Serology

A Brucella Set is a comprehensive serological test system (Class II medical device, CE-marked/FDA-cleared) for qualitative and quantitative detection of antibodies against Brucella species (B. abortus, B. melitensis, B. suis, B. canis) using multiple methodologies including tube agglutination, slide agglutination, and 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) testing. The set includes killed, stained Brucella antigens, positive and negative controls, dilution tubes, reaction cards, and 2-ME reagent for IgM/IgG differentiation. Diagnostic titer ≥1:160 or fourfold rise confirms brucellosis. Primary clinical applications include diagnosis of brucellosis in endemic regions (undulant fever, night sweats, arthralgia), fever of unknown origin investigation, occupational health screening in high-risk workers (veterinarians, farmers, slaughterhouse workers), diagnosis of focal complications (sacroiliitis, spondylitis, meningitis, endocarditis), treatment monitoring (fourfold decline indicates response), outbreak investigation, and public health surveillance. Critical safety precautions include handling all samples in biosafety cabinet (Brucella is highly infectious via aerosol), 2-ME reagent toxicity (use fume hood), awareness of prozone phenomenon (serial dilutions essential), cross-reactions with other Gram-negative bacteria, and mandatory reporting to public health authorities. Essential test for brucellosis diagnosis in endemic regions and occupational health settings.