Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of a mutant Leishmania as a suicidal vaccine wherein the mutant Leishmania is responsive to external signals to become porphyric and commit suicidal cytolysis. The mutant can be selected from natural Leishmania species or constructed by genetic engineering.

Abstract: Chimeric gene formed by the DNA sequences that encode the antigenic determinants of four proteins of L. infantum, useful for the serological diagnosis of canine Leishmaniosis and protein obtained, that consists of the prior employment of a cloning strategy. The patent describes the intermediate products generated during the process. A clone is achieved expressed in the protein rLiPO-Ct-Q (pPQI). To this initial vector, by means of the use of suitable restriction targets, DNA fragments are sequentially added that are encoded in other proteins and after each cloning step the correct orientation of each one of the inserts reduces the size of the expression products, the complete nucleotide sequence of the final pPQV clone being determined. A polypeptide is obtained with a molecular mass of 38 kD and with an isoelectric point of 7.37.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for the prophylaxis and treatment of parasitic infections in animals and birds. More particularly, the present invention contemplates a method for the prophylaxis and treatment of Plasmodium infection in mammals and the prophylaxis and treatment of disease conditions caused or exacerbated by Plasmodium. Even more particularly, the present invention is directed to a method for the prophylaxis and treatment of malaria including ameliorating the clinical effects of malaria and agents useful for same.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunogenically active component comprising inactivated Sarcocystis neurona cells and/or inactivated Neospora hughesi cells; antigens derived therefrom; DNA derived therefrom; or a mixture; or in combination with other vaccine components; thereof. Further provided are vaccine compositions useful for preventing or ameliorating equine protozoal myeloencephalitis infection and disease and a method for the cell culture propagation of protozoan parasites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophilic Eimeria polypeptides, DNA-fragments encoding those peptides, recombinant DNA molecules comprising such DNA-fragments, live recombinant carriers comprising such DNA-fragments or recombinant DNA molecules and host cells comprising such DNA-fragments, recombinant DNA molecules or live recombinant carriers. Furthermore, the invention relates to antibodies against the polypeptides and to coccidiosis vaccines based upon said polypeptides. The invention also relates to methods for the preparation of such antibodies and vaccines, and to methods for the detection of Eimeria parasites and antibodies against Eimeria parasites.

Abstract: A method of killing mosquito larvae and particularly the species comprising Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Cx. pseudovishnui, Cx. (Cx) sp., Cx. (Lutzia) sp. and Anopheles hyrcanus group which comprises in allowing Chilodonella uncinata as a ciliated protozoa to be present in said host larvae, allowing the ciliated protozoa to form a hole in the wall of the larvae and to enter into the haemocoelomic cavity of the larvae and to thereby allow the ciliate to feed on the host larvae and simultaneously allowing the host larvae to grow and allow a multiplication of the ciliate, and whereby the multiplied ciliates kill the host larvae.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the detection of Taenia solium and the diagnosis of T. solium infection are described. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the antigenic T. solium polypeptides gp50a, gp50b and gp50c are provided. The compositions contain synthetic antigenic polypeptides of larval origin prepared using the sequences described herein. Probes and primers for the detection or amplification of T. solium nucleic acid molecules are also described. The polypeptides can be administered to a human or animal to protect against T. solium infection. In addition, the polypeptides are useful as research tools for studying T. solium and as reagents in assays for the detection of T. solium antibodies in a biological sample. The methods are sensitive and specific assays that utilize the stable recombinant or synthetic antigenic polypeptides or nucleic acid molecules encoding the larval polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-amoebic vaccine containing an oligopeptide which can be obtained from the microorganism Entamoeba histolytica or synthesized by known methods. The anti-amoebic vaccines are particularly effective against inflammation and liver abscesses resulting from amoebic invasion when administered to patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions comprising as an immunogen a long synthetic or recombinant peptide of a merozoite surface protein 3b (MSP-3b) peptide, an MSP-3c peptide and a MSP-3d peptide. Vaccines against malaria are also disclosed using these peptides alone or in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel assay systems and methods for monitoring cell invasion by protozoal parasites. The present invention further provides methods of using these assays systems to identify compounds that treat or prevent protozoal infection. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions that have anit-protozoal activity and methods of treating infections.

