IgG and IgM antibodies reported as negative if titres < 1:20.
Serology is only supportive in the diagnosis of brucellosis.
Isolated antibody titres of < 1:80 are of doubtful significance and serological support for the diagnosis really requires demonstration of a four-fold rise in antibody titre between acute and convalescent sera.
Test performed weekly. Analysis time 24 hrs
CURRENT CASE DEFINITION
Brucellosis has been eradicated from cattle in New Zealand. Locally acquired infection is now very rare. Diagnosis of human brucellosis in patients with recent symptoms and no history of overseas travel should be made with great caution.
A confirmed case is one that has:
- a clinically compatible illness and
- either isolation of a Brucella species from a clinical specimen, or
- a four-fold or greater rise in Brucella antibody titre between acute and convalescent phase serum obtained two or more weeks apart and tested at the same time in the same laboratory.
A probable case is one that has:
- a clinically compatible illness and
- supportive serology, i.e. a Brucella IgG titre greater than or equal to 160 in one or more serum specimens obtained after the onset of symptoms.
Dr Sally Roberts
, Microbiologist:
ext 22705
Cellphone
021 674 140
Dr Sharmini Muttaiyah
, Microbiologist:
ext 22700
Cellphone
021 615 892
Dr Mary de Almeida
, Microbiologist:
ext 22700
Cellphone
021 170 9117