Detection of Brucella Abortus Using Nested-PCR Molecular Method

Background: Common detection methods of brucellosis are always accompanied by technical problems in infection diagnosis. In this study, the nested PCR technique was used for the detection of Brucella abortus, and it was compared with other methods. Methods: This case-control study was done in Kurdistan. Blood samples were collected from 50 patients with clinical symptoms and 50 healthy people with no clinical symptoms. Serologic and culture tests were done for all the samples. DNA was extracted using a Promega kit. Molecular detection was done by nested PCR. In the end, the results of phenotypical method and nested PCR were compared. Results: The results of culture and serology tests indicate the limited capabilities of these methods to detect Brucella species. According to the results among all samples, only 14 (28%) were cultured. Rose Bengal test sensitivity was 100% but its specificity 26.09%. Also, Wright's test (tube agglutination) sensitivity was also 85% and nested PCR sensitivity was 46.15%. Conclusions: The sensitivity of Rose Bengal, Wright's and nested PCR tests were 100%, 85%, and 46.15%, respectively, for this sampling.