Search

Background: Timely diagnosis of brucellosis is the starting point for effective programs to control brucellosis in humans and animals. Aims: This study aimed to detect Brucella infection in milk samples from livestock in Famenin, an endemic region of western Iran, using a milk ring test and molecular techniques. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 738 raw milk samples were randomly collected from cattle, sheep, and goats. Milk samples were screened using the milk ring test (MRT). In addition, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was applied to detect Brucella spp. in all MRT-positive samples. DNA from the milk samples was extracted and used for PCR using the BCSP31 and IS711 loci. Results: Of the samples tested using MRT, 46 (6.23%, 95% CI: 2.83-9.63%) yielded positive results. Of the 46 seropositive samples, 42 (91.30%) were from sheep and 4 (8.70%) were from goats, while no bovine samples had positive MRT results. PCR analysis confirmed that 78.26% (36/46) of MRT-positive samples belonged to the genus Brucella. Furthermore, 83.33% (30/36) of the confirmed samples were identified as B. melitensis, while 16.66% (6/36) were identified as B. abortus. Conclusion: The results obtained from MRT evaluation of milk samples did not align entirely with the findings of the molecular examinations. The PCR method has minimal biological contamination and high sensitivity and accuracy, especially for determining Brucella species. Raw milk should be routinely assessed for Brucella contamination. This work is necessary to identify hidden infections and break the chain of transmission of brucellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is a significant infection that causes abortion, decreased milk production, and sterility in livestock, which greatly affects the industry. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Brucella in buffalo milk samples across various regions of Iran, utilizing serological, molecular, and cultural analyses. A total of 1860 buffalo milk samples were collected from industrial, semi-industrial, and traditional buffalo farms in four major buffalo breeding provinces. The milk ring test agglutination test (MRT) was initially conducted on all milk samples, followed by culture and molecular testing for positive and negative samples in MRT. The study revealed positive results for the presence of Brucella DNA in various provinces of Iran. The MRT had a relatively low sensitivity, with results ranging from 0 to 0.7% in different provinces. However, the AMOS PCR method showed a significantly higher presence of Brucella DNA, ranging from 13 to 46% in these provinces. The highest abundance of Brucella bacterial DNA was found in Ardabil province, while the lowest was in West Azerbaijan province. Brucella abortus was the most commonly detected bacteria, followed by Brucella melitensis. Interestingly, the B. abortus vaccine strain RB51 was detected in 26.3% of positive samples of B. abortus. The culture assay of milk samples further confirmed the presence of B. melitensis biovar 1 in one sample from Khuzestan province. Overall, the study emphasizes that the AMOS PCR method is the most sensitive in detecting Brucella-exposed milk, while the sensitivity of milk sample culture and MRT is relatively lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is an important bacterial zoonosis responsible for considerable economic losses in livestock and health-related burden worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in communal and smallholder cattle farming in four districts of the North West province of South Africa (Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Ngaka Modiri Molema, Bojanala platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda districts). Seven hundred and seventy blood samples from farmed animals (n = 378) and abattoir-slaughtered animals (n = 392) were collected. In addition, milk samples (n = 22) were collected from lactating farmed cows. Rose Bengal test (RBT), complement fixation test (CFT) and milk ring test (MRT) were used to detect antibodies against Brucella species. The RBT showed a seroprevalence of 2% at 95% confidence interval (CI: 1.35–3.35), CFT confirmed an overall seroprevalence of 1.95% (95% CI: 1.14–3.12) for all four districts sampled. Although the seroprevalence of brucellosis was found to be low, the possibility of undetected cases of the disease could not be ruled out. Overall, the findings of this study confirmed that brucellosis is endemic in the surveyed areas of the North West province of South Africa. Contribution: The outcome of this study will contribute to the National Brucellosis Project organised by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (2016–2026) to assist in the effective implementation of the disease control measures with a view to prevent further outbreaks in the country’s cattle population.

