Evaluation of immune response to brucella infection in sheep

Abstract EN

Brucellosis in sheep and goats is a zoonotic infection (excluding Brucella ovis) with important effects on both public health and animal health.

The disease is widespread in many areas of the world, particularly in some Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries.

Aim of the study: the present study aims to find out the prevalence of brucellosis in sheep in one of the areas of An Najaf El-Ashraf city, and study of the immune response by measuring the levels of and interleukin-10 (IL-10).

Methodology: Current study conducted in the Najaf province (Al-Barakyia) during the period between September 2013- March 2014, fulfilled by using Rose Bengal and Enzyme Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) tests for estimation of brucella antibodies.

A total number of 48 serum samples were collected from sheep and stored at -20°C.

Results: the frequency of positive sera by Rose Bengal test (RBT) was 20% and by ELISA technique was 25%.

The level of interleukin 10 (IL-10) was estimated in all surveyed animals, 12 sera samples were showed an elevated IL-10 levels, all were positive with ELISA serological test.

Conclusion: the detection of significant concentration of IL-10 among the seropositive cases may be indicated an active infection of brucella with type 2 cytokine production.

Recommendations: the evaluation of immune response of vaccinated sheep with brucella REV1 vaccine, depending on the estimation of IFN-γ and IL-10 ratio that will reflect the cytokines induced during vaccination and consequently, the effective or not immune response.