Which test is used to diagnose Brucella canis infection in dogs?

Which test is used to diagnose Brucella canis infection in dogs?

• A. Urine culture
• B. ELISA
• C. Serum agglutination test
• D. PCR

Answer: (C)

Diagnosing Brucella canis infection in dogs is typically done with serology because dogs commonly mount a detectable antibody response and serologic tests are practical for screening. The serum agglutination test looks for antibodies in the dog's blood that cause Brucella canis antigen to clump together. A positive result indicates exposure or infection and is a convenient, widely available, and relatively inexpensive way to screen many animals quickly, making it the preferred initial diagnostic test. Culture of the organism can confirm infection but is slower and requires specialized biosafety facilities since Brucella species are hazardous to handle. Culturing from blood, tissue, or urine can also yield false negatives due to intermittent bacterial shedding. PCR can support diagnosis but isn’t as universally standardized or accessible as serology in all settings. ELISA is another serologic option, but many exam contexts emphasize the classic agglutination-based serum test as the standard initial diagnostic tool.

Diagnosing Brucella canis infection in dogs is typically done with serology because dogs commonly mount a detectable antibody response and serologic tests are practical for screening. The serum agglutination test looks for antibodies in the dog's blood that cause Brucella canis antigen to clump together. A positive result indicates exposure or infection and is a convenient, widely available, and relatively inexpensive way to screen many animals quickly, making it the preferred initial diagnostic test.

Culture of the organism can confirm infection but is slower and requires specialized biosafety facilities since Brucella species are hazardous to handle. Culturing from blood, tissue, or urine can also yield false negatives due to intermittent bacterial shedding. PCR can support diagnosis but isn’t as universally standardized or accessible as serology in all settings. ELISA is another serologic option, but many exam contexts emphasize the classic agglutination-based serum test as the standard initial diagnostic tool.