Serosurvey for the Prevalence of Brucella Canis Antibodies in Dogs in Central Ohio

Abstract : The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Brucella Canis-infected dogs in select canine populations by the 2-mercaptoethanol tube agglutination test. Analysis of prevalence figures with respect to demographic data (e.g., stray/non-stray, male/female) was accomplished. In addition, the serologic technique employed in the canine brucellosis serosurvey was further tested to determine its comparative effectiveness when using hemolyzed versus nonhemolyzed serum samples, and when using plasma versus serum samples. Furthermore, the results of two other serologic techniques were compared with those of the 2-mercaptoethanol tube agglutination test, in an attempt to ascertain the ability of each test to detect Brucella canis serum agglutinins. Animals identified during the course of this study as having serologic evidence of Brucella canis infection were subjected to follow up study when possible (i. e., additional serologic testing, blood and tissue culture, pathologic examination, et cetera).