This study evaluated if the milk ring test (MRT) used to the brucellosis diagnostic at dairy herd level can be done in milk samples with conservative (Bronopol®) collected to the somatic cell count (SCC) that is used to mastitis monitoring. It were analyzed 38 bulk tank milk samples (BTMS) from 19 dairy herds artisanal cheese producers and 36 BTMS from a brucellosis free dairy herd, used as negative control (NC) and positive control (PC), when was added serum from vaccinated animals. The milk samples were collected in two different bottles (with or without Bronopol®). All the 38 BTMS from artisanal cheese producers (samples with and without Bronopol®) were non-reagent to MRT, as all NC. All PC were reagent to MRT, without interference of Bronopol®. Results showed that the milk sample used to SCC presented the proportion of agreement of results in all milk samples (100%), that is, false positive and false negative results were not observed. Results indicated that Bronopol® did not interfere with the color in the time of MRT reading suggesting that the same milk samples could be used to monitoring mastitis and brucellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is an important bacterial zoonosis responsible for considerable economic losses in livestock and health-related burden worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in communal and smallholder cattle farming in four districts of the North West province of South Africa (Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Ngaka Modiri Molema, Bojanala platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda districts). Seven hundred and seventy blood samples from farmed animals (n = 378) and abattoir-slaughtered animals (n = 392) were collected. In addition, milk samples (n = 22) were collected from lactating farmed cows. Rose Bengal test (RBT), complement fixation test (CFT) and milk ring test (MRT) were used to detect antibodies against Brucella species. The RBT showed a seroprevalence of 2% at 95% confidence interval (CI: 1.35-3.35), CFT confirmed an overall seroprevalence of 1.95% (95% CI: 1.14-3.12) for all four districts sampled. Although the seroprevalence of brucellosis was found to be low, the possibility of undetected cases of the disease could not be ruled out. Overall, the findings of this study confirmed that brucellosis is endemic in the surveyed areas of the North West province of South Africa. Contribution: The outcome of this study will contribute to the National Brucellosis Project organised by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (2016-2026) to assist in the effective implementation of the disease control measures with a view to prevent further outbreaks in the country's cattle population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis remains a serious infection to human and animal populations in developing countries with detrimental effects on public health. The study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of brucellosis in cow and buffaloes at Erbil Governorate, Iraq by detection anti-Brucella antibodies and isolation of Brucella species. A total of 265 blood samples (140 from cows and 125 from buffaloes) were collected from villages around Erbil city, and 320 raw milk samples (170 from cow and 150 from buffaloes) were randomly collected from dairy farms during the period from July to December 2019. The results showed an overall seroprevalence of 11.7% according to rose Bengal test (RBT). The isolation of Brucella abortus was 7/19 (36.8%) and 12 / 19 (63.2%), while 9/24 (37.5%) and 15 /24 (62.5%) were Brucella melitensis from cattle and buffaloes milk samples, respectively. Noticeable increase in occurrence was found in November (20.8%), while the lowest rate was seen in July (5.9%). In conclusion, brucellosis is still a significant public health hazard in Erbil Governorate. Based on the test performance, the study recommends MRT as a rapid screening test for detecting brucellosis in milk in farms, centers, and dairy factories. Consumers are also recommended to adequately pasteurize the milk in order to kill this milk-borne pathogen before consumption

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated if the milk ring test (MRT) used to the brucellosis diagnostic at dairy herd level can be done in milk samples with conservative (Bronopol®) collected to the somatic cell count (SCC) that is used to mastitis monitoring. It were analyzed 38 bulk tank milk samples (BTMS) from 19 dairy herds artisanal cheese producers and 36 BTMS from a brucellosis free dairy herd, used as negative control (NC) and positive control (PC), when was added serum from vaccinated animals. The milk samples were collected in two different bottles (with or without Bronopol®). All the 38 BTMS from artisanal cheese producers (samples with and without Bronopol®) were non-reagent to MRT, as all NC. All PC were reagent to MRT, without interference of Bronopol®. Results showed that the milk sample used to SCC presented the proportion of agreement of results in all milk samples (100%), that is, false positive and false negative results were not observed. Results indicated that Bronopol® did not interfere with the color in the time of MRT reading suggesting that the same milk samples could be used to monitoring mastitis and brucellosis.

