Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the identification of antigenic polypeptides expressed by pathogenic microbes; vaccines comprising the polypeptides; recombinant methods to manufacture the polypeptides; and therapeutic antibodies directed to the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides antigens and vaccines useful in prevention of infection by Yersinia pestis. The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions of such antigens and/or vaccines. The present invention provides methods for the production of Y. pestis protein antigens in plants, as well as methods for their use in the treatment and/or prevention of Y. pestis infection.

Abstract: Disclosed are the cloning and expression of novel antigens in Babesia microti. The recombinant polypeptides are highly immunogenic. The polypeptides of the present invention provide the basis of a diagnostic assay that is sensitive, rapid and accurate using patient's sera. Also disclosed is an IgG and IgM ELISA using two novel recombinant antigens in the diagnosis of Babesia infection.

Abstract: Conjugates of ookinete surface protein Pfs25 are provided that are efficacious as vaccines against Plasmodium falciparum, the most severe form of malaria. Conjugates of ookinete surface protein Pvs25 for use as a vaccine against Plasmodium vivax are also provided. Methods for preparing the conjugates, which comprise the ookinete surface protein bound onto itself or onto another protein by a linking group, are also provided.

Abstract: New Bacillus licheniformis strain named V9T14 that produces a new biosurfactant composition that is effective against colonization and/or bio film formation from bacteria. The new biosurfactant composition can be used in combination with biocides for preventing formation and/or for eradicating bacteria grown planktonically and/or as a biofilm, preferably on biotic and/or abiotic surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention discloses isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a hyperimmune serum reactive antigen or a fragment thereof as well as hyperimmune serum reactive antigens or fragments thereof from S. pneumoniae, methods for isolating such antigens and specific uses thereof.

Abstract: Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of whipworm in a fecal sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of whipworm in a fecal sample from a mammal that may also be infected with one or more of hookworm, roundworm, and heartworm. Confirmation of the presence or absence of whipworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.

Abstract: An object aims to develop a lactic acid bacterium having an anti-allergic activity, which can be grown by using rice, particularly polished white rice, and can be collected, cooked and ingested together with rice in such a state that the lactic acid bacterium is attached to the surface of the rice. Another object aims to develop a food composition and a pharmaceutical composition, each of which comprises rice containing the lactic acid bacterium as a material. Thus, disclosed are: a lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus paracasei K71 strain which has been internationally deposited in National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, International Patent Organism Depositary under Accession No.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attenuated strain of Ehrlichia canis and a vaccine comprising said attenuated strain for protection of mammals against ehrlichiosis. The invention further relates to methods of preventing ehrlichiosis and of attenuating the pathogenicity Ehrlichia canis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a hyperimmune serum reactive antigen or a fragment thereof as well as hyperimmune serum reactive antigens or fragments thereof from S. pyogenes, methods for isolating such antigens and specific uses therefor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising at least two protective proteins against Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) or functionally active variant thereof; a protective peptide against S. agalactiae; one or more nucleic acid(s) encoding the at least two proteins and/or the protective peptide; a method of producing the composition; a pharmaceutical composition, especially a vaccine, comprising the composition and/or at least one protective peptide; methods for producing antibodies; a mixture of antibodies against the at least two proteins of the composition; the use of the composition and/or at least one protective peptide and/or one or more nucleic acid(s) for the manufacture of a medicament for the immunization or treatment of a subject; methods of diagnosing a S.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of selecting and uses of anti-arthropod vector vaccines to prevent Leishmaniasis. The present invention also provides compositions for vaccines to prevent Leishmaniasis.

Abstract: Provided herein are immunoreactive peptides which can selectively bind Ehrlichia-specific anti-p120 or anti-p140 antibodies. Methods and kits utilizing the immunoreactive peptides are also provided. The immunoreactive peptides may be utilized, e.g., for determining whether or not a subject is infected with Ehrlichia chaffeensis or Ehrlichia canis. In certain embodiments, the immunoreactive peptides may be utilized in an ELISA or lateral flow assay.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions designed to reduce or prevent pneuomococcal infections, nasal carriage, nasal colonization, and central nervous system invasion. Provided herein is a composition comprising a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19 or a variant thereof that can elicit an anti-neuraminidase immune response. Further provided are methods of making and using the compositions disclosed herein. Specifically provided are methods of generating antibodies in a subject comprising administering to the subject an agent or composition taught herein. Also provided are methods of reducing or preventing nasal carriage or pneumococcal infection in a subject comprising administering to the subject a composition taught herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surface proteins of Moraxella catarrhalis and their ability to interact with epithelial cells via cell-associated fibronectin and laminin, and also to their ability to inhibit the complement system. These surface proteins are useful in the preparation of vaccines. The present disclosure also provides peptides interacting with fibronectin, laminin and the complement system.

Abstract: A strain of Francisella species wherein a gene which encodes for part of the glutamate metabolic pathway has been inactivated, and which is able to produce a protective immune response in an animal, for use as live prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine against infection by said Francisella species. Particularly effective strains include those where the capB gene is deleted. Other embodiments of the invention describe strains which comprise a further genetic mutation wherein a gene which encodes for another component of the cell is also inactivated. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising said strains, together with methods which utilize such strains are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a recombinant malaria vaccine and a method for its manufacture.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-48 and immunogenic derivatives thereof. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides of the invention, compositions comprising one or more liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides of the invention, methods for inducing an immune response against the liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides, and methods for treating and diagnosing liver stage malaria.

Abstract: A vaccine composition is provided which comprises a rag nucleic acid sequence for the prevention and/or treatment of infection by P. gingivalis. Uses of such nucleic acid sequences, proteins coded for by such sequences and antibodies raised against such proteins in medicine are also provided. Kits for the detection of P. gingivalis in a sample are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in one aspect, to the detection of Lyme disease in canines by detecting the peptide or antibodies to an infection specific peptide after challenge with B. burgdorferi. The 20 kDa peptide is not detectable in human sera samples after challenge or infection with B. burgdorferi and, as such, appears to be specific for canines and suitable for the consistent detection of Lyme disease in canines at time points earlier that possible with prior art methods.