Abstract: The present invention reports a newly-identified human blood bacterium (HBB), provides characterization, culturing and diagnostic methodologies therefor and methods for the treatment of pathophysiological states caused by the bacterium. The bacterium is apparently present in the bloodstream of all humans in very low numbers, and appears to be directly or indirectly associated with several diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis and other “autoimmune” diseases. Also provided are uses of engineered HBB.

Abstract: The present invention reports a newly-identified human blood bacterium (HBB), provides characterization, culturing and diagnostic methodologies therefor and methods for the treatment of pathophysiological states caused by the bacterium. The bacterium is apparently present in the bloodstream of all humans in very low numbers, and appears to be directly or indirectly associated with several diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis and other “autoimmune” diseases. Also provided are uses of engineered HBB.

Abstract: A novel family of lymphotropic viruses, designated activating viruses or AV, have been discovered and isolated from primates, including humans (HAV) and marmosets (MAV). These viruses are infectious in primates and are associated with a wide variety of symptoms including anemia, chronic rhinitis, diarrhea, emaciation, enteritis, and neurologic abnormalities. Virus was isolated and purified from the blood of wasting marmosets and humans. These viruses have the following characteristics: (1) a double-stranded DNA genome; (2) an average diameter of 100 nm as determined by electron microscopy; (3) a spherical capsid with imperfect icosahedral symmetry; (4) a buoyant density of 1.12-1.20 as determined by sucrose gradient centrifugation; (5) major antigens of 32, 44, 48, 58.8, and 106.5 kDa as determined by Western blot analysis and silver staining of SDS-PAGE-resolved proteins obtained from MAV- or HAV-infected OMK cell lysates; (6) minor antigens of 26, 30.5, 74.5, 80, 95, 126.

Abstract: An immunoreagent useful to diagnose Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is provided. The immunoreagent comprises tracer tagged antibodies which are selectively reactive with lymphoid cells of AIDS infected tissue. The antibodies are obtained from marmoset monkeys which are either afflicted with or have recovered from Marmoset wasting syndrome. The immunoreagent is employed in a method to diagnose AIDS in a suspected carrier. The method involves admixing the immunoreagent such as marmoset serum or purified immunoglobulins together with lymphoid tissue samples taken from the suspected carrier. After incubating the admixture under appropriate conditions favorable for the formation of an immune complex, the samples are assayed for a positive immune reaction.