Brucella is a dangerous, highly virulent organism and the aerosols are highly infectious. It is the most common cause of laboratory-associated bacterial infections. Laboratory-acquired cases have occurred by aerosol-generating procedures, direct skin contact with cultures, and sniffing cultures. It should not be manipulated on an open bench.
Catalase: Brucella is catalase positive. Catalase testing must be performed with extreme caution in a biosafety cabinet (BSC) due to the creation of aerosols.
Oxidase: Positive
Urease: Positive
XV factors: Not required for growth (satellite phenomenon with S. aureus is negative)
Serological testing: This is often used because it is so difficult to grow. An acute and convalescent phase specimen should be collected 21 days apart.
