Molecular detection of Brucella spp. in clinical samples of seropositive ruminants in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases worldwide that is endemic to Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) and remains an emerging public and animal health concern in this country. Diagnostic testing of brucellosis in ruminants in B&H relies exclusively on serological methods. The present study was conducted to determine the presence of Brucella spp. in clinical samples of seropositive ruminants by Real-time PCR assay. Of the 135 samples tested, 37% were positive by Real-time PCR. The frequency of detection of Brucella-DNA in the samples collected from aborted animals (n = 20/20; 100%) was significantly higher (P < 0.00001) when compared to asymptomatic animals (n = 30/115; 26%). Among asymptomatic animals, 31.1% of cattle were positive for Brucella-DNA, followed by sheep (23.4%) and goats (16.6%). The results of this research underline the limitations of the current control policy and indicate the need for additional diagnostic methods required for more effective brucellosis control program.