Detections of Brucella infection in serum samples and aborted fetuses of small ruminants in East Azerbaijan province (northwest Iran)

Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella species, results in significant economic losses in both animal production and human health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of Brucella infection in aborted fetuses and serum samples from adults with history of recent abortion using serological, molecular, and pathological studies in East Azerbaijan Province. A total of ۶۲ aborted fetuses and ۳۷۳ blood samples were collected from sheep and goat flocks. The conventional PCR method was employed for the detection of Brucella infection following DNA extraction from the abomasal contents of the aborted fetuses. The serum samples from the adults were evaluated using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Wright, and ۲-mercaptoethanol (۲-ME). Moreover, the formalin-fixed tissue samples from the aborted fetuses were conducted for histopathological examinations. Molecular and serological findings revealed that Brucella infection was present in ۸۸.۷% (۵۶ out of ۶۲) of aborted fetuses and ۷۹.۰۹% (۲۷۲ out of ۳۷۳) of serum samples. Histopathological studies revealed necrotic and inflammatory responses associated with severe hyperemia and hemorrhagic lesions in the tissue sections, particularly in the brain, lung, liver, and kidney. In conclusion, the detection of Brucella infection in both aborted fetuses and blood samples indicates of its significant role in sheep and goat abortions in East Azerbaijan. More importantly, it remains one of the most common zoonotic diseases worldwide. Therefore, effective management and vaccination strategies are crucial for preventing and controlling the disease from a public health perspective.

کلیدواژه ها:

Sheep Goat ، Brucella Abortion Public health Iran