Cemal ÇIÇEK, Elif Tuğçe GÜNER, Şeyda ÖZDEMİR, Ayfer BAKIR, Murat ARAL
The European Research Journal - 2026;12(9):964-973
Objective: To determine the seropositivity rate of brucellosis and investigate its relationship with hematological and inflammatory parameters, including complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein levels. Methods: Rose Bengal, standard tube agglutination, and Coombs tube agglutination tests were performed on serum samples obtained from patients with clinical suspicion of brucellosis in accordance with the manufacturers' protocols. Complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein levels were quantified using routine laboratory analyzers. Results: Among 6612 serum samples analyzed, Rose Bengal test seropositivity was detected in 110 patients (1.7%), and diagnosis was confirmed by at least one supplementary serological assay in 90.0% (n = 99) of seropositive individuals. Hematological abnormalities were predominantly mild, with anemia representing the most frequent manifestation (23.1%). Mean platelet volume was significantly lower in seropositive patients than in healthy controls ( P = .031), whereas red cell distribution width exhibited no significant difference. Elevated C-reactive protein levels (50.0%) were more prevalent than elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels (16.1%). Conclusions: The vast majority of Rose Bengal-positive patients were validated by confirmatory serological testing. Although hematological and inflammatory laboratory parameters demonstrate characteristic alterations, they do not possess sufficient independent discriminative value as standalone diagnostic markers for brucellosis. Consequently, these routine laboratory findings should be utilized as supportive indicators when interpreted in conjunction with serological profiles and clinical evaluation.
