Evolution of Knowledge and Practical Skills of Veterinary Laboratory Specialists as an Influencing Assessment Factor of the Epidemiological Situation for Brucellosis

Abstract

The study aimed to assess 58 veterinary laboratory specialists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices
concerning brucellosis across all regional (Marz) and central laboratories (Reference Laboratory for Especially Dangerous
Pathogens). The survey was developed to assess the knowledge of lab specialists and identify gaps in laboratory activities
that may have an impact on test results. Questions covered the following topics: a) disease epidemiology, b) sample
conditions, c) biosafety and biosecurity, and d) laboratory tests, requirements, and indicators. According to the results, 45
% of respondents are 51 years old or older, most (26 respondents/45 %) have six to ten years of laboratory experience, and
20 respondents (35 %) have 21 years and more experience. Eleven people (19 %) had not received professional training.
At the same time, 90 % and more correct answers were given by respondents who had passed training during the last year.
In the last year, a person took training but did not answer 90% of the questions correctly. Most part (86 %) of respondents
were not familiar with lab test indicators (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, etc.) and 46 (79 %) were unaware of screening
and confirmation tests requirements. Only 55 % (32 people) knew that one serological test was insufficient to make a final
diagnosis, but 24 (75 %) of those respondents could not justify that. This study shows that it is necessary to review the
current mechanisms for the preparation of laboratory specialists. This will indirectly impact an accurate assessment of the
epidemiological situation of brucellosis in Armenia.