21 July 2023

Brucella canis: Diagnostic tests

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Brucella canis

5. Diagnostic tests Published 5 July 2023 | Updated 13 May 2025 The diagnosis of canine brucellosis is acknowledged to be difficult and is likely to require the combination of results from a number of different methods. In interpreting the results of any test. it is important to be aware of the limitations of the test methodology and the effect of disease prevalence on the predictive value of the results. It is also important to be aware that new tests are being developed and to check with individual laboratories regarding the details of the exact tests that they are using. This section provides references to a selection of papers on different test methodologies and the understanding and interpretation of test results.

LeCuyer, T.E. et. al. (2025) Performance characteristics of three Brucella canis serological assays in the United States. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1556965
Islam, M.S. et al. (2025) Beyond serology: A meta-analysis of advancements in molecular detection of Brucella spp. in seronegative animals and biological samples. Veterinary Medicine and Science, 11: e70200. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.70200
Keid, L.B. et al. (2009) Comparison of agar gel immunodiffusion test, rapid slide agglutination test, microbiological culture and PCR for the diagnosis of canine brucellosis. Research in Veterinary Science, 86 (1), pp. 22-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2008.05.012
Kurmanov, B. et al. (2022) Assays for identification and differentiation of Brucella species: A review. Microorganisms, 10 (8), no.1584. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10081584
Mol, J.P. et al. (2020) Diagnosis of canine brucellosis: comparison of various serologic tests and PCR. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 32 (1), pp. 77-86. https://doi.org/10.1177/1040638719891083
Keid, L.B. et al. (2010) Comparison of a PCR assay in whole blood and serum specimens for canine brucellosis diagnosis. Veterinary Record, 167 (3), pp. 96-99. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.c3811
Kauffman, L.K. et al. (2014) Early detection of Brucella canis via quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Zoonoses and Public Health, 61 (1), pp. 48-54. https://doi.org/10.1111/zph.12041
da Silva, D.A.V. et al. (2020) MALDI-TOF MS and genomic analysis can make the difference in the clarification of canine brucellosis outbreaks. Scientific Reports, 10 (1), no. 19246. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-75960-3
Keid, L. et al. (2015) Evaluation of an immunochromatographic test to the diagnosis of canine brucellosis caused by Brucella canis. Reproduction of Domestic Animals, 50 (6), pp. 939-944. https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.12612
De Oliveira, M.Z.D. et al. (2011) Validation of an ELISA method for the serological diagnosis of canine brucellosis due to Brucella canis. Research in Veterinary Science, 90 (3), pp. 425-431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2010.07.004
Yang, Y. et al. (2017) Genotyping Brucella canis isolates using a highly discriminatory multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) assay. Scientific Reports, 7(1), no. 1067. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-01114-7
Silva Andrade, R. et al. (2023) Accuracy of serological tests for bovine brucellosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 222, no. 106079. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106079

Understanding and interpreting diagnostic test Online full-text available to Library members A range of library membership packages is available and MRCVS vets and RVNs can join the library for a heavily subsidised, annual fee.