Brucella Pcr Lab Test

[Ane Neemann]

Brucellosisis a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella species, a genus of gram-negative, facultative intracellular, small rod-shaped bacteria. There are several strains of Brucella that infect both humans and animals. Brucella canis is the most common species of Brucella that infects dogs, although dogs can also be infected with B. suis, B. abortus, and B. melitensis (1).

Infected dogs shed B. canis in vaginal secretions, particularly during estrus and parturition, and in aborted tissue; B. canis can also be shed in semen, urine, and to a lesser extent in saliva, blood and feces (8). Horizontal transmission of B. canis can occur in settings where dogs are in close proximity, including shelters or kennels. Frequently, transmission occurs during breeding, and vertical transmission from dam to offspring can also occur (1). Therefore, it is prudent to test dogs for evidence of B. canis infection prior to introduction to group-housing settings, and in particular, prior to breeding.

The Canine Brucella Multiplex Assay was developed at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University. It detects antibodies to two different B. canis antigens in canine serum (Figure 1). The test is based on antigen-coated fluorescent beads and simultaneously measures antibodies against both antigens in a single sample. Measuring antibodies against both antigens provides enhanced sensitivity for the detection of Brucella-specific antibodies in canine serum. Seroconversion following infection with B. canis typically requires at least 3-4 weeks, but may take as long as 8-12 weeks (1).

A negative test result for both antigens provides a strong indication that antibodies against Brucella were not present in the sample. All samples containing antibodies against PO1 and/or BP26 antigens are tested for confirmation by Canine Brucella Slide Agglutination/AGID II tests at the AHDC.

For detection of antibodies to B. canis, submit 2mL of canine serum. Serum should be collected in a red top blood tube. The entire red blood tube or isolated serum should be shipped by overnight shipment on an ice pack to the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University. For more information, please see the submission page.

Samples are tested every day (Mon-Fri), and results are available one to three business days after the sample arrives in the laboratory. Consultation on B. canis diagnostic testing is available by contacting one of our Diagnostic Intelligence Officers on our Veterinary Support Services team or the Bacteriology Laboratory at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University.

Doctors usually confirm a diagnosis of brucellosis by testing blood or bone marrow for the brucella bacteria or by testing blood for antibodies to the bacteria. To help detect complications of brucellosis, your doctor may order additional tests, including:

Treatment for brucellosis aims to relieve symptoms, prevent a relapse of the disease and avoid complications. You'll need to take antibiotics for at least six weeks, and your symptoms may not go away completely for several months. The disease may also return and become chronic.

A diagnosis of brucellosis depends on understanding whether, how and when you were exposed to the bacteria that cause the disease. You can help your doctor by being prepared with as much information as possible.

Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.

Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.

A normal (negative) result usually means you have not come in contact with the bacteria that causes brucellosis. However, this test may not detect the disease at an early stage. Your provider may have you come back for another test in 10 days to 3 weeks.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

However, this positive result does not mean that you have an active infection. Your provider will have you repeat the test after a few weeks to see if the test result increases. This increase is more likely to be a sign of a current infection.

There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Reviewed by: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Brucellosis is a contagious, infectious, and communicable disease, primarily affecting cattle, bison, and swine, and is caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Brucella abortus (B. abortus) primarily affects bovine species; however, goats, sheep, and horses are also susceptible. B. suis primarily affects porcine species; and a third strain, B. melitensis, primarily affects goats and sheep. A fourth strain, B. ovis, which primarily affects sheep, exists in the United States but it does not cause significant disease problems. Currently, there is no program or initiative to establish a program for the control of B. ovis or B. melitensis.

In its principal animal hosts, brucellosis causes loss of young through spontaneous abortion or birth of weak offspring, reduced milk production, and infertility. It can affect both animals and humans. Brucellosis is transmitted from animals by direct contact with infected blood, placentas, fetuses, or uterine secretions, or through the consumption of infected and raw animal products (especially milk and milk products). There is no economically feasible treatment for brucellosis in livestock.

The regulations of the APHIS Brucellosis Eradication Program vary based on the brucellosis status of each State. Minimum standards are set forth in the Brucellosis Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules (226.42 KB), a publication distributed by VS; however, some States have more restrictive requirements. Check with the appropriate APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) Area Offices for testing and vaccination policies. Contact the State or Federal animal health officials in your State to obtain all necessary forms, mailers, identification tags, and other items required for both vaccinating and testing eligible animals. (Fees may apply.)

When preparing to test and certify an animal for international export, follow the requirements found in the National Center for Import and Export, Animal Regulations Library and then contact the APHIS VS Area Offices for additional guidance.

VS Form 4-54, Brucellosis Test Record - Market Cattle Testing Program, is used for brucellosis tests conducted as part of the Market Cattle Testing Program. This program governs the testing of cattle and bison at markets (first point of concentration) or slaughter. (See Appendix D for an example of this form and instructions for completing it.)

Take proper precautions by wearing protective gloves and eyewear when in contact with animals being tested. Avoid direct contact with any retained placenta, vaginal discharges, aborted fetuses, and other reproductive tissues, as these materials are potential sources of transmission of brucellosis.

Note: If the animal has an approved official identification tag (e.g., NUES, RFID, etc.) in place, record the information from that eartag on the VS Form 4-33, and do not place a new official USDA metal or RFID eartag in the ear.

The details of eradicating brucellosis from herds known to be infected are beyond the scope of this guidance. Your State animal health official, the APHIS VS Area Offices for your State, and your local regulatory veterinarian will work with you and your client to develop a herd plan.

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Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.3 mL) Parallel testing is preferred and convalescent specimens must be received within 30 days from receipt of the acute specimens.

Cross-reactions may occur between Brucella and F. tularensis antigens and antisera; therefore, parallel tests should be run with these antigens. A fourfold rise in titer is considered diagnostic. A single serum titer of 1:80 or 1:160 is suggestive of brucellosis when accompanied by a compatible clinical course in a patient with a history of potential exposures.

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