Diagnosis of human brucellosis using PCR

Brucellosis is a zoonosis caused by facultative intracellular bacteria of the genus Brucella, which are widely distributed in both humans and animals, especially in the developing world. The diagnosis of human brucellosis requires isolation of the bacteria or confirmation through serologic tests. However, culture sampling sensitivity is often low, depending on the disease stage, Brucella species, culture medium, quantity of circulating bacteria and blood culture technique employed. The development of the PCR has offered a new dimension in the diagnosis of different microorganisms, which is possible in just a few hours. Over the past decade, there have been major advancements in all aspects of molecular diagnostics with regard to human brucellosis. PCR-based tests are proving to be faster and more sensitive than traditional methods. However, the sensitivity and specificity of the PCR for Brucella vary between laboratories and no standardization of sample preparation, target genes and detection methods have been established yet. Therefore, in this study, all the important aspects of the PCR for Brucella DNA detection and its utility in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with brucellosis are reviewed.