This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Reprints and Permissions Copyright Information Books from ASM Press MicrobeWorld Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Moyer, N P Articles by Hausler, W J Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Moyer, N P Articles by Hausler, W J, Jr

 Previous Article  |  Next Article 

J Clin Microbiol. 1987 October; 25(10): 1969-1972

Comparison of serologic screening tests for brucellosis.

Hygienic Laboratory, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.

ABSTRACT

The slide agglutination test (SAT), microagglutination test (MAT), and card agglutination test (CAT) were compared with each other, using the tube agglutination test (TAT) as the standard method, by two reference laboratories to determine effectiveness as screening tests for human brucellosis. TAT titers of 1,253 sera tested in both laboratories were compared. In one laboratory, 1,270 sera were tested by the TAT and SAT, while the other laboratory tested 1,261 sera by both methods. Of these sera, 1,155 were tested in one laboratory by the CAT and 187 sera were tested by the MAT. Compared with that of the TAT (greater than or equal to 160 positive), the sensitivities were 97 to 100% (SAT), 90% (CAT), and 88% (MAT). The specificities were 88 to 89% (SAT), 98% (CAT), and 88% (MAT). For populations with a low prevalence of disease, increased specificity offers higher predictive value, so the CAT and MAT are preferable for screening purposes and the choice between tests depends on the number and frequency of tests performed. All sera reactive in the CAT and MAT should be retested with the TAT.

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Zerva, L., Bourantas, K., Mitka, S., Kansouzidou, A., Legakis, N. J. (2001). Serum Is the Preferred Clinical Specimen for Diagnosis of Human Brucellosis by PCR. J. Clin. Microbiol. 39: 1661-1664 [Abstract] [Full Text]