Prevalence of Brucella Melitensis and Brucella Abortus in Raw Milk and Dairy Product by Real Time PCR Technique

Abstract

Introduction: Brucellosis is a public health problem with a high incidence. The main causes of acquiring brucellosis are through the consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products. In this study, we described a real-time PCR assay for more sensitive, rapid detection and differentiation of Brucella abortus (BA) and Brucella melitensis (BM) in raw milk and dairy products in Isfahan province. Method: A Taq Man analysis and single step PCR (BruAb2_0168\BMEII0466 genes) has performed in total of 132 unpasteurized milk samples and 65 dairy products. Samples were selected from various markets and animal farms located in different cities of Isfahan province. The duration period of sample collection was nearly two months. Results: By real-time PCR 4 of 132 milk specimens (3%) were positive for BM. Also one oil sample between 65 different dairy products (1.5%) was positive for BM. None of the specimens were positive for BA. We detected direct and incomplete correlation between Brucella infected milk and different cities (r=0.024, p value>0.05). Conclusion: The present study indicated a relative high presence of this pathogen in raw milk. Real-time PCR is technically more simple, accurate, and rapid than current standard methods for identification of Brucella species. One of the most effective routes to control the disease includes pasteurization or boiling of milk and other dairy products for human consumption.

Detection of Brucella spp. in Dairy Products by Real-Time PCR

“…U n c o r r e c t e d P r o o f molecular detection techniques like real-time PCR should be considered (3,32). In order to decrease the venture of Brucella infection due to the ingestion of contaminated dairy products, food safety management systems, which guarantee the sanitary quality of the products, have to control and improve the production of dairy products.…”

“…that affects individuals who have close contact with infected animals. The most common way of Brucellosis transmission is ingestion of non-pasteurized milk and dairy products obtained from infected animals (2,3).…”