Bacterial Isolation

The isolation and identification of Brucella can confirm a diagnosis of brucellosis. Brucella is most commonly isolated from blood cultures.

It can also, however, be isolated from:

• bone marrow
• cerebrospinal fluid
• wounds
• purulent discharge
• joint fluid

When sending specimens to a laboratory for culture and isolation, please be sure the laboratory is aware of your suspected diagnosis. If a laboratory is not available to perform culture and isolation, please contact your state health department for assistance.

Isolates may be sent to CDC for identification and molecular characterization. Contact your state health department to determine the appropriate route for submission of isolates. Be sure to follow the instructions for proper shipping.