Detection of Brucella abortus in bovine milk by polymerase chain reaction

Abstract

This study compares milk ring test and three different polymerase chain reaction techniques (direct DNA extraction by column purification system, alkaline DNA extraction, and filtrated milk), in order to identify Brucella abortus infection in bovine milk. Milk ring test sensitivity and specificity were 72% and 80%, respectively. While specificity of the three polymerase chain reaction techniques was 100%; sensitivity was 92%, 88% and 100%, respectively, for the three polymerase chain reaction procedures. We conclude that the filtered animal's milk polymerase chain reaction is the best procedure to make the diagnosis of B. abortus infections.