreased in patients with brucellosis. Oxidative stress was increased in patients with brucellosis.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Brucellosis among Slaughterhouse Workers in Korea / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: The incidence of zoonoses in Korea has increased recently. However, the study of high risk groups for zoonoses has not been conducted to date in Korea. Thus, we did this study to obtain data on brucellosis among slaughterhouse workers in Korea. METHODS: We evaluated the structure of slaughterhouses and the process of slaughtering by reviewing the relevant literature and doing field studies. We visited 73 slaughterhouses and 62 residual products handle houses across the country. In addition, we conducted a questionnaire survey of the work activities, and obtained blood samples in order to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis. The titers of brucellosis antibodies were measured using the standard tube agglutination test (SAT). We diagnosed subjects as seropositive for Brucellosis if the titers were more than 1:160. The data collected was evaluated using SPSS ver. 17.0. RESULTS: We included 1,503 subjects and obtained 1,482 blood samples among them: 849 workers involved in slaughtering, 351 handlers of residual products, 190 inspectors and their assistants, and 92 grading testers and their assistants. The seroprevalence of brucellosis among the slaughterhouse workers was 0.8% (95% CI=0.4-1.5). Broken down, the seroprevalence of brucellosis among the workers involved in slaughtering was 0.7% (95% CI=0.3-1.6), the handlers of residual products was 1.7% (95% CI=0.7-3.9) respectively. Risk factors for contracting brucellosis among slaughterhouse workers were being splashed with cattle blood around the mouth, cattle secretions around the body and not putting on protective apron while at work. CONCLUSIONS: An educational program is needed for high risk groups on zoonoses about the prevention of infection. Thus, effective working guidelines for workers who participate in the slaughter of animals must be developed in order to protect them from zoonoses.

Evaluation of different serological techniques in laboratory diagnosis of brucellosis.

Diagnosis of brucellosis is vital for early institution of proper therapy as untreated cases may progress to chronic stage. Though the demonstration of the causative agent in blood is considered as the most conclusive test in the diagnosis of brucellosis, isolation of brucella organism by blood culture is relatively low. Hence a number of sensitive and rapid serological tests have been introduced for the diagnosis of brucellosis. In the present study, an attempt was made to compare the efficacies of existing serological tests such as agglutination reaction with newer rapid tests which help in the detection of either specific antigen or antibody. The study included specimens from 80 patients clinically suspected to be suffering from brucellosis and 20 apparently healthy controls. All serum samples were subjected for evidence of brucellosis by five serological tests viz, standard tube agglutination test, 2-mercaptoethanol test, modified antiglobulin test, counter immuno-electrophoresis and passive haemagglutination test for antibody detection and two serological tests viz, counter immunoelectrophoresis and latex agglutination test for antigen detection. Eighty blood samples were processed for microbiological evidence of brucellosis and yielded only 8 isolates of Brucella melitensis of biotype 1. By standard tube agglutination test, 25 sera showed titre of brucella agglutinins equal to more than the diagnostic titre (i.e., more than or equal to 160 IU). Counter immuno-electrophoresis test and latex agglutination showed presence of antigen in 3 and 4 blood culture negative cases respectively.

Neurobrucellosis: report of a case with CVA manifestation

Although neurological symptoms in brucellosis are frequent, central nervous system [CNS] involvement is uncommon. A 42-year-old man was admitted with an episode of faint without loss of consciousness, right hemi paresis, diplopia and headache lasting for four days. The neurological examination revealed left hemi paresis. Limitation of gazing in left eye in lateral view was seen [partial paresis of 6[th] cranial nerve]. The results of laboratory examinations show positive Wright and Coombs Wright in blood and C.S.F. In the brain CT scan hydrocephaly and in magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] some brain atrophy, few high signal foci in the deep with mater had been detected. Treatment included concurrent administration of three drugs: doxycycline, rifampicin and co-trimoxazole. This patient fully recovered. We suggest that Neurobrucellosis [NB] should always be sought in young patients with ischemic stroke, especially if they do not have any additional risk factors for stroke and live in an endemic area for brucellosis, even if they do not have other systemic signs of brucellosis

Infectious diseases presenting by fever and hepatomegaly

The present study included 51 patients presenting by infectious fever and hepatomegaly. They were admitted to Abbassia and Embaba Fever Hospitals. Patients were subjected to careful history, thorough clinical examination, complete blood picture, urine and stool examination, repeated blood, urine and stool cultures during fever spikes. Slide and tube agglutination test for typhoid and brucella fevers. Mononucleosis diseases were diagnosed by Monospot test, Epstein Barr IgM and G, Cytomegalovirus IgM and G and Toxoplasmosis by indirect fluorescent test. Abdominal U.S., C.T scan and bone marrow examination whenever needed. Fifty one cases included 31[61%] bacterial cases, 12 [23%] mononucleosis cases and 8 [16%] parasitic cases. Thirty one bacterial group included 11[35%] brucella cases, 7 [23%] extrapulmonary tuberculosis, 5 [16%] urinary tract infection, 4 [13%] gram negative septicaemia and 4 [13%] deep seated abscesses. Twelve cases of mononucleosis cases included 6 [50%] infectious mononucleosis, 4 [33%] cytomegalovirus and 2 [17%] toxoplasmosis cases. Eight cases of parasitological group included 4 [50%] malaria cases, 2 [25%] fasciola cases, 1 [12.5%] amoebic liver abscess and 1 [12.5%] due to kala azar. Two [4%] cases died in our series; 1 due to gram negative septicaemia and the other due to kala azar. Cases are discussed and interpreted

Brucellosis in high risk group individuals.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of brucellosis among high-risk group individuals, consisting of veterinarians and para-veterinarians, shepherds, butchers and animal owners. METHODS: The present work was carried out at Project Directorate on Animal Disease Monitoring and Surveillance, Bangalore, by using the recently developed indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibodies to Brucella abortus. RESULTS: The results were compared with the conventional serological tests, Rose Bengal plate test and standard tube agglutination test. The result showed that the indirect ELISA was more sensitive than the conventional tests. Of 618 tested, the disease of prevalence was at 41.23% in veterinary inspectors, 30.92% in veterinary assistants, 12.37% in veterinary officers, 6.18% in veterinary supervisors, 6.18% in Group D workers, 2.06% in shepherds and 1.03% in butchers. CONCLUSIONS: This study results highlight the immediate necessity to institute control measures to control Brucellosis.

[Improved Diagnosis of brucella in human serum samples by double PCR assay]

Brucellae are gram-negative intracellular pathogens which cause zoonotic disease in humans. Clinical manifestations of brucellosis in human are variable and often are non-specific, and the diagnosis requires fast and accurate confirmation. Since the usc of serum instead of whole-blood samples offers several advantages for nucleic acid amplification methods, in this study we developed an improved PCR assay for the rapid and specific laboratory diagnosis of human brucellosis directly from serum specimens. DNA was extracted from 100 microL of serum from 30 patients with acute serologic brucellosis. The PCR reaction was carried out with Specific primers. Second PCR reaction for reamplification of the first reaction products was designed. A 223 bp conserved region on the sequence encoding the 31-KDa immunogenic outer membrane protein which is specific to the genus Brucella [BCSP31] and present in all its biovars was amplified in all serum samples. For confirmation and efficient amplification of the specific target, reamplification of the first PCR products had a sharper banding patterns with high sensitivity and specificity that might be considered as a new useful method for diagnosis of human brucellosis in serum specimens

Brucellosis and dengue fever A co infection or cross reactivity?

Brucellosis and Dengue fever can present with acute febrile illness with other nonspecific symptoms and share common haematological and biochemical abnormalities making their clinical differentiation a diagnostic challenge. We present two cases admitted with acute febrile illness and other nonspecific symptoms. In both patients diagnosis of brucellosis was confirmed by positive blood culture and or positive serology by tube agglutination test method, in both patients Dengue virus 1gM and or IgG was also positive. This may represent co-infection or cross-reactivity between serological tests used for the diagnosis of brucellosis and dengue fever. To the best of our knowledge this has not been previously reported. Both these cases are presented here to share our experience with others

Seroprevalence of human brucellosis in a rural area of Western Anatolia, Turkey.

This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of human brucellosis and identify the potential risk factors in a rural area of Western Anatolia, Turkey. A simple random-sampling method was used for identifying 1,052 subjects for the study. Blood samples, collected from all the subjects, were studied following the methods of Rose Bengal slide agglutination and standard tube agglutination tests. One thousand and one samples (95.2%) were seronegative, and 51 (4.8%) were seropositive. There was a statistically significant correlation between seropositivity and age, sex, consuming fresh cheese and cream made from unboiled milk (p values 0.005, 0.019, <0.001, and <0.001 respectively). Seropositivity was not related to educational level (0.270). It is concluded that pasteurization of milk and dairy products and education regarding eating habits must be pursued for eradication of human brucellosis from rural areas. The findings of the study suggest that human brucellosis is still an important public-health problem in the western Anatolia region of Turkey, especially in rural areas.