Original scientific paper
Serological, Bacteriological, and Molecular Diagnosis of Brucellosis in Domestic Animals in Croatia
Silvio Špičić
orcid.org/0000-0001-8317-5831
; Laboratory for Bacterial Zoonoses and Molecular Diagnostics of Bacterial Diseases, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Maja Zdelar-Tuk
; Laboratory for Bacterial Zoonoses and Molecular Diagnostics of Bacterial Diseases, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivana Račić
; Laboratory for Bacterial Zoonoses and Molecular Diagnostics of Bacterial Diseases, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Sanja Duvnjak
; Laboratory for Bacterial Zoonoses and Molecular Diagnostics of Bacterial Diseases, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Željko Cvetnić
; Laboratory for Bacterial Zoonoses and Molecular Diagnostics of Bacterial Diseases, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Aim To present the surveillance data on Brucella melitensis,
B. suis, and B. ovis infection in cattle, sheep, goats, and
swine in Croatia obtained in 2008 by serological, bacteriological,
and molecular methods for diagnostics of brucellosis
in domestic animals.
Methods We serologically tested 42 785 cattle serums,
22 686 sheep and goat serums, and 28 520 swine serums
using the Rose Bengal test, complement fixation test, and
various immunosorbent assays. We also tested 10 173 ram
blood samples for B. ovis infection using the complement
fixation test. Bacteriological examination was conducted
on 214 samples collected from 34 serologically positive animals.
Different molecular methods were employed in the
identification and typing of 20 isolates from the samples.
Results B. melitensis biovar (bv.) 3 was confirmed with
different identification methods in 2 flocks in 2 Croatian
counties and B. suis bv. 2 in 3 flocks in 3 counties. B. melitensis
in cows was confirmed for the first time in Croatia. Infection
with B. ovis was serologically confirmed in 202 rams in
12 counties.
Conclusions In 2008, the size of the brucellosis-affected
area in Croatia and the efficiency of detection and prevention
of brucellosis in sheep, goats, and swine were satisfactory.
Infection with B. melitensis in cattle was confirmed
for the first time and possible links for infection in humans
were detected. More efficient measures for suppression
and control of ovine epididymitis are required and a new
strategy may be necessary for complete eradication of this
disease.
Keywords
Brucella melitensis; Brucella suis; Brucella ovis; serology; bacteriology; molecular typing; Croatia
Hrčak ID:
58584
URI
Publication date:
15.8.2010.
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