Brucella sp IgM

General information:

The test is a chemiluminescent reaction for the qualitative detection of IgG antibodies against Brucella species in serum. It is tested for acute infection. It is correct to test together with IgG antibodies to stage the infection. The test is for the detection of an antigen common to the genus Brucella - lipopolysaccharide.

• Brucella melitensis – pathogenic to humans, sheep and goats.
• Brucella abortus – pathogenic for cattle and humans.
• Brucella ovis – pathogenic for sheep and goats.
• Brucella suis – pathogenic for pigs and humans.
• Brucella canis – pathogenic for dogs and humans.

Why and when is it examined?

The examination is necessary in case of suspicion of Brucellosis, unclear temperature conditions with enlarged lymph nodes and spleen. The disease is a zoonosis, i.e. develops in humans and animals. The bacteria release endotoxin and are highly resistant to the external environment. They develop and reproduce in cows, sheep, goats, pigs and wild animals. In pregnant animals, they induce abortion. Brucella bacteria enter the environment through amniotic fluid and membranes, infected fetus and infected placenta, feces and urine. They are found in milk, dairy products and meat. Human infection occurs most often by consuming infected or contaminated food. Less often, contamination occurs through the skin and mucous membrane through the air - during leather processing, wool shearing, etc. Brucella bacteria that have entered the human body reach the nearest lymph nodes via the lymphatic route. There they multiply and penetrate the liver, spleen, bone marrow and other internal organs through the blood.

How does the disease progress?

After an incubation period of 1 to 3 weeks, the first signs of the disease appear - chills and an increase in body temperature to 39-40 degrees C, profuse sweating, headache, joint and muscle pain, pain and redness of the throat. These signs appear acutely or gradually. Despite the high body temperature, the general condition of the patients is not severely impaired. A characteristic sign is the increase in many groups of lymph nodes - on the neck, under the armpits, in the inguinal region and in other places. The liver (hepatomegaly) and spleen (splenomegaly) are enlarged. Blood pressure is lowered. Inflammation of the meninges (meningitis) and brain (encephalitis) often develops. There is also a so-called chronic form, in which the elevated body temperature is observed for months and even years, and the liver and spleen are permanently enlarged. In the chronic form of brucellosis, the musculoskeletal system is affected, developing arthritis of the large joints. The hip and knee joints are especially often affected, which often leads to immobility. In affected pregnant women, brucellosis causes abortion. Treatment is carried out in an infectious disease hospital with broad-spectrum antibiotics, administration of anti-brucellosis gamma globulin and vaccine, vitamins, glucocorticoids, antipyretics and other medications. The prognosis is favorable with early and active treatment, as recovery occurs, incl. bacterial healing. In the chronic form of brucellosis with involvement of the large joints (hip and knee) and internal organs (meningitis, encephalitis) and inactive treatment, the prognosis is serious, and in case of deterioration - unfavorable, with mortality reaching 2-4%.

Prevention is of great importance. Diseased animals are isolated and destroyed. Disinfection is carried out in the brucellosis outbreak. People working with suspected contact animals should use gloves, goggles and masks (veterinarians, zootechnicians, animal breeders, etc.). Such at-risk personnel are subject to brucellosis vaccine.

Sample required:

Venous blood

Key words:

brucella sp