Prevalence of Brucellamelitensis and Brucellaabortus in Unpasteurized Dairy Products Consumed in Fars Province Using PCR Assay

Introduction and Objectives: The consumption of milk and unpasteurized dairy products contaminated with Brucella bacteria is one of the most important ways of brucellosis transmission to humans This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Brucellaabortus (B. abortus) and Brucellamelitens(B. melitens)in unpasteurized dairy products consumed in Shiraz, Fars province. Materials and Methods:In this study conducted in 2016, 238 unpasteurized dairy products, (48 raw milk, 48 yogurt, 46 cheese, 48 dough and 48 ice cream samples) were collected from the retail market in Shiraz and were analyzed using a PCR assay. Results: This study showed that 12 samples out (5/04%) of 238 unpasteurized dairy products were reported to be positive for Brucella bacteria(including 9 out of 48 (18/75%) raw milk samples, 3 out of 48 (6.25%) yogurt samples). Contamination was not detected in samples of dough (diluted yogurt), cheese and traditional ice cream. The results also showed that among 12 positive samples, 6 samples were contaminated with B. abortus (including 4 milk samples and 2 yogurt samples), 2 samples were contaminated with B. melitensis (including 2 Milk samples) and 4 samples were contaminated simultaneously with B. abortus and B. melitensis(including 3 milk samples and 1 yogurt sample). Conclusion: The present study suggests that unpasteurized dairy products are the main sources of brucellosis caused by B. abortus and B. melitensisin Shiraz province, Southern Iran; thus, the consumption of pasteurized milk and dairy products is a valuable method to prevent such ill conditions in human.