Canine Brucella Antibody Rapid Test

BACKGROUND:

Dog brucellosis, primarily caused by the bacterium Brucella canis, is a contagious disease that affects both domestic dogs and wild canids. The bacterium spreads through contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids, including during mating, from mother to puppies, and through exposure to aborted fetal materials or vaginal discharges. Infected dogs often exhibit reproductive issues such as infertility, failure to conceive, and abortion, with females typically aborting between 45 to 55 days of gestation. Males may suffer from epididymitis, testicular atrophy, and poor semen quality. General symptoms like lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, and fever can also occur, though they are less common.

Diagnosis of dog brucellosis involves serological tests to detect antibodies, culture tests to isolate the bacterium, and PCR to identify bacterial DNA. Treatment is challenging and often involves extended courses of antibiotics, though it may not fully eradicate the infection. Preventive measures include routine testing of breeding dogs, maintaining strict hygiene in kennels, and careful regulation of dog imports from regions with lower breeding standards. While the disease is zoonotic, transmission to humans is rare, typically resulting in symptoms such as fever and joint pain. Preventive practices and good hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of human infection.

TEST PRINCIPLE:

The BioFAST Canine Brucella Antibody Rapid Test uses lateral flow chromatography method with sandwich principle for detection of Brucella canis antibodies in plasma or serum samples from dogs.

The Brucella canis antibodies of the sample will bind to monoclonal antibodies coated on gold particles. The complexe migrates allong the strip and binds to the Brucella canis antigen fixed on the T Line. This leads to the appearance of a purple test line (T).

If the test is valid and if the procedure is correctly performed, a purple control line (C) appears.

MATERIALS REQUIRED:

• 2 Test Devices
• 2 Disposable Pipettes
  
• 0.5 mL Buffer Dropper Bottle
• 1 Instruction Manual

SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS:

• The test requires 1 drop of sample either plasma, serum or whole blood with anticoagulant.
• It is not recommended to test whole blood without anticoagulant.
• The sample should be at room temperature before use. Don't use cooled or freezed samples. 
• Mix well the samples before use. Specially the whole blood with anticoeagulant.
• Whole blood, plasma and serum can be stored for few days at +4°C. 
• Plasma and serum can be stored for long term at -20°C.

TEST PROCEDURE:

• Remove the Canine Brucella Antibody Rapid Test device from the sealed pouch just before use.
• Place the cassette on a flat and clean surface.
  
• Use the disposable pipette to add 1 drop of the collected sample into the sample window (S).
  
• Hold the Buffer Dropper Bottle vertically and add 1 drop of buffer to the sample window (S).
• If no liquid migration is observed within 1 minute, add 1 more drop of buffer diluent to the sample window (S).

READING TEST RESULTS:

• Read the test result 20 minutes after adding the drop of buffer diluent to the sample window (S). 

Negative Result:

• Control Line (C): A visible line in the control region (C) indicates the test has worked properly.
• Test Line (T): No line appears in the test region (T), indicating the absence of Brucella antibodies.
• This configuration signifies a negative result for Brucella antibodies.

Positive Result:

• Control Line (C): A visible line in the control region (C) confirms the test's functionality.
• Test Line (T): A visible line appears in both the control (C), indicating the presence of Brucella antibodies. 
• This configuration signifies a positive result for Brucella antibodies.

Invalid Result:

• No Control Line (C): If there's no visible line in the control region (C), the test is considered invalid. 
• This may suggest an error in the testing. The test should be repeated using a new test device.

RESULT INTERPRETATION:

Interpret the test results considering the patient's history, clinical data, and available therapy and prevention options.

• Any color or contour variations in T and C lines (e.g., greyish or shadow-like lines) or results observed after 20 minutes should be considered nonspecific and thus a negative test result.
• Anticoagulated whole blood or hemolytic samples can cause a red hemoglobin background on the test membrane, making T line visibility poor or undetectable, especially in weak positive samples.

Positive Test Result:

• Indicates the dog has had contact with Brucella canis.
• To determine if the infection is acute or chronic, test two serum samples taken 2 to 4 weeks apart using IFAT and/or Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID). A significant increase in antibody titer suggests ongoing brucellosis.

Negative Test Result:

• Indicates the dog has not had contact with Brucella canis.
• Early infection stage (< 2–4 weeks post-infection) may result in undetectable antibody levels.
• In chronic infections, antibody titers may not be detected in a single test. Therefore, breeding dogs should undergo routine serological testing (multiple tests) to minimize the risk of spreading the pathogen through mating.

TEST PRECAUTION:

• It is recommended to wear disposable gloves and other personal protective equipment.
• Wash and disinfect hands after completing the test.
• Label sample material and the associated test device to ensure precise assignment.
• Use a new pipette and a new test device for each sample.
• The buffer diluent contains low concentrations of toxic sodium azide as a preservative; avoid skin/eye contact and ingestion.
• Treat all sample material as potentially infectious and dispose of it accordingly, along with the used test-kit components.

RESULT INTERPRETATION:

Negative Result:

• Control Line (C): A visible line in the control region (C) indicates the test has worked properly.
• Test Line (T): No line appears in the test region (T), indicating the absence of Brucella antibodies. This configuration signifies a negative result for Brucella antibodies.