Abstract: A composition for and a method of eliciting in a vertebrate a protective immune response against an eukaryotic parasite are disclosed. The method includes administering to the vertebrate a composition having a carrier group coupled to an oligosaccharide obtained from a lipoglycan found on the surface of an eukaryote. The composition is administered in an amount sufficient to elicit a protective immune response against the parasite.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel process of lignin degradation using a consortium of bacteria. To date, biodegradation of lignin has been centered to fungi only. Degradation of lignin by bacteria confer a new understanding that may be of tremendous industrial significance. This invention also discloses the isolation and acclimatization of ligninolytic bacteria from a specific site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of vaccinating a domesticated bird against coccidiosis comprising administering in ovo an effective immnunizing dose of live Eimeria sporozoites or merozoites, or a mixture thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the domesticated bird that is vaccinated is a chicken or turkey.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis of visceral, cutaneous and canine leishmaniasis in a subject suspected of being infected with the parasitic protozoa Leishmania is disclosed. Disclosed are antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of antibodies to Leishmania parasite soluble antigens and antigen-capture ELISAs for the detection of Leishmania parasite soluble antigens in host samples. Also disclosed are immunodiagnostic kits for the detection of Leishmania parasite circulating antigens or IgM and IgG antibodies in a sample from subject having visceral, cutaneous or canine leishmaniasis. In these methods and kits, detection may be done photometrically or visually. The methods and kits also allow the visualization of Leishmania amastigotes or promastigotes in a sample.

Abstract: A method for obtaining an immunogenic strain useful for producing a vaccine against Coccidiosis comprises the cycle of infecting at least one first group of specific pathogen-free donor birds with oocysts from an Eimeria species. Blood is then collected from these donor birds, and is then used to infect a second group of specific pathogen-free birds. Oocysts are collected from the second group of birds. These oocysts are then multiplicated to complete the cycle. The cycle is then repeated using the multiplicated oocysts. After a total of about three cycles, a final antigen may be harvested and utilized as a source to generate oocysts for a vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides attenuated live cultures of the pathogenic protozoan parasite, Neospora, and live vaccines against neosporosis prepared therefrom which are useful in the prevention of clinical disease and abortion in mammals.

Abstract: Chimeric gene formed by the DNA sequences that encode the antigenic determinants of four proteins of L. infantum, useful for the serological diagnosis of canine Leishmaniosis and protein obtained, that consists of the prior employment of a cloning strategy. A clone is obtained which expresses the protein rLiPO-Ct-Q (pPQI). To this initial vector, by means of the use of suitable restriction targets, DNA fragments are sequentially added that are encoded in other proteins and after each cloning step the correct orientation of each one of the inserts reduces the size of the expression products, the complete nucleotide sequence of the final pPQV clone being determined. A chimeric polypeptide encoded by the chimeric gene is obtained with a molecular mass of 38 kD and with an isoelectric point of 7.37. This chimeric polypeptide is useful for preventing and/or treating Leishmaniosis in animals or humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the major OprI lipoprotein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to elicit a Type-1 immune response towards a heterologous antigen. The invention relates specifically to the use of OprI—antigen fusion proteins to elicit the Type-1 response. More particularly, the present invention is directed to pharmaceutical formulations comprising OprI and/or OprI fusion proteins, optionally together with a suitable excipient, to stimulate the Th1 dependent, cellular immune response.

Abstract: Chimeric gene formed by the DNA sequences that encode the antigenic determinants of four proteins of L. infantum, useful for the serological diagnosis of canine Leishmaniosis and protein obtained, that consists of the prior employment of a cloning strategy. The patent describes the intermediate products generated during the process. A clone is achieved expressed in the protein rLiPO-Ct-Q (pPQI). To this initial vector, by means of the use of suitable restriction targets, DNA fragments are sequentially added that are encoded in other proteins and after each cloning step the correct orientation of each one of the inserts reduces the size of the expression products, the complete nucleotide sequence of the final pPQV clone being determined. A polypeptide is obtained with a molecular mass of 38 kD and with an isoelectric point of 7.37.

Abstract: A method of producing active immunity against a bacterial or protozoal disease in a subject comprises administering to the subject a vaccine conjugate comprising a live bacteria or protozoa and a neutralizing factor bound to the live bacteria or protozoa. The neutralizing factor is selected from the group consisting of antibodies and antibody fragments. The live bacteria or protozoa is one capable of producing disease in the subject, and the antibody or antibody fragment is one capable of neutralizing the live bacteria or protozoa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a live mutant Leishmania in the preparation of a vaccine and to vaccine formulations for use in immunizing mammals, such as dogs and/or humans. The mutant Leishmania comprises at least one defective cysteine proteinase gene.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to particular monoclonal antibodies that find use in the identification and purification of Sarcocystis neurona and related antigens. In particular, these antibodies permit the diagnosis of Sarcocystis related diseases such as equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM).

Abstract: Strains of Leishmania and other macrophage-infecting parasites are provided which express the GM-CSF gene which are useful in treating hosts infected by the parasite and in protecting hosts against disease caused by infection of hosts by parasites. The parasites are reduced in their ability to infect or survive in macrophages and hence are attenuated. At least one gene of the parasite contributing to the virulence thereto may be functionally disabled. The attenuated strains may be used for administration to a host (a) to treat a host infected by Leishmania or (b) to confer protection against disease caused by a virulent Leishmania strain, or as a diagnostic reagent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an homogenate prepared from cells of Neospora, and vaccines against neosporosis prepared therefrom which are useful in the prevention of clinical disease and abortion in mammals.