Abstract Objectives The purpose and objective of this research was to explore the prevalence of antibodies against Brucella species in raw milk samples collected in Southwestern Uganda, one of the biggest milk producing regions in the Country. We hypothesized that there is a high level of antibodies in milk samples from this region. This builds more evidence to other studies in the region on the level contamination of raw milk. Results A total of 185 raw milk samples, collected from dairy farms and factories in southwestern region, were tested for antibodies to Brucella spp. using the milk ring test (MRT) and indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (i-ELISA).We found a prevalence of 26.5% (49/185) by the two methods. This is related to previous reports in the region and adds more evidence on the need for further investigations to confirm the source of these antibodies and their relationship with disease in milk producing animals.

Objectives: The purpose and objective of this research was to explore the prevalence of antibodies against Brucella species in raw milk samples collected in Southwestern Uganda, one of the biggest milk producing regions in the Country. We hypothesized that there is a high level of antibodies in milk samples from this region. This builds more evidence to other studies in the region on the level contamination of raw milk. Results: A total of 185 raw milk samples, collected from dairy farms and factories in southwestern region, were tested for antibodies to Brucella spp. using the milk ring test (MRT) and indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (i-ELISA).We found a prevalence of 26.5% (49/185) by the two methods. This is related to previous reports in the region and adds more evidence on the need for further investigations to confrm the source of these antibodies and their relationship with disease in milk producing animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An epidemiological survey was conducted to identify probable risk factors and prevalence of brucellosis in commercial and backyard dairy cows at Chittagong, Bangladesh. A total of 500 milk samples were collected (250 commercial and 250 backyards) for Milk Ring Test (MRT). The MRT positive cows were subjected to sera collection and Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and indirect ELISA were done for confirmatory diagnosis. The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle was 5% (7.6% in commercial and 2.4% in backyard). Significantly higher (P

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by gram-negative bacteria Brucella that are pathogenic for a wide variety of animals and human beings. Brucellosis, in particular, is easily transmitted via raw milk. Despite its control in many countries, it remains endemic in Iran. The transmission of brucella from infected animals to humans occurs either by occupational contact or the consumption of contaminated animal products, especially milk, cream and fresh cheese. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of cow raw milk contamination by Brucella abortus in Parsabad region. A total of 64 cow's raw milk samples were collected using cluster random sampling method from Parsabad milk collection centers from March to April 2009. Samples were monitored for Brucella abortus antibodies using Milk Ring Test. Based on the results of this study, the occurrence of Brucella abortus was estimated as 37/5% in Parsabad region. It was concluded that the presence of Brucella abortus in bulk raw milks of Parsabad region is very probable. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the prevalence of Brucella abortus in bulk raw milks using the microbiological assays.

In this study, milk samples were collected from 109 dairy cows to detect antibodies against Brucella (B.) using Milk Ring Test (MRT). Overall, 18.35% (n=20/109) of the milk samples were positive by MRT. The cows were divided into three groups based on lactation number viz., 1st, 2nd to 4th and ≥5th lactations; the prevalence of brucellosis in the groups were found to be 0.92% (n=1/109), 15.60% (n=17/109) and 1.83% (n=2/109), respectively. Considering simplicity and cost effectiveness, the MRT can be used for the preliminary screening of B. abortus infection especially in single cow herds.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the presence of brucellosis in cattle, goats and humans in farms from south-western Uganda and identify risk factors associated with brucellosis in these three host groups. Data and serum samples were collected from 768 cattle, 315 goats and 236 humans, with 635 samples of bovine milk, from 70 farms in two different study areas in south-western Uganda. Sera from livestock were tested with the Rose Bengal Plate test, using B. abortus and B. melitensis antigens, and human sera were tested with a commercial IgG/IgM lateral flow assay. Milk samples were tested using the OIE-approved milk ring test. Screening tests for brucellosis were positive in 14% of cattle serum, 29% of bovine milk, 17% of goat serum and 11% of human serum samples. There were significant differences in the test prevalence of brucellosis by study site, with levels higher in the study area near Lake Mburo National Park than in the study area near Queen Elizabeth National Park. Multivariable regression models identified risk factors associated with increasing test positivity at the individual and farm levels for cattle, goats and humans. Positive associations were seen between increasing seropositivity of brucellosis in goats, cattle and humans. Results of multivariable analyses suggest that improvements in farm biosecurity and hygiene may reduce the risk of brucellosis on the farm and suggest a role for ticks in bovine brucellosis. Although cattle are the focus of brucellosis control in Uganda, the significant associations between seropositivity in humans and seropositivity in goats suggest that brucellosis in goats may be an important contributor to the epidemiology of the disease on the farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European Union (EU) Directive 97/12/EC allows the trade of cattle within the EU of animals originating from an 'officially brucellosis-free herd'. To qualify for this status, a number of different programmes must be implemented. Each EU Member Country is free to decide which procedure to use to qualify herds. The authors conducted a study to compare the merits and costs of testing programmes given in the Directive and of some alternative testing strategies. The effectiveness of testing programmes was evaluated by a Monte Carlo simulation model. Programmes listed in the Directive do not appear to have identical sensitivity and specificity. Simulations of the programmes showed that milk testing may be more effective and efficient than blood testing to identify infected herds. Results indicated that it could be advisable that legislation, rather than defining very detailed procedures both for laboratory tests and testing programmes, should establish minimal requirements in terms of efficacy of testing procedures (i.e. the probability of detecting an infected herd).

Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease that still constitutes a major public health problem in Syria. In the current study, Brucella has been isolated from cow milk samples and typed by both molecular and conventional techniques. Over a 6-year period (2002-2007) 2372 milk samples were collected from Syrian cow herds. The milk ring test (MRT) was performed where 57% of samples were found to be positive. Milk samples were cultured on the Brucella selective medium and incubated for 24-48 h. One-quarter of milk samples were contaminated with Brucella, which is considered as a relatively high rate of contamination. In addition, biochemical properties of isolates have been identified. All isolated Brucella strains were positive for catalase, oxidase and urea reaction, did not need CO2 to grow and rarely produced H2S, could grow in the presence of fuchsin and thionin. The agglutination test was negative with anti-R and positive with anti-M and anti-A sera; so it was determined as B. melitensis strain, biovar 3. A specific PCR assay targeting the bcsp31 gene and the specific integration of IS711 elements within the genome of Brucella species has been used. Molecular typing results were compatible with conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sero-prevalence of brucellosis was investigated among different breeds of cattle and buffaloes in Islamabad Capital Territory OCT), Rawalpindi and Attock regions of Pakistan. A total of 2330 milk samples (1168 cattle and 1162 buffaloes) were screened for the presence of Brucella abortus antibodies using the milk ring test (MRT). Information related to animal type, urbanicity, sampling area and breeds were collected with the help of a pre-tested questionnaire on the day of sampling. The overall sero-prevalence was 6.9% in cattle and 6.6% in buffaloes. More seropositive animals were found in ICT compared to the other regions. The odds of brucellosis sero-positivity were higher among cross breed cattle and Nili-ravi buffaloes. This study is the first evidence of prevalence of Brueella abortus up to breed level in dairy cattle and buffaloes in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An epidemiological survey was conducted to identify probable risk factors and prevalence of brucellosis in commercial and backyard dairy cows at Chittagong, Bangladesh. A total of 500 milk samples were collected (250 commercial and 250 backyards) for Milk Ring Test (MRT). The MRT positive cows were subjected to sera collection and Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and indirect ELISA were done for confirmatory diagnosis. The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle was 5% (7.6% in commercial and 2.4% in backyard). Significantly higher (P<0.05) prevalence was found in the zero grazing (5.74%), pregnant cows (7.53%) and cows with history of retained placenta (7.89%) or abortion (5.88%) or both (11.76%) than non-pregnant (2.68%) and without any reproductive disorder (4.44%). A total of 420 farm attendants and owners were interviewed where 93.55 and 99.08% commercial and backyard personnel were found to have no knowledge of brucellosis and 9.67 and 87.77% consumed raw milk and yogurt respectively were highly vulnerable to zoonotic brucellosis. The results showed that brucellosis is widely distributed locally, underscoring the need for further studies including biovar determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to detect brucellosis in suspected dairy cattle in Khartoum State, Sudan using the conventional serological tests and tests done on milk in comparison to a PCR-based technique. Milk and blood samples collected simultaneously from suspected brucellosis cows ( n = 147) in 12 different dairy farms around Khartoum State were used in the study. Overall, 54 (36.7%) of the total milk samples were positive according to the milk ring test (MRT), while 29 (19.7%) of the serum samples were positive according to the Rose Bengal test (RBT); microscopy on modified Ziehl-Neelsen-stained slides detected 13.6% of the cases, and recovery of Brucella species on both Brucella medium and tryptic soya agar was 