Detection ofBrucella melitensis from goat tissues employing peR

Abstract

A simple single step tissue PCR .was developed to overcome some of the limitations of conventional microbiological techniques in the diagnosis of brucellosis of goats. This PCR resulted in amplification of a 720-bp sequence of a gene that codes for the synthesis of an immunogenic outer membrane protein specific for the Brucella melitensis (omp 31). In controlled experiment, the sensitivity and specificity of tissue PCR were 83 and 100%, respectively, in comparison to 67 and 83% ofserology. Since the assay can be perfolmed in 1 day, is very reproducible, is easily standardized, and avoids the risk of infection in laboratory workers, this PCR seems to be a practical and reliable tool for the diagnosis of goat brucellosis.