Serology

Sera analyzed for the detection and quantitation of IgG antibodies against B. abortus, B. suis and B. melitensis by the agglutination of whole cells.

Serum sample. Minimum volume required – 1.0 mL. Hyperlipemic, hemolysed or contaminated sera may yield erroneous results.

Collect blood in serum separator tubes.

Transfer an aliquot of serum to a 1.5 mL screw-top vial with O-ring (Sarstedt vial). Store specimens refrigerated or frozen until shipped for testing.  Ship frozen on dry ice or on wet ice. 

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Appropriate clinical symptoms and suspected recent exposure to Brucella spp through contact with animals or contaminated animal products. This assay is not indicated for chronic brucellosis or neurologic brucellosis.

Please list all clinical symptoms appropriate to the suspected area of infection detailed by submission of a completed Bioforensics Assay Development and Diagnostics requisition form including sender name, address and telephone number, patient name or identifier (referring lab #), date of birth, suspected exposure details, test(s) requested, type of specimen and date collected.  Append all relevant clinical background information and testing performed. Please include patient travel history if applicable.

Specimens may be subject to rejection if they are not the appropriate sample type, have insufficient volume, are not accompanied by relevant patient information or do not meet the patient criteria.

THIS TEST IS PERFORMED FOR INVESTIGATIONAL OR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY

Testing is performed, in whole or in part, using a lab-developed test which has not been fully validated/verified.

Brucella microagglutination test (BMAT) used for the detection and quantification of total antibodies and IgG antibodies against B. abortus, B. suis and B. melitensis in microtiter wells by the agglutination of whole cells. 

If a single serum sample produces a titre ≥1:160 that declines at least 4 fold with reduction by 2-Mercaptoethanol (2-ME), this is reported as presumptive evidence of acute brucellosis. If paired acute and convalescent phase serum specimens, drawn at least 14 days apart, demonstrate a 4-fold increase in titre, this is considered presumptive evidence of acute brucellosis. In both cases, confirmatory testing on an appropriate specimen should be pursued.

This assay is only for the smooth Brucella variants, it does not measure antibodies to B. canis or other rough variants. Cross-reactions have been observed with serum from individuals infected with Afipia clevelandensis, Escherichia coli O:157, Francisella tularensis, Vibrio cholerae, Yersinia enterocolitica serotype 0:9, and other antigenically related species, and especially from persons vaccinated against Vibrio cholerae.

30 calendar days.  Please note that during times when large numbers of samples are received or if tests must be repeated, the turnaround time may be longer.

1. Brown SL et al. 1981. Safranin O-stained antigen microagglutination test for detection of Brucella antibodies. J. Clin. Microbiol. 13:398-400.
2. Gaultney JB et al. 1971. Microagglutination procedures for febrile agglutination tests. Appl. Microbiol. 22:635-640.