Abstract: Fasciolosis is an anthropozoonotic disease caused by the Trematoda Fasciola hepatica. This worm is a common parasite of ruminants namely sheep, goats and cattle. Adult worms are usually found in the bile ducts of the final host liver, causing significant economic losses in the animal husbandry industry. The diagnosis of Fasciola hepatica infection, in definitive hosts, is usually done by microscopic identification of parasite eggs in the stools, observation of adult worms in liver ducts, or by serology. However, no diagnostic tool as been described for utilization directly in the animals in the farm. The disclosed subject matter describes a cDNA clone codifying for a 69 amino acids polypeptide and 8 kDa molecular weight, and identified as Fh8 or “fasciolin” (Genbank number AF213970). Results show that the polypeptide FH8 act as an allergen.

Abstract: The invention relates to three isolated DNA molecules that encode for proteins, BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3, in the Leptospira sp bacterium which have repetitive Bacterial-Ig-like (Big) domains and their use in diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine applications. According to the present invention, the isolated molecules encoding for BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3 proteins are used for the diagnosis and prevention of infection with Leptospira species that are capable of producing disease in humans and other mammals, including those of veterinary importance.

Abstract: The invention relates to vaccine compositions comprising chitosan and a vaccine which are administered to avian species via the ocular route, and methods or programs of vaccination including use of chitosan in order to increase or enhance cell-mediated immunity in avian species and persistence of the vaccine avian tissues.

Abstract: The invention relates to using a combination of DNA-expression constructs for producing a drug for immunisation against leishmania infections and a corresponding vaccine. The DNA-expression construct is also disclosed. According to said invention the immunogene P36 LACK is used in combination with a leishmania infantum thiol-specific antioxidant protein gene (TSA), leishmania infantum kinetoplastid membrane protein 11 (KMP-11) and with a leishmania infantum GP63 antigen for producing an immune response. Plasmides, preferably minimalist immunologically defined gene-expression constructs (MIDGE) can be used in the form of the DNA-expression construct. The inventive DNA-expression construct makes it possible to produce a vaccine for treating leishmania infectious diseases and is used in the form of a component of said vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing Trichomonas infection by detecting an antibody that specifically binds a Trichomonas ?-actinin protein in a sample from a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated placental P. falciparum polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-4 and 6-24, and immunogenic derivatives thereof. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the placental P. falciparum polypeptides of the invention, compositions comprising one or more placental P. falciparum polypeptides of the invention, methods for inducing an immune response against the placental P. falciparum polypeptides, and methods for treating and diagnosing placental malaria.

Abstract: D type CpG oligodeoxynucleotides are provided herein that include a sequence represented by the following formula: 5?X1X2X3Pu1Py2CpGPu3Py4X4X5X6(W)M(G)N-3? wherein the central CpG motif is unmethylated, Pu is a purine nucleotide, Py is a pyrimidine nucleotide, X and W are any nucleotide, M is any integer from 0 to 10, and N is any integer from 4 to 10. Methods of using these oligodeoxynucleotides to induce an immune response are provided.

Abstract: Improved (safer and more effective) methods of therapy using TNF-R agonists, e.g., CD40 agonists are provided. These methods provide for the addition of an amount of a type 1 interferon and/or a TLR agonist that is effective to prevent or reduce the toxicity (liver toxicity) that may otherwise result in some patients of the TNF-R agonist is used as a monotherapy (without the type 1 interferon and/r TLR agonist).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of live mycobacterium of the M. tuberculosis complex for preparing a medicament, wherein the function of the zmp1-gene is inactivated, pharmaceutical compositions prepared from such mycobacteria as well as a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a disease or medical condition using said pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for protecting newborn calves against neonatal diarrhea by vaccinating pregnant cows and/or pregnant heifers, while minimizing the number of separate occasions producers are required to assemble the cattle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds that modulate the shikimate pathway and/or a pathway branching from the shikimate pathway in members of the Amoebida Order. In particular these compounds may be useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases caused or contributed to by members of the Amoebida Order.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion, with increased stability in the presence of bacterial or viral suspensions, especially those concentrated and non-purified (crude extracts) or minimally purified. The emulsion of the present invention can act as vehicle for the delivery of a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one immunogen and, in particular, an immunogen selected from the group consisting of an inactivated pathogen, an attenuated pathogen, a subunit, a recombinant expression vector, and a plasmid or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Vaccines comprising TRAP polypeptides and Salmonella enteritidis vectors comprising TRAP polypeptides are provided. The vaccines may also include a CD 154 polypeptide capable of binding to CD4Q. Also provided are methods of enhancing an immune response against Apicomplexan parasites and methods of reducing morbidity associated with infection with Apicomplexan parasites.

