Cross-sectional study of Brucella spp. using real-time PCR from bovine whole blood in Colombia

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Colombia to recover Brucella spp. DNA from bovine whole-blood samples through probe-based real-time PCR (qPCR). By an SNP-based assay, vaccine strains were differentiated from field strains. The associated factors were evaluated using logistical regression models. A total of 656 random cows from 40 herds were selected and analyzed using serology and PCR. The qPCR assay detected 9.5% (n = 62/656; 95% CI: 7.3, 12.0) of the animals with Brucella-DNA presence, while the serological test detected a 6.6% (n = 43/656; CI: 4.8, 8.7). 62.5% (n = 25/40; 95% CI: 45.8, 77.3) of positive cases were detected at the herd-level by the qPCR, while only 27.5% (n = 11/40; 95% CI: 14.6, 43.9) were detected by the serological test. All positive samples were identified as field Brucella strains employing the SNP-based assay. In the final regression model at the animal-level, five variables were associated with Brucella-DNA presence: the use of bulls for mating recorded history of reproductive problems, pregnant cows, parlor milking, and cows belonging to farms ≤200 m from the main road. At the herd-level, two variables were associated with Brucella-DNA presence: recorded history of reproductive problems and the use of bulls for mating. Given the fluctuant brucellosis prevalence in endemic areas, updated epidemiological studies are necessary to evaluate the disease dynamic and if established prevention and control measures have been effective or need to be adjusted. The increase in the prevalence of brucellosis in animal reservoirs creates an important risk of transmission in humans.