INTENDED USE

Qualitative detection of antibodies to Brucella melitensis in serum or plasma collected from sheep, for veterinary point-of-care use. It aids in the screening and surveillance of ovine brucellosis, a zoonotic bacterial disease causing abortion, retained placenta, and orchitis/epididymitis. Results must be interpreted together with clinical signs, flock history, and other diagnostic tests such as the Rose Bengal test, complement fixation test, or ELISA. As an antibody test, a positive result indicates exposure or infection and can also reflect recent vaccination, so it does not by itself confirm active disease.

PRINCIPLE

The S.Brucella Rapid Test is a lateral-flow immunochromatographic assay based on colloidal gold labeling. The test cassette contains a nitrocellulose membrane with a test (T) line pre-coated with Brucella antigen and a control (C) line. When the processed serum or plasma is added to the sample well, it migrates by capillary action. If anti-Brucella antibodies are present, they bind the gold-conjugated antigen and are captured at the T line, forming a visible colored band. The C line should always appear, confirming the assay ran correctly. Results are read visually by the naked eye within the stated time; no instrument is required.

SPECIMEN

Use fresh ovine serum or plasma collected by venipuncture. Allow whole blood to clot fully before centrifugation (for serum), or collect into an appropriate anticoagulant and centrifuge to separate plasma. Avoid hemolyzed or contaminated samples, which may affect the result. Mix gently and test promptly; if delayed, store the sample at 2–8 °C for a short period or freeze for longer storage.

REFERENCES

• https://www.fao.org/4/y4723e/y4723e0a.htm
• http://www.fao.org/3/a-i1402e.pdf