The detection of Brucella spp. using PCR-ELISA and real-time PCR assays

Brucellosis is a worldwide 're-emerging' zoonosis causing high economic losses and severe human disease. Consequently, rapid and reliable, sensitive and specific, easy to perform and automated detection systems for Brucella spp. are urgently needed to allow early diagnosis and adequate antibiotic therapy in time. Real-time PCR assays using hybridization probes meet all these requirements. In 2003 various assays have been developed and evaluated for use in human and animal brucellosis. Genus-specific real-time PCR assays e.g. based on the bcsp31 gene will lead to an early diagnosis but for the purpose of epidemiological surveillance a species-specific real-time PCR deriving from the conventional AMOS (AbortusMelitensisOvisSuis)-PCR is necessary. Advantages and disadvantages of the different methods for real-time detection of Brucella spp. and a newly developed PCR-ELISA system for the high throughput of clinical samples will be discussed.