SPADA

Real-time PCR assay for B. suis

• B. suis bv.1 (may also detect 2‐4, but  results inconclusive with only one  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

Roberto et al. 2009 Unpub (DHS)

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