Abstract: A gene encoding a 29 kilodalton protein found on the surface of merozoite stage S. neurona has been cloned and sequenced. The protein encoded by this gene, termed SnSAG-1, is an immunodominant antigen recognized on protein blots. Methods for using nucleic acids and polypeptides relating to SnSAG-1 in diagnostic tests and vaccine development are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an homogenate prepared from cells of Neospora, and vaccines against neosporosis prepared therefrom which are useful in the prevention of clinical disease and abortion in mammals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a vaccine against tuberculosis and other intracellular pathogens, this vaccine is targeted against intracellular pathogens, more particularly the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Salmonella in this case.

Abstract: An animal model for CNS infection by Apicomplexan parasites was produced by inoculating a homologous cell or other type of cell with the merozoite stage of the Apicomplexan parasite and inoculating the infected homologous cell or a cell line prepared therefrom back into the host from which it came. Such a model was used to develop drugs for treatment or prophylaxis, vaccines for protection from Apicomplexan diseases and diagnostic tests for determination active infection with Apicomplexan parasites.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the detection of adult Taenia solium and the diagnosis and treatment of T. solium infection are described. The compositions contain one or more adult T. solium polypeptides. The polypeptides are useful as diagnostic agents for the detection of adult tapeworm infection. More preferably, the polypeptides are T. solium glycoprotein antigens referred to herein as T. solium excretory/secretory (TS/ES) polypeptides. The most preferred TS/ES polypeptide has a molecular weight of approximately 33 kDa, 38 kDa, or 42 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for conferring passive or active immunity to the parasite, C. parvum. A high molecular weight glycoprotein antigen isolated from C. parvum, capable of binding the mAb 3E2, was shown to harbor an epitope critical for triggering the neutralizing CSP-like reaction in the parasite. Antibodies targeted against the critical epitope were shown to possess neutralizing activity, and could be combined with other anti-C. parvum monoclonal antibodies and administered to an animal to confer passive immunity. Immunogenic compositions including the purified antigen are disclosed for use in stimulating an active immune response against C. parvum.

Abstract: Recombinant proteins have been developed for the immunization of animals against cryptosporidiosis. The proteins are effective for the immunization of a variety of animals against Cryptosporidium parvum, particularly for the production of hyperimmune colostrum that may be used to confer passive immunity against the parasite. Isolated DNA sequences which encode these proteins have also been developed. The DNA sequences may be inserted into recombinant DNA molecules such as cloning vectors or expression vectors for the transformation of cells and the production of the proteins.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis and stimulating immune responses in patients are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least an immunogenic portion of one or more Leishmania antigens, or a variant thereof. Vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such polypeptides, or DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides, are also provided and may be used, for example, for the prevention and therapy of leishmaniasis, as well as for the detection of Leishmania infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of excysting and growing protozoal oocysts by in vitro tissue culture resulting in production of a continuous culture of merozoites. The invention also provides an economical and reliable supply of cultured Eimeria sp. for vaccine production, assays and research. Domesticated avians that have been vaccinated using the provied Eimeria sp. are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a serum-based adjuvanted vaccine which is substantially free of non-host albumin and the use thereof in reducing or preventing post-vaccination systemic reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophilic Eimeria polypeptides, DNA-fragments encoding those peptides, recombinant DNA molecules comprising such DNA-fragments, live recombinant carriers comprising such DNA-fragments or recombinant DNA molecules and host cells comprising such DNA-fragments, recombinant DNA molecules or live recombinant carriers. Furthermore, the invention relates to antibodies against the polypeptides and to coccidiosis vaccines based upon said polypeptides. The invention also relates to methods for the preparation of such antibodies and vaccines, and to methods for the detection of Eimeria parasites and antibodies against Eimeria parasites.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of particulate antigens isolated from various species of Leishmania protozoa, or immunogenic variants thereof, are disclosed for the treatment and clinical remission of psoriasis. Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding such polypeptides, vectors incorporating such nucleic acid sequences, methods for genetically engineering microbial host cells to produce such polypeptides, and such recombinant microbial host cells. In another embodiment, immunotherapeutic agents incorporating the polypeptides or the nucleic acid sequences are disclosed for the treatment and clinical remission of psoriasis. In another embodiment, methods for the production of the polypeptides using recombinant microbial host cells are disclosed. Finally, methods for the treatment and clinical remission of psoriasis comprising administration of a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more of the polypeptides or one or more of the nucleic acid sequences are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for eliciting or enhancing immune responses to antigens, including tumor antigens, and/or DNA vaccines are provided. The methods employ polypeptides or nucleic acid compositions that contain at least a biologically active portion of a Leishmania braziliensis or Leishmania major homologue of the eukaryotic initiation factor 4A, or a variant thereof. Such polypeptides and compositions are useful for enhancing or eliciting a patient's cellular and/or humoral immune response, for instance within methods for treating tumors.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of use of urea amidohydrolase (Ure) antigens and polynucleotides encoding the Ure antigens for generating an immunological response in an individual and in therapeutic and diagnostic applications of infections due to pathogenic Coccidioides spp. fungi, such as C. immitis or C. posadasii.

