Diagnostic value of ELISA (IgG and IgM) test in brucellosis patients in Kashan during 2004

Brucellosis is an important common disease with many complications. Early diagnosis of the disease is very important. The present study was designed to compare the diagnostic value of ELISA test (IgM, IgG) with serologic agglutination tests (Wright and Coombs Wright) in brucellosis patients in Kashan during 2004. This case control study was conducted on 31 brucellosis patients. Using 5 cc venous blood, the ELISA, Wright and Coombs Wright tests were performed before and 3 months after the treatment. The results were analyzed concerning the determination of specificity and sensitivity of the tests. The sensitivity of ELISA for IgM and IgG was 100%. Specificity of the test was 63.3% and 72.7% respectively. Also, while the positive predictive value of both tests was 100% the negative predictive values were 83.6% and 86.9% respectively. Regarding the sensitivity and specificity the ELISA test could be considered as a reliable and appropriate test in diagnosis of brucellosis