Nowoczesne aspekty diagnostyki molekularnej brucelozy

The diagnostics of brucellosis is primarily based on serological investigations. Since a serologically positive response can occur from antigenically cross-reactive bacteria, the isolation and identification of the pathogen from a potentially infected host remains the gold standard as a tool for the confirmation of infection. However, this process also has drawbacks. The tests are time consuming, complex and must be performed by highly skilled personnel. The zoonotic nature of most Brucella species is a potential hazard for laboratory personnel who must manipulate the infectious agent during testing. Finally, some of the characteristics are subjective and the results are not always definitive. Recently, progress in these aspects of diagnostics has been advanced through PCR-based technologies. PCR-based assays are simple to design and carry out, rapid, inexpensive to perform and are characterized by high diagnostic values: sensitivity and specificity. The following is a review of the major assays constituting excellent progress in the diagnostics of brucellosis.