In coordination with the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), ASM has updated protocols designed to offer Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Sentinel Level Clinical Laboratories standardized, practical methods and techniques to rule out microorganisms suspected as agents of bioterrorism, or to refer specimens to public health laboratories for confirmation.

This guideline focuses on Brucellosis-causing Brucella species (BBS) and was originally published in 2013 but was updated in July 2025.

Summary of Major Changes:

• Background updated with recent taxonomic changes to genus Brucella and further defined clinically significant Brucella species.
• Emphasis for sentinel level laboratories is shifted from performing presumptive identification to rule-out of previous select agent Brucella spp, now referred to as Brucellosis-causing Brucella species (BBS).
• Case definition of brucellosis updated to reflect the 2025 CSTE Case Definition.
• Additional specifications added to specimen collection information, including discontinuation of Isolator lysis-centrifugation system.
• Recognition of gram-variable staining of Brucella spp.
• As of Dec. 17th, 2024, Brucella was removed as a select agent. Guidance updated on biosecurity and other public health requirements for rule-out BBS cases after removal of BBS as select agent.