Abstract: The invention relates to three isolated DNA molecules that encode for proteins, BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3, in the Leptospira sp bacterium which have repetitive Bacterial-Ig-like (Big) domains and their use in diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine applications. According to the present invention, the isolated molecules encoding for BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3 proteins are used for the diagnosis and prevention of infection with Leptospira species that are capable of producing disease in humans and other mammals, including those of veterinary importance.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising MSPk-8 linked to an antigen. Methods of using the composition to induce an immune response in an animal are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the development and use of a vaccine that includes one or more FusM antigens in a carrier adapted to trigger a FusM-specific immune response in the human blood stream are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Targeted disruption of the centrin gene leads to attenuation of growth in the Leishmania. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide attenuated strains of Leishmania useful for the preparation of immunogenic preparations including vaccines against a disease caused by infection with a virulent Leishmania strain and as tools for the generation of immunological and diagnostic reagents. Other preferred embodiments provide related immunogenic compositions, methods of generating an immune response, methods for producing a vaccine, and methods of forming attenuated strains of Leishmania.

Abstract: An antibody was raised against a synthetic 27 per peptide (ProEP2-1) blocked T. brucei and ProEP2-1-induced apoptosis in human brain vascular endothelial cells (HBVEC). The use of this and similar blocking antibodies have use both as diagnostic agents and in treatment to prevent damage arising from infection.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis.

Abstract: Polypeptide and polynucleotide vaccines effective to treat or prevent infection of a mammal, such as a dog, a cat, or a human, by a protozoan. Methods of treatment and prevention are also provided, including therapeutic administration of the vaccine to an infected mammal to prevent progression of infection to a chronic debilitating disease state. Preferred embodiments of the polynucleotide vaccine contain nucleotide coding regions that encode polypeptides that are surface-associated or secreted by T. cruzi. Optionally the efficacy of the polynucleotide vaccine is increased by inclusion of a nucleotide coding region encoding a cytokine. Preferred embodiments of the polypeptide vaccine include immunogenic peptides that contain membrane transducing sequences that allow the polypeptides to translocate across a mammalian cell membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine against Trypanosoma cruzi infection, useful in the prevention and/or treatment of the Chagas disease. More specifically, the present invention relates to a recombinant mutant trans-sialidase enzyme that can be used as an efficient vaccine, without side effects.

Abstract: A process for preventing a protozoal disease by the administration of an alkyl phosphocholine to a human being.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new proteins of Leishmania major and to therapeutical and diagnostic applications thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to excreted/secreted polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding same, compositions comprising the same, and methods of diagnosis, vaccination and treatment of Leishmaniasis.

Abstract: Neospora caninum is the causal agent of bovine neosporosis which results in high levels of abortion. The protective efficacy of two Neospora antigens: Neospora cyclophilin (NcCyP) and NcSRS2 was evaluated. Mice vaccinated with recombinant (r) NcCyP, rNcSRS2, and the combination rNcCyP plus rNcSRS2, formulated with adjuvant ImmuMax-SR® and CpG were challenge-infected 3 weeks following the booster immunization and necropsied 3 weeks after the challenge infection. Mice vaccinated with rNcCyP, rNcSRS2, or the combination of rNcCyP and rNcSRS2 responded with high levels of NcCyP- or NcSRS2- specific antibodies. Mice which received vaccines formulated with either rNcCyP or the combination rNcCyP and rNcSRS2 had a higher (p<0.01) percent protection when compared to the mock- or non-vaccinated mice. Groups immunized with rNcSRS2 alone exhibited slightly lower levels of protection. Results indicate that NcCyP is a highly efficacious vaccine candidate useful in protection against Neospora infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to composition comprising a RPE and optionally a Th1-promoting adjuvant for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a parasitic disease and to its use.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the recombinant vaccine against canine visceral leishmaniasis containing the recombinant A2 protein and saponin, as an adjuvant, allowing the distinction between vaccinated and infected animals through conventional ELISA or immunofluorescence tests that employ antigens of promastigote forms of Leishmania.

Abstract: Compositions comprising the Cryptosporidium sporozoite antigens such as SRK (‘similar to riken’), CP15 and profilin are used in vaccines against the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidim.

