Abstract: This invention is directed to compositions and methods for treating (e.g., prophylactically and/or therapeutically) infection in a preterm infant. In particular, the invention provides anti-lipoteichoic acid (LTA) antibody compositions and methods of administering the same to a preterm infant (e.g., a low birth weight preterm infant (e.g., a very low birth weight preterm infant)) under conditions to establish anti-LTA antibody serum concentrations effective to kill and/or prevent growth of bacteria (e.g., Staphylococci). Compositions and methods of the invention find use in, among other things, clinical (e.g. therapeutic and preventative medicine) and research applications.

Abstract: Methods for treating patients in which damaged tissue or an indwelling prosthetic device or catheter has a bacterial biofilm growing thereon, to at least partially disrupt said biofilm, by administering at least one antibacterial enzyme that is lethal or damaging to the biofilm-forming bacteria in an amount that is effective to at least partially disrupt the biofilm upon contact therewith. Methods for prophylactically treating a patient, and methods for disinfecting or sterilizing a surface ex-vivo to remove a biofilm or prevent biofilm growth are also disclosed, as well as implantable articles susceptible to biofilm growth to which a prophylactic coating of an antibacterial enzyme has been applied.

Abstract: Methods for treating patients in which damaged tissue or an indwelling prosthetic device or catheter has a bacterial biofilm growing thereon, to at least partially disrupt said biofilm, by administering at least one antibacterial enzyme that is lethal or damaging to the biofilm-forming bacteria in an amount that is effective to at least partially disrupt the biofilm upon contact therewith. Methods for prophylactically treating a patient, and methods for disinfecting or sterilizing a surface ex-vivo to remove a biofilm or prevent biofilm growth are also disclosed, as well as implantable articles susceptible to biofilm growth to which a prophylactic coating of an antibacterial enzyme has been applied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reliable, low cost animal model for evaluating infections caused by enteric pathogens, including diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, such as enterotoxigenic, enterohemorrhagic, Shiga-toxin producing, and enteropathogenic E.coli. The animal model can be used for vaccine development and drug screening, including the screening of compounds that impair or inhibit the binding of enteric pathogens to host cells or compounds that inhibit the effects of toxins produced by the enteric pathogen. FIG. (1) represents the detection of CFA/I expressing ETEC in intestines and feces of ETEC-infected cotton rats using colony blots.

Abstract: Methods for treating patients in which damaged tissue or an indwelling prosthetic device or catheter has a bacterial biofilm growing thereon, to at least partially disrupt said biofilm, by administering at least one antibacterial enzyme that is lethal or damaging to the biofilm-forming bacteria in an amount that is effective to at least partially disrupt the biofilm upon contact therewith. Methods for prophylactically treating a patient, and methods for disinfecting or sterilizing a surface ex-vivo to remove a biofilm or prevent biofilm growth are also disclosed, as well as implantable articles susceptible to biofilm growth to which a prophylactic coating of an antibacterial enzyme has been applied.