Detection of Brucella spp. and Leptospira spp. by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from aborted bovine, ovine and caprine fetuses in Iran

Brucellosis and leptosrirosis are important causes of livestock abortion, that can be serologically diagnosed. Generally, direct methods as bacteriological isolation are employed, but they are dangerous, taking up much time and not enough reliable. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been reported to be successful for simultaneous detection of microorganism. The aim of this study was to use multiplex-PCR as an accurate, safe and rapid method to detect Brucella spp. and Leptospira spp. in aborted fetuses of bovine, ovine and caprine herds in Isfahan province (Iran). DNA was obtained directly from the stomach contents of aborted fetuses and PCR was performed by two pair novel primers. In total of the 276 specimens, 40 (14.4%) and 25 (9.0%) were identified positive for Brucella spp. and Leptospira spp., respectively. The convenience and the possibility of detection of both bacteria at a time, strongly support the use of this mPCR for routine diagnostics.