Shivaji T. Mohite’s scientific contributions

Background: Laboratory help is must for the diagnosis of human brucellosis due to protean clinical manifestations. As culture is hazardous, time consuming and less sensitive, serological tests are preferred for the diagnosis. Agglutination tests like Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Serum Agglutination tests (SAT), 2-Mercaptoethanol test (2-ME) that are commonly employed for the diagnosis either lack sensitivity or specificity. Coombs test and Brucellacapt though are sensitive and specific, workout costly. Therefore, modified coagglutination test was developed and its diagnostic efficacy was evaluated. Aims and Objectives: To develop modified coagglutination test for the diagnosis of human brucellosis and compare it with Coombs test. Materials and Methods: Serum samples collected from 191 brucellosis patients and 100 controls were subjected to RBPT, SAT, 2-ME, Coombs test and modified coagglutination test (MCOAG). Blood culture was performed by Castaneda's method in all the patients. Results: Significant difference in the positivity rate was seen between MCOAG and 2-ME. The results of MCOAG were comparable with Coombs test. Conclusions: Modified coagglutination test is a better option to Coombs test for the serodiagnosis of brucellosis in resource constrained countries as it is sensitive, specific & cost effective.

Backgroind: In endemic area for brucellosis background levels of antibodies are found in healthy populations. Aims & Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-brucella antibodies and base line titres among the blood donors. Materials and Methods: 321 blood samples were collected from blood donors. Serological tests - Rose Bengal Plate Agglutination Test (RBPT), Standard Tube Agglutination Test (STAT) and 2-Mercaptoethanol Agglutination Test (2ME), were carried out on all the blood samples. Results: Seroprevalence of brucellosis in blood donors was 5.91%, 3.11 % and 0.62% by RBPT, STAT and 2ME respectively. History of animal exposure and occasional raw milk ingestion was observed in 137 individuals residing in rural area. Conclusion: Brucellosis might be common in rural population who come in contact with infected animals and or consume raw milk. For the diagnosis of brucellosis RBPT test should be used only for screening purpose and the positive results should be confirmed by STAT and 2ME tests. Titres of 160 IU and above for STAT and 80 IU and above for 2ME test can be considered significant for diagnostic purpose.