Abstract: A method for defining, identifying and isolating recombinantly produced protein complex is provided. The protein complex comprises a group of fatty acid and retinol-binding proteins wherein the complex protein structure is entirely alpha-helical. The molecular weight of the recombinant protein is approximately 46 kDa comprised of 26 kDa GST and 20 kDa Hp20 protein. The procedures for extracting, isolating and analyzing the recombinantly in vivo produced protein complex and Hp20 protein of the recombinantly in vivo produced protein complex are provided.

Abstract: A method of preventing or inhibiting infection by a parasite or virus in vivo comprising administering to a human in need thereof a parasite or virus mitogen in a sub-mitogenic amount sufficient to induce a protective immune response against the parasite or virus in the human.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions for inducing an immune response in a vertebrate host against a protozoan parasite. In certain embodiments the composition comprises a protozoan parasite comprising a psoralen-modified DNA, whereby said protozoan parasite is killed but metabolically active (KBMA); and optionally a Toll-like receptor agonist.

Abstract: A vaccine against the Chagas disease, capable of stimulating the immune response against the trans-sialidase virulence factor of the Trypanosoma Cruzi parasite, which is a multicomponent vaccine comprising: (a) an immunogenic portion formed by one or more recombinant or synthetic polypeptides or fractions of thereof and (b) one or more polynucleotides including the regions that codifying one or more immunogenic polypeptides, or a monocomponent comprising at least one component selected among an immunogenic portion formed by one or more recombinant or synthetic polypeptides or fractions of them and a group of polynucleotides including the regions codifying one or more immunogenic polypeptides derived from Trypanosoma Cruzi and pharmaceutical compositions containing said multicomponent and monocomponent vaccines, the procedures for obtaining the immunogen portion of said vaccines and the nucleic acid used in the procedure.

Abstract: Polypeptide and polynucleotide vaccines effective to treat or prevent infection of a mammal, such as a dog, a cat, or a human, by a protozoan. Methods of treatment and prevention are also provided, including therapeutic administration of the vaccine to an infected mammal to prevent progression of infection to a chronic debilitating disease state. Preferred embodiments of the polynucleotide vaccine contain nucleotide coding regions that encode polypeptides that are surface-associated or secreted by T. cruzi. Optionally the efficacy of the polynucleotide vaccine is increased by inclusion of a nucleotide coding region encoding a cytokine. Preferred embodiments of the polypeptide vaccine include immunogenic peptides that contain membrane transducing sequences that allow the polypeptides to translocate across a mammalian cell membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating an excessive immune response including an aberrant/enhanced Th1 response by administering a helminthic parasite preparation in an amount sufficient to reduce the excessive immune response in an individual. This invention is generally directed to autoimmune diseases which involve an excessive immune response or an aberrant/enhanced Th1 response. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both known as IBD. While the present invention discloses specific information about the treatment of IBD, the disclosure is in no way limiting. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, lupus erythematosis, sarcoidosis and multiple sclerosis can be treated by the methods and compositions disclosed therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo Leishmania KMP11 or an epitope thereof that elicits an immune response in a dog against Leishmania, compositions comprising said vectors, methods of vaccination against Leishmania, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions comprising growth regulatable recombinant intracellular pathogens that have been transformed to express recombinant immunogenic antigens of the same or other intracellular pathogens are provided. Exemplary immunogenic compositions include, but are not limited to, growth regulatable and growth limited recombinant intracellular pathogen immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of making a vaccine against Entamoeba histolytica and methods of immunizing a subject using such vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to combination vaccines and methods for treating or preventing diseases or disorders in an animal caused by infection by Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) Types 1 and 2, Bovine Herpes Virus Type-1 (BHV-1), Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV), Parainfluenza Virus (PI3), Campylobacter fetus, Leptospira canicola, Leptospira grippotyphosa, Leptospira hardj-prajitno, Leptospira icterohaemmorrhagiae, Leptospira hardjo-bovis and Leptospira pomona by administering to the animal an effective amount of a combination vaccine. The combination vaccine can be a whole or partial cell inactivated or modified live preparation.

