To confirm the circulating Brucella species in Cameroon and assess the performance of different diagnostic methods, highlighting the implications for public health.
Key Findings:
B. abortus was the only Brucella species detected in all regions, indicating a significant public health concern.
Culture positivity rate was 0.8% in cattle, with PCR identifying additional positive animals, underscoring the need for improved diagnostic methods.
Estimated prevalence of Brucella infection was 8.3% in cattle and 7.3% in goats, highlighting the widespread nature of the infection.
Serologic tests showed highest positivity in cattle, followed by goats, pigs, and sheep, indicating varying susceptibility among species.
Genomic analysis indicated strains were closely related to those in eastern sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting long-standing regional circulation.
Interpretation:
The study highlights the need for combining serological tests with molecular or culture methods for accurate Brucella species identification, which is crucial for effective disease management.
Limitations:
Culture method had low sensitivity for chronic infections, which may lead to underdiagnosis.
PCR may detect non-viable bacterial DNA, complicating interpretation of results.
Serologic tests cannot distinguish between Brucella species, limiting their diagnostic utility.
Conclusion:
The findings underscore the endemic nature of B. abortus in Cameroon and the importance of comprehensive diagnostic approaches for public health.
