Molecular identification of bovine brucellosis causing organisms at selected private farms in pothohar plateau, Pakistan

Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic infection in animals including Pakistan. A study was conducted to identify the potential cause of infection in three different cattle farms located at Potohar Plateau in Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 399 serum samples from indeginous and exotic cattle were tested for brucellosis by RBPT, SAT and multiplex real-time PCR for Brucella sp., Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis. A total of 20 (5.01%) samples were found seropositive by RBPT and 19 (4.76%) by SAT, however real-time PCR showed 13 (3.25%) samples positive for both Brucella (sp.) and Brucella abortus. None of the seropositive samples were found positive for Brucella melitensis by real-time PCR. Exotic cattle tended to be more positive for the infection as compared to indigenous cattle. Routine screening and strict biosecurity measures are recommended for prevention of infection in animals. Humans must consume milk after pasteurization.

Duke Scholars

Author Sajid Umar DKU Faculty