Direct detection of brucella species in blood clots from live- stock in Northern Tanzania
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Brucellosis is an endemic zoonotic disease of public health priority in many sub-Saharan
countries, where robust tools for detection of Brucella in animal populations are needed for sur-
veillance. Blood collected from 501 animals at a ranch suspecting brucellosis was tested for Brucella
infection using molecular and serological techniques. Information on animal species, sex and
abortion history were recorded. Blood clot DNA extracts were tested using two Brucella spp. genus
specific targets, IS711 and bcsp31. Samples positive for both targets were subjected to a multiplex
species-specific assay targeting alkB for B. abortus and BMEI1162 for B. melitensis. All sera were
tested using the Rose Bengal test. Brucella spp. DNA was detected by qPCR in a total of 58 (11.6%)
of 501 blood samples. B. abortus was identified in 18 and B. melitensis in 22 of the 58 samples posi-
tive for Brucella spp. A total of 73 (14.6%) of 501 sera tested positive by RBT with poor agreement
(kappa = 0.102) between the RBT and Brucella spp. qPCR assay results. Brucella abortus was found
in cattle and goats, while B. melitensis was detected in cattle, sheep and goats. These findings sup-
port the use of molecular assays alongside serology in brucellosis surveillance programs.
Description
Article
Keywords
Brucellosis, Livestock, Blood clots, qPCR assays, Tanzania