Special Precautions/Comments:

N.B. This test is unable to differentiate between Brucella species.

Interferences: Prior exposure to brucella may produce false positive results. As such all results should be interpreted with caution.

Method:  Screening assay to detect total brucella antibodies (IgG/IgM). Specific immunoassays for the detection of IgG and IgM respectfully. Screening results suggestive of active infection will be further tested by pan-genus assay Brucella PCR. Calibration: – EQA scheme: – IQC: –

Interpretation: Results are reported according to their serology titres. All results must be interpreted with caution. False negative results may occur in early infection; where there is strong clinical suspicion of brucellosis please send a repeat sample in 4-6 weeks time. False positive results may occur if the patient has had prior exposure to brucella.

For further information contact Virology Department, Liverpool Clinical Laboratories, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen Hospital.

 

Additional Information:

Please provide a detailed travel history where possible.

Background information: Brucellosis is a non-endemic disease and as such is still relatively rare within the UK. Typically, patients testing positive for Brucella will have acquired it abroad, in high risk regions such as the Mediterranean or Middle East.

There have been few reported cases of zoonotic brucellosis in humans, namely B. canis, B. ceti and B.pinnipedialis. Although extremely rare, please provide clinical detail if brucellosis is suspected and the patient has been in contact with imported dogs or marine mammals (dolphins, whales, seals, sea lions).

Keywords: Brucella, brucellosis, foreign travel, Mediterranean, Middle East