Ultrasensitive Detection and Its Potential Applications in the Diagnosis of Brucellosis

Curr Microbiol. 2026 May 7;83(6):352. doi: 10.1007/s00284-026-04941-y.

Abstract

Brucellosis is a major zoonotic disease caused by Brucella spp., notably B. melitensis, B. abortus, B. canis, and B. suis. It continues to impose a significant public health and economic burden in endemic regions, including parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The clinical presentation of the disease is often nonspecific, and early, accurate diagnosis is further complicated by the susceptibility of conventional serological assays to cross-reactivity. This narrative review covers literature published between 2000 and 2025 regarding the detection of Brucella, indexed in PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). The review focuses on the limitations of traditional diagnostic methods and the performance characteristics and latest developments of emerging ultrasensitive detection technologies, including nucleic acid amplification (LAMP, RPA, SRCA), droplet digital PCR, CRISPR-Cas-based integrated systems, nanomaterial-enhanced assays, and protein/antigen-based biosensors. Their potential for integration into the One Health framework for zoonotic disease surveillance is also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods
  • Brucella* / genetics
  • Brucella* / isolation & purification
  • Brucellosis* / diagnosis
  • Brucellosis* / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques* / methods
  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques / methods
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Zoonoses / diagnosis
  • Zoonoses / microbiology