Serological evaluation of brucellosis in nomadic small ruminants in Southeastern Türkiye.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Brucellosis is a globally widespread disease due to the presence of multiple bacterial species and a broad host range. In regions where livestock production is conducted under a ‘nomadic lifestyle’, detection and consequently control of the disease become challenging. The aim of this study was to obtain epidemiological data for surveillance of brucellosis in aborting nomadic sheep and goats using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA). For this purpose, 343 serum samples collected from nomadic animals in the Southeastern Anatolia region of Türkiye were included in the study. METHOD: A total of 343 serum samples ( = 155 goats, = 188 sheep) obtained from aborting nomadic small ruminants in the Southeastern Anatolia region of Türkiye were included. The samples were evaluated for brucellosis using classical and modified RBPT, as well as i-ELISA employing synthetic trisaccharide antigens. RESULTS: Of the serum samples, 20.99% tested positive by RBPT, while 24.78% tested positive by i-ELISA. According to the Kappa coefficient, the two test results were concordant; however, McNemar’s test indicated a statistically significant difference between the tests. To increase diagnostic specificity, 67 samples (19.53%) that tested positive by both RBPT and i-ELISA were considered ‘confirmed positive’. CONCLUSION: In regions where small ruminant production is a major livelihood due to socioeconomic and geographical conditions, brucellosis-associated abortion cases constitute a serious problem. While RBPT plays an important role as a practical diagnostic tool in resource-limited settings, the widespread use of diagnostic methods employing highly sensitive and specific antigens is considered essential for obtaining more reliable and accurate results in endemic areas. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-026-05372-4.