Detection of anti-Brucella species specific IgM and IgG antibodies using ELISA test

Introduction: Brucella genus includes the following species: B. abortus (cattle), B. melitensis (goats, sheep), B. suis (pigs), B. canis (dogs). Brucellosis is a disease that primarily occurs in animals and can be transmitted to humans. In humans, brucellosis usually occurs as an occupational disease and affects veterinarians, cattle-breeders, butchery workers and laboratory personnel. It is considered as the most frequent laboratory infection. Nonoccupational way of transmitting occurs by ingestion of meat, milk and dairy products originating from infected animals. Brucellosis is a systemic disease that involves various organs or organic systems. Depending on a stage of the disease, there are various clinical forms of the disease: subacute, acute, chronic, recurrent forms, as well as complications that occur mostly as a consequence of inadequate therapy. Material and methods: The study involved 90 patients clinically suspected of suffering from brucellosis. Blood samples were collected by vene-punction. All sera were tested using ELISA Brucella spp. test to specific IgM and IgG antibodies. Results: IgG specific antibodies were detected in serum of 64.0% of tested individuals, with pos/neg (threshold) values registered in 24.0%. IgM specific antibodies were detected in serum of 60.0% of tested individuals, with pos/neg (threshold) values registered in 8.0%. Conclusions: Results confirm high sensitivity and specificity of ELISA test in quantitative and qualitative detection of antibodies, which ensures rapid and correct diagnostic of the disease. ELISA is a good method for confirmation of the diagnosis of human brucellosis and follow-up of the disease.