Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of brucellosis

The performance of an ELISA for detection of total antibodies toBruceilaspp. was compared with that of the Rose Bengal, standard agglutination and Coombs test in the diagnosis of brucellosis. Sera tested were from 208 patients from whomBrucella melitensishad been isolated, 177 patients with significant results in at least two conventional tests, and 107 patients with fever from whom noBrucellaspp. had been isolated and in whom all conventional tests were negative. ELISA was the most sensitive test (97 %), showing greater specificity (96 %) and good predictive positive and negative values (98 % and 94 % respecitvely). ELISA was the only positive test in 6 % of patients in whom brucellosis had been confirmed by culture.