Abstract: The present invention provides attenuated live cultures of the pathogenic protozoan parasite, Neospora, and live vaccines against neosporosis prepared therefrom which are useful in the prevention of clinical disease and abortion in mammals.

Abstract: Attenuated strains of Leishmania are provided in which at least one gene contributing to virulence of the strain and expressed in both the promastigote and amastigote forms of the strain is functionally disabled, such as, by deleting at least a portion of the gene or by mutagenesis of the gene. The attenuated strain may be used for administration to a host to confer protection against disease caused by a virulent Leishmania strain or as a diagnostic reagent.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis and stimulating immune responses in patients are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least an immunogenic portion of one or more Leishmania antigens, or a variant thereof. Vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such polypeptides, or polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, are also provided and may be used, for example, for the prevention and therapy of leishmaniasis, as well as for the detection of Leishmania infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Neospora caninum isolate from Nowra and extracts thereof. The strain is useful in the development of diagnostic assays for the detection of parasites in animals. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions, using live or killed organisms or extracts thereof, for the treatment and prevention of parasitic infections in animals.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis and stimulating immune responses in patients are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least an immunogenic portion of one or more Leishmania antigens, or a variant thereof. Vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such polypeptides, or polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, are also provided and may be used, for example, for the prevention and therapy of leishmaniasis, as well as for the detection of Leishmania infection.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis and stimulating immune responses in patients are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least an immunogenic portion of one or more Leishmania antigens, or a variant thereof. Vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such polypeptides, or polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, are also provided and may be used, for example, for the prevention and therapy of leishmaniasis, as well as for the detection of Leishmania infection.

Abstract: The process of the invention comprises the implementation of axenic conditions, with use of a liquid single-phase culture medium. For obtaining the amastigote forms, this medium is buffered at a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 and has an osmolarity of at least 400 milliosmoles/kg of liquid, and in particular 400 to 550 milliosmoles/kg of liquid. For obtaining promastigote forms, this medium is buffered at a pH of 7 to 7.5 and has an osmolarity of at least 300 milliosmoles/kg of liquid. This process allows the adaptation and culture in vitro of different stages of tissular parasites, such as leishmanias and T. cruzi or also hematoprotozoa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the major OprI lipoprotein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to elicit a Type-1 immune response towards a heterologous antigen. The invention relates specifically to the use of OprI—antigen fusion proteins to elicit the Type-1 response. More particularly, the present invention is directed to pharmaceutical formulations comprising OprI and/or OprI fusion proteins, optionally together with a suitable excipient, to stimulate the Th1 dependent, cellular immune response.

Abstract: A chimeric polypeptide encoded by a chimeric gene formed by DNA sequences that encode four antigenic determinants of L. infantum is disclosed. These antigenic determinants are obtained from rLiP2a, rLiP2b, rLiH2A and rLiPO. The protein obtained, has a molecular mass of 38 KD with an isoelectric point of 7.37. This chimeric polypeptide is useful for diagnosing, preventing and/or treating leishmaniosis in animals or humans.

Abstract: Recombinant proteins have been developed for the immunization of animals against cryptosporidiosis. The proteins are effective for the immunization of a variety of animals against Cryptosporidium parvum, particularly for the production of hyperimmune colostrum that may be used to confer passive immunity against the parasite. Isolated DNA sequences which encode these proteins have also been developed. The DNA sequences may be inserted into recombinant DNA molecules such as cloning vectors or expression vectors for the transformation of cells and the production of the proteins.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improved immunopotentiating systems for preparation of immunogenic materials. More particularly, the invention is directed to immunogenic compositions containing a protein, polypeptide, or peptide, a hydrophobic anchor, and a proteosome. The immunogenic compositions are suitable for use as therapeutic agents and vaccines.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunomodulatory effective microbiological compositions, to methods for the production thereof and to their use. The inventive microbiological immuno modulators are suited for use in active and passive immunization. The inventive compositions are primarily used as homeopathic medications in the areas of cardiac and circulatory disorders, hypertension or allergic ailments. The immunomodulatory effective microbiological compositions are comprised of equal parts of antigen and antitoxin suspensions and are potentiated using a potentiating solution.