Evaluation of Using VITEK2 System against BRUCE-LADDER Assay for Rapid Identification of Brucella Field Isolates in Egypt

The current investigation was conducted to evaluate how well the VITEK 2 compact system identified Brucella strains utilizing Gram-Negative (GN) identification cards while utilizing the VITEK 2 automated microbial identification system. The 47 substrates or biochemical tests that measure inhibition and resistance, carbon source utilization, and related enzymatic activities form the basis of the VITEK 2 GN card. All Brucella isolates and strains, 3 Brucella vaccine strains, six reference strains, and 30 well-characterized field isolates were identified using traditional methods and the BRUCE-LADDER assay. Nine of the field isolates were identified as Brucella abortus, and the other 21 isolates were identified as Brucella melitensis. All Brucella isolates and strains were identified correctly using the VITEK 2 system as Brucella melitensis, with a different probability range from 97-99 %, with 100% sensitivity. The probability of identification of both Brucella abortus and Brucella ovis strains was 97%, where the probability of identification of Brucella melitensis strains and Brucella suis strains was 99% and 98%, respectively. According to these findings, the VITEK 2 GN system is a suitable automated technique that can identify Brucella isolates at the species level with accuracy, speed, and dependability.