In the diagnosis of human brucellosis, serological tests such as the Rose Bengal test(RBT) and the Coombs serum agglutination test(SAT) are used. However, in East African countries such as Kenya, where many cases of human brucellosis are diagnosed, the Brucella fever antigen agglutination test (FBAT) is used, but its accuracy and reliability is unknown.

Raquel Conde, Ramón Díaz and Ignacio Moriyón proposed a partnership with Dr. E. M. Fèvre (International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom) to carry out a comparative study between the test used in Kenya and the other widely known tests (RBT and SAT).

The work conducted in Kenya and at the University showed that the FBAT test produces a high issue of false positives, raising the issue of diagnosed cases of human brucellosis. In addition, false positive diagnoses lead to unnecessary use of antibiotics in patients who are not sick with the consequent economic expense implications for society.

Therefore, the researchers propose that the FBAT test be replaced in hospitals by the RBT or another reliable essay .

result This work has resulted in the following publication: "Poor performance of the rapid test for human brucellosis in health facilities in Kenya William" in the journal PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases.