Reliable and highly specific techniques for the detection of Brucella spp. antibodies in camel milk

Abstract
Brucellosis is one of the most serious zoonotic diseases in human and farm animals\r\ncaused by Brucella species. This study aims to: (i) estimate the current prevalence of\r\nBrucella among camels in Erbil Governorate; (ii) evaluate the milk ring test as a diagnostic\r\ntool for screening of brucellosis in camels; (iii) study the association between months and\r\npercentage of positive samples to Brucella. During the period, January - June 2021, a total\r\nof 250 raw camel milk samples (130 samples from farms and 120 from sale points) were\r\nrandomly collected. The brucellosis is diagnosed using the Milk Ring Test (MRT), indirect\r\nELISA, and bacteriological isolation of Brucella species. The prevalence of Brucella\r\nantibodies in camel milk samples is 11.6% and 10.4% according to MRT and ELISA,\r\nrespectively. The overall isolation percentage of Brucella species is 8.4%. The detection\r\nrate of isolates in sale points is higher 10.0% than the isolation rate from farm 6.9%. The\r\nresults also reveal that 4.6% and 5.8% of isolates are Brucella abortus; while, 5.8% and\r\n4.2% are Brucella melitensis from the milk of farm and sale points, respectively. The highest\r\nrate of brucellosis according to MRT is observed in February 18.6%, while the lowest rate\r\nis documented in May 7.5%. We recommend using MRT for the diagnosis of Brucella spp.\r\nin routine screening of brucellosis in milk collection centers, dairy factories, and farm.\r\nCustomers are also recommended to heat the milk adequately to eliminate this milk-borne\r\npathogen before drinking milk or manufacturing processes.

Author
Dhary Alewy Almashhadany

DOI
DOI: 10.33899/IJVS.2023.137092.2637

Publisher
Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences

ISSN
2071-1255

Publish Date: