Improving the performance of molecular detection of Brucella species and bacteria known as causative agents of cross-reactions in serological tests for brucellosis in tissue samples

Optimization of sample preparation and bacterial DNA enrichment procedures

Funding period: 2022–2024
Leads: Mingsong Kang and Om Surujballi
Total GRDI funding: $84,000

Brucellosis, a highly contagious and notifiable disease caused by several species of Brucella bacteria, can lead to significant economic losses in the animal industry and negatively impact international trade while posing severe threats to human health globally. Although it has now been effectively controlled in livestock in Canada, two wildlife reservoirs of brucellosis are still known to exist in Canada, and this disease is still endemic in some developed and most developing countries, which poses a potential threat to the brucellosis-free status of Canada's livestock. Current diagnosis methods have limitations, so we developed a precise multiplex molecular assay to accurately detect B. melitensis, B. abortus, and B. suis. This new test, with its 100% sensitivity and specificity, even detecting tiny amounts of Brucella DNA in tissue samples, offers a quick, robust, and accurate diagnosis, potentially leading to more effective disease control.