Evaluation of Simple and Rapid Specific IgM/IgG Flow Assay and Some Methods Used in Diagnosis of Brucellosis in Gezira and Blue Nile States, Sudan

Brucellosis is a multisystem disease which may present with broad spectrum clinical manifestations which often nonspecific. In Sudan it is one of the febrile illnesses affecting human welfare. In this study, blood samples were collected from 120 individuals who had clinical symptoms of Brucellosis from Gezira and Blue Nile states in Sudan, and 60 apparently healthy individuals as a control. For diagnosis we evaluated the blood culture and three serological tests, Rose Bengal Test (RBT), Serum Agglutination Test (SAT) and the spcific IgM and IgG immuno flow assay test. The results obtained revealed that, 12/120 (10%), 7/120 (6.8%) and 6/120(5.0%) were positive for Brucellosis by RBT, SAT and IgM and IgG flow assay test respectively and no correlation between the three tests, while the blood culture was done for 81/120(67.5%) of the cases, none yielded positive for brucella. This study concluded that the serological methods were superior to bacteriological method for diagnosing Brucellosis, especially IgM and IgG flow assay test and SAT.