Abstract

CISTERNA, C. et al. Serological diagnosis of brucellosis in goats: comparison of techniques. InVet [online]. 2015, vol.17, n.2, pp.203-210. ISSN 1668-3498.

Goat production is an important item in the agricultural system of Argentina and brucellosis caused by Brucella melitensis is considered the main cause reproductive problems in this species. Although definitive diagnosis for this disease is made by isolation of the etiologic agent, but in practice the health status of a herd was evaluated by serological techniques indirect testing. To evaluate and compare the performance of different serological tests for diagnosis of brucellosis in goats, serum samples were analyzed. The following tests were performed: buffered plate antigen (BPA), rose bengal (RB RB 3% and 8%), fluorescence polarization (FPA) and the test tube and 2-mercaptoethanol (SAT/2ME). The validity of each test was determined in a relative manner by combination of indirect ELISA (IELISA) and complement fixation (CF). BPA was the most sensitive test, followed by SAT/2ME, 3% RB, FPA and, finally, RB 8%. FPA test, when used in series with BPA, significantly improved overall specificity. Based on these results it was proposed for brucellosis diagnosis in goats, BPA as a screening test, FPA as complementary test, and FC and IELISA as confirmatory tests. SAT/2ME is recommended only when it is not possible to perform other tests, due to the toxic effects of SAT/2ME reagents.

Keywords : Brucellosis; Diagnosis; Goats.