Objective:

To confirm the circulating Brucella species in Cameroon and assess the performance of different diagnostic methods, highlighting the implications for public health.

Key Findings:

• B. abortus was the only Brucella species detected in all regions, indicating a significant public health concern.
• Culture positivity rate was 0.8% in cattle, with PCR identifying additional positive animals, underscoring the need for improved diagnostic methods.
• Estimated prevalence of Brucella infection was 8.3% in cattle and 7.3% in goats, highlighting the widespread nature of the infection.
• Serologic tests showed highest positivity in cattle, followed by goats, pigs, and sheep, indicating varying susceptibility among species.
• Genomic analysis indicated strains were closely related to those in eastern sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting long-standing regional circulation.

Interpretation:

The study highlights the need for combining serological tests with molecular or culture methods for accurate Brucella species identification, which is crucial for effective disease management.

Limitations:

• Culture method had low sensitivity for chronic infections, which may lead to underdiagnosis.
• PCR may detect non-viable bacterial DNA, complicating interpretation of results.
• Serologic tests cannot distinguish between Brucella species, limiting their diagnostic utility.

Conclusion:

The findings underscore the endemic nature of B. abortus in Cameroon and the importance of comprehensive diagnostic approaches for public health.