Abstract: Adjuvant combinations comprising at least one NKT activator, such as alpha-galactosylceramide (?-Gal-Cer) or iGb3, a CD40 agonist and optionally an antigen are disclosed. The use of these immune adjuvants for treatment of various chronic diseases such as cancers is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Piroplasmid protein or an immunogenic fragment of the protein, and to a nucleic acid encoding the Piroplasmid protein or immunogenic fragment. Furthermore, the invention relates to cDNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules and live recombinant carriers comprising the nucleic acid. Also the invention relates to host cells comprising the cDNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules and live recombinant carriers. Finally, the invention relates to vaccines comprising a Piroplasmid protein or an immunogenic fragment of the protein, to methods for the preparation of such vaccines, to the use of such proteins or fragments for vaccine purposes, and to diagnostic tests.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo Leishmania KMP11 or an epitope thereof that elicits an immune response in a dog against Leishmania, compositions comprising said vectors, methods of vaccination against Leishmania, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: Molecular targets are identified in T. cruzi suitable for use in diagnosis of Chagas disease, drug development, and vaccines, including live vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for augmenting an immunogenicity of an antigen in a mammal, comprising administering said antigen together with an adjuvant composition that includes a synthetic glycolipid compound of Formula I, as described herein. According to the present invention, the use of a compound of Formula I as an adjuvant is attributed at least in part to the enhancement and/or extension of antigen-specific Th1-type responses, in particular, CD8+ T cell responses. The methods and compositions of the present invention can be useful for prophylaxis and treatment of various infectious and neoplastic diseases.

Abstract: Recombinant immunogenic compositions, and methods for the manufacture and use, are provided for the prevention and treatment of intracellular pathogen diseases in humans and animals. The recombinant immunogenic compositions express high levels of recombinant proteins in vectors that do not harbor an antibiotic resistance marker (“unmarked”).

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel use of coccidian, specifically relates to the use of coccidian as a vaccine live vector. The present invention further provides a live vaccine with coccidian as a vector, which is transgenic coccidian capable of expressing exogenous protein or stably transfected coccidian that contain expression vector and can express exogenous coccidian. The present coccidian vector live vaccine can induce organisms to simultaneously generate protective humoral and cellular immune responses (including the mucosal immune response), as well as generate memory responses, which can be readily carried out and has stable effect and high biological safety without generating immune tolerance.

Abstract: Malaria in humans is caused by infection with Plasmodium species parasites including P. vivax. The biology and immunobilogy of P. vivax is distinct from that of P. falciparum. Provided are unique synthetic polypeptides and DNA molecules which encode them. Each of these molecules correspond to regions of the circumsporozoite protein of P. vivax. Each molecule comprises sequences corresponding to several repeats of the central region of the Pv 210 variant fused to sequences corresponding to several repeats of the central region of the Pv 247 variant. Each molecule additionally comprises sequences corresponding to either the amino terminus, the carboxy terminus, or both the amino and carboxy termini of the PvCSP. Also provided are vaccines comprising these unique sequences and methods of using these vaccines and sequences to prevent and treat Pv malaria.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and methods for the detection of anti-leishmanial antibodies in individuals suspected of infection with the protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania, where the infectious agent is an Indian strain and similar or closely related to Indian Leishmania strains. The compounds provided include polypeptides as shown in SEQ ID NO: 5 or SEQ ID NO: 6 which are useful for the detection of anti-leishmanial antibodies in individuals where the immune responses are elicited against Leishmania species of Indian strains and similar or closely related to Indian Leishmania strains, the compounds are also useful as a vaccine and therapeutic agent to prevent and treat leishmaniasis. The present invention further provides a diagnostic kit consisting of antibody raised against polypeptides as shown in SEQ ID NO: 5 or SEQ ID NO: 6 for detecting leishmanial antigens.

Abstract: A method of preventing or inhibiting infection by a parasite or virus in vivo comprising administering to a human in need thereof a parasite or virus mitogen, such as a eukaryotic amino acid racemase, in a sub-mitogenic amount sufficient to induce a protective immune response against the parasite or virus in the human.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protozoan strain of the family of the Trypanosomatidae the virulence of which is lower than that of the corresponding wild-type strain, characterized in that at least one copy of the SIR2 gene present in the genome of the strain is inactivated.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising at least one antigen in association with micropar-tides, wherein the microparticles are in the same size range as viruses. In addition the invention also provides vaccine compositions and methods of eliciting immune responses in a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for inducing an immune response in a vertebrate host against a protozoan parasite, comprising administering to the host a live protozoan parasite that is genetically engineered to disrupt a stage-specific gene function that is required by the protozoan parasite to establish a secondary infection in the vertebrate host. Representative protozoan parasites belong to the phyla Apicomplexa and Kinetoplastida. The vertebrate host may be a mammal or a bird.