Full Length Research Paper

Molecular detection of Brucella spp. from broth culture of clinical samples in Nigeria: Its role in vaccine quality control

J. F. Antiabong¹*, B. Yakubu¹, O. A. Owolodun¹, W. Bertu² and R. A. Ocholi²

¹Biochemistry and Applied Molecular Biology Department, National Veterinary, Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.

²Bacteria Research Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: negribj@yahoo.com. Tel: +2348024136762.

Accepted 22 September, 2009

   Abstract

PCR was employed to detect Brucella spp. from broth cultures of clinical samples using a group specific primer based on IS6501 sequence. The sensitivity and specificity of this assay was confirmed by Southern hybridization analysis using a digoxigenin-labeled DNA probe while reproducibility of the analysis was confirmed by repetition of the test. Also, ERI₁ and ERI₂ primers were used to differentiate Brucella abortus strain 19 from other strains and the relevance in quality control of Brucella vaccine production highlighted.

Key words: PCR, Southern hybridization, Brucella, vaccine, quality control.