Serology for brucellosis

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Blood test

Brucella serology; Brucella antibody test or titer

A normal result shows no antibodies to Brucella. However, during the first few days to weeks of exposure to an antigen, there may be very little antibody production. As brucellosis progresses, more antibodies will be present. If brucellosis is suspected, the test may need to be repeated 10 days to 2 weeks after the first test, to watch for this rise.

Infection with other bacteria, such as Yersinia, Francisella, and Vibrio, and immunizations can make the test falsely positive.

If antibodies are detected, there has likely been exposure to the Brucella bacteria (possible brucellosis).

Review Date: 11/16/2005
Reviewed By: Monica Gandhi, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.