The aim of this study was the determination and comparative evaluation of the seroprevalence of Brucella canis infection in dog sera obtained from different dog shelters located in İstanbul and İzmir provinces by tube agglutination test (TAT), 2-mercapto-ethanol tube agglutination test (2ME-TAT) and ELISA. A total of 362 serum samples were obtained from 8 different dog shelters in İstanbul and İzmir provinces. The dogs were temporarily kept in these shelters. Of the 362 serum samples, 46 (12.7%), 28 (7.73%) and 27 (7.45%) were found to be positive by TAT, 2ME-TAT and ELISA, respectively. Dogs in 6 (75%) out of the 8 kennels were found to be positive for B. canis. The prevalence of seropositive animals were ranged between 5.26% and 31.57%, 5% and 17.54%, and 2.12 % and 15.78% by TAT, 2ME-TAT and ELISA tests, respectively. Amongst the 46 sera evaluated as positive by TAT, 18 (39.1%) and 19 (41.3%) were found to be negative by 2ME-TAT and ELISA tests, respectively. A 96.42% similarity was found between 2 ME-TAT and ELISA results. In conclusion, the tube agglutination test when used together with additional tests such as 2ME-TAT and ELISA would be useful in eliminating the false-positive results obtained in serological diagnosis of B. canis infection of dogs. Similar results were observed between 2ME-TAT and ELISA tests. Because B. canis antibodies were detected in sera of dogs from most of the shelters examined, it is concluded that preventive measures should be taken to eliminate B. canis from the entire dog population and carrier dogs should be kept separated from uninfected animals. The carrier dogs may also constitute a risk for human health.

The aim of this study was the determination and comparative evaluation of the seroprevalence of Brucella canis infection in dog sera obtained from different dog shelters located in İstanbul and İzmir provinces by tube agglutination test (TAT), 2-mercapto-ethanol tube agglutination test (2ME-TAT) and ELISA. A total of 362 serum samples were obtained from 8 different dog shelters in İstanbul and İzmir provinces. The dogs were temporarily kept in these shelters. Of the 362 serum samples, 46 (12.7%), 28 (7.73%) and 27 (7.45%) were found to be positive by TAT, 2ME-TAT and ELISA, respectively. Dogs in 6 (75%) out of the 8 kennels were found to be positive for B. canis. The prevalence of seropositive animals were ranged between 5.26% and 31.57%, 5% and 17.54%, and 2.12 % and 15.78% by TAT, 2ME-TAT and ELISA tests, respectively. Amongst the 46 sera evaluated as positive by TAT, 18 (39.1%) and 19 (41.3%) were found to be negative by 2ME-TAT and ELISA tests, respectively. A 96.42% similarity was found between 2 ME-TAT and ELISA results. In conclusion, the tube agglutination test when used together with additional tests such as 2ME-TAT and ELISA would be useful in eliminating the false-positive results obtained in serological diagnosis of B. canis infection of dogs. Similar results were observed between 2ME-TAT and ELISA tests. Because B. canis antibodies were detected in sera of dogs from most of the shelters examined, it is concluded that preventive measures should be taken to eliminate B. canis from the entire dog population and carrier dogs should be kept separated from uninfected animals. The carrier dogs may also constitute a risk for human health.