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Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology, November 2002, p. 1356-1360, Vol. 9, No. 6
1071-412X/02/$04.00+0     DOI: 10.1128/CDLI.9.6.1356-1360.2002
Copyright © 2002, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Fluorescence Polarization Assay for Detection of Brucella abortus Antibodies in Bulk Tank Bovine Milk Samples

Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Animal Diseases Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2H 8P9,¹ University of Baja California, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mexicali, Mexico²

Received 14 December 2001/ Returned for modification 12 June 2002/ Accepted 9 August 2002

A simple, rapid, inexpensive fluorescence polarization assay for the detection of antibodies to Brucella abortus in bulk tank milk samples at the farm level or at dairies with a sensitivity and specificity of 100 and 95.9%, respectively, is described. The assay detects antibodies to B. abortus in 15 min by testing undiluted whey produced by chemical and physical manipulation of milk from bulk tanks. This sampling is noninvasive and therefore costs less and is less stressful than blood-based tests. The assay is specific and can detect antibodies at levels below that of the indirect enzyme immunoassay for milk and the fluorescence polarization assay for individual milk samples. Use of this test would make programs for surveillance of dairy animals and eradication of B. abortus more cost-effective.