SPADA

Real-time PCR assay for

B. suis

•

B. suis

bv.1 (may also detect 2‐4, but

results inconclusive with only one

Roberto et al. 2009

Unpub

(DHS)

strain of each available)

•

2 fg limit of detection (less than 1

genomic copy)

•

TaqMan assay developed on ABI 7000

and 7900HT Fast block (25μl rxn)

•

Detection in 15‐30 minutes

Proposed Changes to FSAP Status

•

Removal of

B. abortus

B. melitensis

, and

B. suis

from HHS list of overlap agents because (1)

mortality rate is low; (2) brucellosis is treatable

with antibiotics; and (3) human‐to‐human

transmission is “extremely rare” and zoonotic

transfer is also rare (each point cites Lecaroz et

al., 2006,

J. Antimicrob. Chemotherap

. 58:549‐

546) –

in spite of at least 3 human cases

associated with feral swine hunting; dogs at risk

•

USDA/APHIS proposes to remove

B. abortus

and

B. suis