Russian scientists at the Research Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe” have developed a rapid test to detect the causative agent of brucellosis, according to Rospotrebnadzor (Russian Federal State Agency for Health and Consumer Rights). The test boasts high accuracy and delivers results within 90 minutes, making it twice as fast as existing diagnostic methods.
Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by a family of bacteria called Brucella. It leads to a hypersensitivity reaction. Domestic animals, particularly cattle, sheep, and goats, are the main carriers of Brucella. “Timely diagnosis of brucellosis is difficult due to its mild, non-specific symptoms that mimic other illnesses like the flu, making rapid identification of the pathogen crucial,” the report says.
The test was developed under the federal project “Sanitary Shield” (direction “Safety for Health: Prevention, Detection, and Response”). The facilities of the Microbe Institute allow for the production of up to 5,000 tests per year, which will ensure the necessary level of control over brucellosis in the country, according to the press service of Rospotrebnadzor.
Earlier this month, Russia introduced a comprehensive test that can detect five dangerous infectious diseases: plague, cholera, anthrax, brucellosis, and tularemia.
