An Iranian researcher has made a significant breakthrough in the diagnosis of brucellosis, a bacterial disease that affects both animals and humans. Dr. Neda Eskandarzadeh, an associate professor at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, has designed an innovative immunochromatographic strip test that can detect brucellosis quickly and accurately using gold nanoparticles.
Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella bacteria, is common in countries like Iran where close contact between humans and livestock is prevalent. It leads to serious health issues in humans and causes economic losses in the livestock industry through animal abortions, decreased milk production, and trade restrictions.
One of the major challenges in diagnosing brucellosis is its non-specific symptoms and the complexity of cultivating the bacteria in laboratories. Current serological tests, such as the Rose Bengal Test, often fail to distinguish between acute and chronic stages of the disease.
Dr. Eskandarzadeh’s rapid test addresses these issues by detecting specific antibodies to Brucella proteins and differentiating between IgM and IgG antibodies. This allows healthcare providers to determine the stage of infection with greater accuracy.
Moreover, the test is fast, affordable, and easy to use, requiring no advanced laboratory equipment or trained personnel.
Supported by the National Science Foundation of Iran (INSF), this development promises a practical solution for mass screening in rural and under-resourced areas. Experts believe that with further optimization, the test’s sensitivity and reliability could be enhanced, making it an even more powerful tool in the global fight against brucellosis.
