Standardisation of loop-mediated isothermal amplification for the screening of bovine brucellosis

Brucellosis caused by Brucella spp. is one of the most widespread zoonotic diseases worldwide, with high impact on production and reproduction of animals and public health which in turn affects the economy of the nation. The present study aims to standardise loop-mediated isothermal amplification for the detection of Brucella in bovines in Kerala. The samples collected include uterine discharges after abortion, vaginal discharges from repeat breeders and aborted foetal internal organs. The primers based on IS711 specific gene were used and subjected to loop-mediated isothermal amplification under optimal concentration of reagents, temperature and time. Twenty-one out of one hundred and one samples were positive revealing a green fluorescence under UV light. As loop-mediated isothermal amplification is a sensitive, specific, inexpensive and field oriented test, it can be exploited for the detection and management of the disease during its acute phase.