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Interpretive Handbook

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Test 87345:
Brucella Culture, Blood

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Brucella are facultative intracellular gram negative-staining bacilli capable of producing the disease "brucellosis" in humans. Human disease likely is acquired by contact with animals infected with the organism (Brucella abortus, Brucella suis, Brucella melitensis, and occasionally Brucella canis) either by direct contact or by ingestion of meat or milk. The signs and symptoms associated with brucellosis may include fever, night sweats, chills, weakness, malaise, headache, and anorexia. The physical examination may reveal lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. A definitive diagnosis of brucellosis is made by recovering the organism from blood, fluid (including urine), or tissue specimens.

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Diagnosis of brucellosis

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

Isolation of a Brucella species indicates infection

 

Cultures of blood and/or bone marrow are positive in 70% to 90% of acute Brucella infections, but much less so in subacute or chronic infections. In these latter instances, culture yield is highest from the specific tissue involved, or serology may be necessary to establish diagnosis.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Although Brucellae are relatively resistant to adverse environmental conditions, excessive delay in the transport of material for culture to the laboratory may result in a lower yield.

 

Mayo Medical Laboratories does not perform species identification of Brucella; these isolates should be submitted to the State Health Department laboratory.

 

If a significant delay is expected, specimens should be refrigerated.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

Negative (reported as positive or negative)

Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. Fourth edition. New York, Churchill Livingstone, 1995, pp 2053-2060