Brucella - detection (Please notify laboratory if suspected)

Detection of infection with Brucella species and antibodies
Microbiology
Virology
○Whole blood ○ Serum (for serology)
Other Information
○ Notify laboratory if Brucella infection is suspected
○ Ensure specimens are appropriately labelled “Brucella” so the correct duration of incubation will be initiated
○ Acute and convalescent sera may be required for serodiagnosis
○ BD BACT/ALERT® FA Plus Aerobic
○ BD BACT/ALERT® FN Plus Anaerobic
○ BD BACT/ALERT® PediFAN (pediatric)
○ Whole blood/serum for serology: serum separator tube (SST)

Blood cultures:
○ A set of blood cultures consists of two BacT/Alert bottles, one for aerobic and the other for anaerobic culture taken from a single venipuncture site. For infants, a single aerobic BacT/Alert PF bottle is required. For adults, collect 20 mL of blood for each blood culture draw.
Serology:
○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood.

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
PHOL
○ Up to 21 days for culture
○ Up to 10 days for serology upon receipt by PHOL
416-586-4800 extension 4432
YES; laboratory should be notified if a Brucella infection is suspected
○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Transport blood cultures to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory at room temperature (20-25˚C) ASAP after collection. Transport serology at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C).

○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing for confirmation or serology.