Brucellosis in AL-Kharj regions of Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

The study determined the sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of serologic response in brucellosis by analysis of 150 consecutive positive serologic tests in Al-Kharj regions of Saudi Arabia. In one year 150 positive patients who had a titer of 1/160 or more were identified. Brucella species was recoved in 21% of blood cultures. The expected greater number of Brucella cultures with high recorded titer was confirmed; 15% of the positive high-titer group had positive Brucella cultures. The lower titers were unuseful as indicators of active disease in this population in which many people have persistent low antibody levels due to endemicity of the disease