Comparative evaluation of the Brucella Coombs gel test in laboratory diagnosis of human brucellosis

Predictive Value of High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio and Monocyte to High-density Lipoprotein Ratio in Patients with Brucellosis

Background: Brucellosis is an inflammatory disease that may affect any organ or system. Objectives: The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to investigate the predictive value of novel and traditional inflammatory markers for the diagnosis of brucellosis. Methods: The demographic characteristics and laboratory results of 55 patients with confirmed brucellosis and 60 healthy controls were analyzed and compared. Blood culture was performed using the BacT/ALERT 3D automated system. The presence of Brucella antibodies was detected by both the Brucellacapt test and Brucella Coombs gel test. Complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and biochemical analyzes were also performed. Results: Compared to healthy controls, the patients with brucellosis had significantly higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), hsCRP to albumin ratio (CAR), ESR, monocyte, monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine levels, while had significantly lower mean platelet volume, lymphocyte to monocyte ratio, albumin, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein levels. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of leukocyte count, neutrophil, lymphocyte, hemoglobin, red blood cell distribution width, platelet, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, glucose, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein levels. Positive correlations were observed between CAR, hsCRP, ESR, and MHR levels. Conclusions: This is the first study evaluating the predictive value of CAR and MHR in the diagnosis of brucellosis. The data revealed that CAR and MHR could be used as the markers of systemic inflammation in patients with brucellosis.