Prevalence of brucella agglutinins among man and cattle in Iraq

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of BrucelIa agglutinins among man and dairy cattle was studied using standard agglutination techniques. The card agglutination test was used as a screening test and the tube agglutination test for confirmation of positive results. blood samples were collected from farmers, workers and administrative personnel at 11 dairy production stations and the central dairy products factory, and from cattle of nine dairy production stations. Out of 910 human serum samples 13[1.4%] and 5[0.6%] were positive by card test and tube agglutination test respectively. Sera from 19 [4.3%] and 8 [1.8%] of 441 animal serum samples were positive for brucellosis by card test and tube agglutination test, respectively. The public health importance of the disease and the need for further studies are discussed