CDC utilizes a test called the Brucella microagglutination test (BMAT), a modified version of the serum (tube) agglutination test (SAT), that can detect antibodies to Brucella species – abortus, melitensis or suis.
Brucellosis can be diagnosed in a laboratory by finding bacteria in samples of blood, bone marrow or other bodily fluids. Serological tests can also be done to detect antibodies against the bacteria.
The tube agglutination test, developed by Bruce, measures antibodies against smooth lipopolysaccharide (LPS); it remains the most popular test tool for the diagnosis of brucellosis.
There are various assays available for the diagnosis of Brucella infection, including molecular, serological, and microbiological tests. Culture is the gold standard method for Brucella detection, but the sensitivity of blood culture had a wide range, from 10% to 90% [7].
People with brucellosis may develop fever, sweats, headaches, back pains, and physical weakness. In severe cases, the central nervous system and the lining of the heart may be affected. One form of the illness may also cause long-lasting symptoms, including recurrent fevers, joint pain, and fatigue.
Brucellosis can affect almost any part of your body, including your reproductive system, liver, heart and central nervous system. Chronic brucellosis may cause complications in just one organ or throughout your body. Possible complications include: Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers (endocarditis).
Hematological inflammatory markers of brucellosis include mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR).
An abnormal (positive) result usually means you have come in contact with the bacteria that causes brucellosis or a closely related bacteria. 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.
Differential Diagnosis
Epstein bar virus infectious mononucleosis. Infective endocarditis. Influenza. Leptospirosis.
High fever (over 103 degrees Fahrenheit/39.4 degrees Celsius). Severe abdominal (stomach) pain. Confusion or other mental changes.
Infected Kennels
The best way to clear a kennel of brucellosis is to test all dogs in the kennel every 4 weeks until all of them have had two consecutive negative tests. Dogs that are positive for brucellosis should be removed from the kennel as soon as possible. There is no cure.
Brucella Antibody Rapid Test Kit is a qualitative colloidal gold-based lateral flow immunochromatographic assay for the detection of Brucella Antibody. Optimal dilutions/concentrations should be determined by the end user.
White blood cell count is normal or is reduced among most of Brucellosis patients, accounting for 90.73% (137/151); the patients whose eosinophils are reduced account for 75.50% (114/151) and those whose eosinophils disappear are about 18.54% (28/151).
Generally, the antibiotics doxycycline and rifampin are recommended in combination for a minimum of 6-8 weeks.
Rose Bengal is a rapid plate agglutination test that uses a suspension of Brucella abortus in an acid buffer. It is able to detect agglutinating and nonagglutinating antibodies, and avoids the prozone phenomenon.
05). In conclusion, brucella antibodies of 1:320 or higher can persist for more than 2 years after successful treatment and clinical cure.
Titers above 25 IU/ml were considered positive for IgG, and above 20 IU/ml were considered positive for IgM. Titers were considered uncertain between 25 and 20 IU/ml for IgG, and between 20 and 15 IU/ml for IgM.
Negative to a titer of 1:40 or higher can be seen in the normal, healthy population. A titer of 1:80 or greater is often considered clinically significant(2); however, a 4-fold or greater increase in titer between acute and convalescent phase sera is required to diagnose acute infection.
Brucella-infected cells are activated to express IL-1 beta and IL-6 at both the mRNA and protein levels15. Several markers of inflammation have been used in diagnosis of bacterial infections. One of these markers is C-reactive protein (CRP) 16.
Brucella-specific IgM antibodies are produced in the first week after the disease onset, reaching a maximum after two months. On the other hand, IgG antibodies are detected after the second week of infection, attaining a peak level of six to eight weeks later.
Involvement of the musculoskeletal system is the most common complication of brucellosis, while meningitis and endocarditis are life-threatening complications.
Brucellosis can also cause long-lasting or chronic symptoms such as recurrent fevers, joint pain, testicular swelling, heart infections, nervous system impairment, depression, and fatigue. Death from brucellosis is rare.
Knee, hip and ankle joints are among the most common peripheral regions affected by brucellosis and these patients present with arthritis[15,70]. Shoulders, wrists, elbows, interphalangeal and sternoclavicular joints may also be involved[28,69,71].
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: X-rays. X-rays can reveal changes in your bones and joints.