7.5%. Thirty-three (22.4%) samples were found positive on PCR-amplified IS711 which were then taken as positive brucellosis cases. The differences of RBT and PCR-IS711 from MRT were highly significant ( P < 0.05). MRT detected more cases of bovine brucellosis compared to RBT, PCR, microscopy, and culture. MRT is recommended as a noninvasive test compared to RBT, and it is less expensive compared to PCR and culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares milk ring test and three different polymerase chain reaction techniques (direct DNA extraction by column purification system, alkaline DNA extraction, and filtrated milk), in order to identify Brucella abortus infection in bovine milk. Milk ring test sensitivity and specificity were 72% and 80%, respectively. While specificity of the three polymerase chain reaction techniques was 100%; sensitivity was 92%, 88% and 100%, respectively, for the three polymerase chain reaction procedures. We conclude that the filtered animal's milk polymerase chain reaction is the best procedure to make the diagnosis of B. abortus infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection by Brucella abortus seems to be a major cause of abortions among cattle and buffaloes in Sri Lanka. The incidence of this disease is more prominent among the animals in the Dry zone of the country raised under extensive management systems. The present low incidence of this disease and the small size of the country may facilitate launching of an effective disease control scheme. The milk ring test (MRT) has proven to be usable in testing milk for the infection at farm level. An ELISA technique could be employed to test the seroprevalence of infection among MRT-positive animals. A program to purchase the diseased animals by the state for slaughter, and a countrywide vaccination program with B. abortus strain RB51 would enable the country’s livestock industry to eventually eradicate this disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was carried out to know the prevalence of brucellosis in Urmia, Iran. For this purpose, 338 milk samples were collected from 36 villages in two seasons (spring and autumn, 2008). In spring, 82 milk samples from 11 villages and in autumn, 256 milk samples from 25 villages were collected randomly. These samples were examined for Brucella abortus antibodies with milk ring test. From 82 milk samples collected during spring, 1 (1.22%) showed positive while others (98.78%) showed negative reaction. From 256 milk samples collected during autumn, 3 (1.17%) showed positive and 253(98.83%) showed negative reaction. It was concluded from the results that prevalence of brucellosis in cattle was low in this region.

A prevalence study on brucellosis in cattlewas conducted from April 2013 to December 2015 in Meghalaya (India) in herd and individual animals. A total of 547individual animals of different lactations from 74 dairy herds of organized and small private holdings were screened for brucella antibodies using milk ring test (MRT). Incase of individual animals, 25.2% were found positive by milk ring test, and outof 74 dairy herds, 74.3% were found to be positive. The prevalence was highest in 2nd to 4th lactation (32.13%) and least in the 1st lactation group with 6.18%.The study revealed high prevalence of brucellosis in cattle in Meghalaya when screened by milk ring test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to know the prevalence of brucellosis in Urmia, Iran. For this purpose, 338 milk samples were collected from 36 villages in two seasons (spring and autumn, 2008). In spring, 82 milk samples from 11 villages and in autumn, 256 milk samples from 25 villages were collected randomly. These samples were examined for Brucella abortus antibodies with milk ring test. From 82 milk samples collected during spring, 1 (1.22%) showed positive while others (98.78%) showed negative reaction. From 256 milk samples collected during autumn, 3 (1.17%) showed positive and 253(98.83%) showed negative reaction. It was concluded from the results that prevalence of brucellosis in cattle was low in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]