Volume 58 (2008) Issue: 2008 No#5-6

Examination of sensitivity and specificity of some serological tests in diagnostics of bovine brucellosis

Author(s): Matović K, Ašanin Ružica, Radojičić Sonja, Lako B, Žarković A

Keywords:brucella, serological tests, sensitivity, specificity

The most reliable diagnosis of an infectuous disease is confirmed by isolation of its pathogen. When it comes to brucellosis, it is important to know that brucella isolation is rarely successful; it is not only very complicated but is as well hazardous for laboratory workers. Due to the above mentioned reasons, it is reasonable to use serological tests for routine diagnosis of this zoonose. This paper deals with examination of bovine sera samples with the aim to detect the titer of specific antibodies against brucellosis. In order to choose and evaluate properly the best test in terms of applicability, speed of performance, and provision of correct results, five serological tests were assayed: rapid serum plate agglutination (Rose Bengal test), Brucella abortus bovis test (RB, BAB test); serum agglutination test (titration) – by Wright, as micro method (mSAT); reaction of complement fixation, and also as micro method (mCF); indirect imunoenzyime test (iELISA) and competitive imunoenzyme test (cELISA). This paper includes 630 samples of bovine blood sera, as well as positive and negative international antibrucella serum as the mandatory control. The presence of specific antibodies against brucella was determined in 125 samples of bovine blood sera. Based on the analysis of the results obtained, evaluation of sensitivity and specificity of these tests was conducted. iELISA and RB test proved to be the most sensitive, while the highest specificity was determined in mCF, and less specific were mSAT and iELISA. RB test had the lowest specificity.