Positive Result:

• Control Line (C): A visible line in the control region (C) confirms the test's functionality.
• Test Line (T): A visible line appears in both the control (C) and test (T) regions, indicating the presence of Brucella antibodies. This configuration signifies a positive result for Brucella antibodies.

Invalid Result:

• No Control Line (C): If there's no visible line in the control region (C), the test is considered invalid. This may suggest an error in the testing process or a faulty test kit.

NOTE:

• Follow the instructions precisely from the insert included in the kit.
• Results should be interpreted by a qualified veterinarian familiar with the test and Brucella infections in dogs.

Canine Brucellosis FAQs

What is canine brucellosis?

• Canine brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Brucella canis. It primarily affects the reproductive organs of dogs, leading to infertility, abortions, and other reproductive issues. It can also cause other systemic symptoms and is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted to humans.

How is canine brucellosis transmitted?

• The disease is primarily spread through contact with bodily fluids from infected dogs, including blood, urine, semen, and vaginal discharges. It can also be transmitted through breeding, aborted fetuses, or contaminated food and water.

What are the symptoms of canine brucellosis?

• Common symptoms include reproductive issues such as infertility, spontaneous abortions, and stillbirths. Other signs can include lethargy, lameness, swollen lymph nodes, and chronic pain. Some dogs may show no symptoms but still carry the disease.

How is canine brucellosis diagnosed?

• Diagnosis is typically made through blood tests that detect antibodies against Brucella canis. Additional tests, such as bacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), can be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Can canine brucellosis be treated?

• Treatment for canine brucellosis is challenging and often involves a combination of antibiotics over an extended period. Despite treatment, some dogs may remain carriers of the bacteria. Infected dogs are often recommended to be neutered or spayed to prevent the spread of the disease.

Is canine brucellosis contagious to humans?

• Yes, Brucella canis is zoonotic and can infect humans. People in close contact with infected dogs, such as breeders, veterinarians, and pet owners, are at higher risk. Human infection can cause flu-like symptoms, and in severe cases, more serious health issues.

How can the spread of canine brucellosis be prevented?

• Prevention includes regular screening and testing of breeding dogs, practicing good hygiene, and isolating infected animals. It is also important to avoid breeding dogs that have tested positive for Brucella canis.

What should I do if my dog is diagnosed with canine brucellosis?

• Consult your veterinarian for a comprehensive treatment plan. Follow their guidance on managing the infection, which may include isolation from other animals, medication, and potential lifestyle adjustments. Inform anyone who has had contact with your dog, including breeders and other pet owners.

Can canine brucellosis be prevented through vaccination?

• Currently, there is no vaccine available for Brucella canis. Prevention relies on screening, testing, and good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infection.

Are certain breeds more susceptible to canine brucellosis?

• Canine brucellosis can affect any breed of dog. However, it is more commonly seen in breeding kennels and among dogs with close contact with other dogs, such as in shelters or dog shows. Regular screening in such environments is crucial.

Canine Brucella Antibody Rapid Test FAQs

What is the Canine Brucella Antibody Rapid Test?

• The Canine Brucella Antibody Rapid Test is a diagnostic tool used to detect antibodies against Brucella canis in dogs. It is a quick and reliable method to identify exposure to the bacteria, which can cause brucellosis in canines.

Why is it important to test for Brucella canis in dogs?

• Brucella canis is a bacterial infection that can lead to reproductive issues, lameness, and other health problems in dogs. It is also zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted to humans. Early detection helps in managing and controlling the spread of the disease.

How is the Canine Brucella Antibody Rapid Test performed?

• The test is performed by taking a small blood sample from the dog, which is then applied to the test device. Results are typically available within 10-15 minutes, making it a rapid and convenient option for veterinarians.

What do the results of the test mean?

• A positive result indicates the presence of antibodies against Brucella canis, suggesting that the dog has been exposed to the bacteria. A negative result means no antibodies were detected, implying no exposure or an early stage of infection where antibodies are not yet detectable.

Can a dog test positive for Brucella canis but not show any symptoms?

• Yes, some dogs may be asymptomatic carriers of Brucella canis, meaning they can test positive for antibodies without showing clinical signs of the disease. This makes regular screening important, especially in breeding or multi-dog environments.

How reliable is the Canine Brucella Antibody Rapid Test?

• The test is highly reliable, with sensitivity and specificity values generally above 90%. However, confirmatory testing using additional methods like PCR or culture is recommended for positive cases.

Can the test differentiate between active and past infections?

• The Canine Brucella Antibody Rapid Test detects antibodies, which indicates exposure but cannot distinguish between active and past infections. Further testing and clinical evaluation are necessary to determine the infection status.

Is there any preparation required before testing?

• No special preparation is required for the dog before the test. However, it is important to follow the test kit instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.

What should I do if my dog tests positive for Brucella canis?

• If your dog tests positive, consult with your veterinarian for a confirmatory test and discuss the appropriate treatment and management plan. It's also important to take measures to prevent the spread of the infection to other animals and humans.

How often should dogs be tested for Brucella canis?

• The frequency of testing depends on the dog's risk factors. Breeding dogs, those in shelters, or in multi-dog households should be tested regularly, typically every 6-12 months. Consult with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate testing schedule for your dog.