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: The present invention relates to the field of veterinary parasitology, especially of canine Babesiosis. In particular the invention relates to a polypeptide being a novel canine Babesia antigen (CBA), or fragments thereof, and to compositions comprising this antigen, to nucleic acids encoding the antigen, antibodies against the antigen, and medical uses of this antigen, fragments, antibodies, or encoding nucleic acids. In particular the invention relates to the use of such components in vaccines against canine Babesiosis.

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: The present invention includes 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.

Abstract: Modified protozoa parasites comprising simultaneous expression on its surface of at least two ariable surface proteins (VSP). The modified protozoa may also simultaneously express the complete repertoire of variable surface proteins. Protozoa show reduced expression of Dicer, RNA-dependant RNA-plymerase (RdRP) enzymes or both, wherein the RdRP gene and/or the Dicer gene has been silenced. The protozoan may be any protozoan showing an antigenic variation mechanism.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a protein or peptide antigen and an antibody against it, for use in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to the present invention, there is provided a protein or peptide derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa outer membrane protein PA0427 and an antibody against it, for use in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

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: 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: 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: 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 invention relates to a digalactolipidic antigen exposed on the surface of apicomplex parasites, in the form of a vegetable-type digalactoglycerolipid, and adapted for inducing the production of specific antibodies capable of inhibiting the proliferation and/or the invasive properties of said parasites; the invention also relates to a derived antibody or functional antibody fragment, and to their diagnostic, immunotherapeutic and vaccine applications in human beings or animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding novel Babesia canis associated proteins and to cDNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules and live recombinant carriers comprising these sequences. Furthermore, the invention relates to host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences, cDNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules and live recombinant carriers. Also, the invention relates to proteins encoded by these nucleotide sequences, to vaccines for combating Babesia canis infections comprising these proteins or genetic material encoding these proteins and methods for the preparation of vaccines. Another embodiment of the invention relates to these Babesia canis associated proteins for use in vaccines and to the use of the Babesia canis associated proteins in the manufacture of vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for stable transfection of Babesia parasites, and for vaccines conferring immunity against parasitic arthropods.

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 the 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: ELISA, Western Blot, and a peptide-based ELISA were applied to clinical specimens from patients with clinical symptoms of tick borne diseases, including Lyme disease. Peptides from different components of Borrelia during different cycles, including peptides from outer surface protein, leukocyte function associated antigens, immunodominant antigens, variable major proteins, and peptides from decorin-binding proteins of Borrelial subspecies (B. sensu stricto. B. afzelii, B. garinii) were used. Antibodies against specific peptides from Babesia and Ehrlichia were also measured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gene encoding a protein from merozoite of Babesia caballi, a recombinant protein of Babesia caballi, and an antibody capable specifically binding to a 48 kDa protein of rhoptry of Babesia caballi merozoite. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to stably prepare the 48 kDa protein of rhoptry of Babesia caballi and the gene encoding said protein in a large amount with the recombinant DNA technique. The present invention also provides a method for diagnosing equine babesiasis which comprises either specifically detecting anti-Babesia caballi antibody present in equine blood by using the recombinant protein of present invention as an antigen or detecting the presence of Babesia caballi merozoite in equine blood by using the antibody of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions containing different stages of pathogenic protozoans in a gel and to their use for controlling rodents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding novel Babesia canis associated proteins and to cDNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules and live recombinant carriers comprising these sequences. Furthermore, the invention relates to host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences, cDNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules and live recombinant carriers. Also, the invention relates to proteins encoded by these nucleotide sequences, to vaccines for combating Babesia canis infections comprising these proteins or genetic material encoding these proteins and methods for the preparation of vaccines. Another embodiment of the invention relates to these Babesia canis associated proteins for use in vaccines and to the use of the Babesia canis associated proteins in the manufacture of vaccines.

Abstract: Aminoalkyl glucosaminide phosphate (AGP) compounds that are adjuvants and immunoeffectors are described and claimed. The compounds have a 2-deoxy-2-amino glucose in glycosidic linkage with an aminoalkyl (aglycon) group. Compounds are phosphorylated at the 4 or 6 carbon on the glucosaminide ring and comprise three 3-alkanoyloxyalkanoyl residues. The compounds augment antibody production in immunized animals as well as stimulate cytokine production and activate macrophages. Compositions and methods for using the compounds as adjuvants and immunoeffectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gene encoding a protein from merozoite of Babesia caballi, a recombinant protein of Babesia caballi, and an antibody capable specifically binding to a 48 kDa protein of rhoptry of Babesia caballi merozoite. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to stably prepare the 48 kDa protein of rhoptry of Babesia caballi and the gene encoding said protein in a large amount with the recombinant DNA technique. The present invention also provides a method for diagnosing equine babesiasis which comprises either specifically detecting anti-Babesia caballi antibody present in equine blood by using the recombinant protein of present invention as an .antigen or detecting the presence of Babesia caballi merozoite in equine blood by using the antibody of the present invention.

Abstract: A conjugate vaccine for Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae comprising lipooligosaccharide from which esterified fatty acids have been removed conjugated to an immunogenic carrier. The vaccine is useful for prevention of otitis media and respiratory infections in mammals.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of B. microti infection are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one antigenic portion of a B. microti antigen and DNA sequences encoding such polypeptides. Antigenic epitopes of such antigens are also provided, together with pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising such polypeptides, DNA sequences or antigenic epitopes. Diagnostic kits containing such polypeptides, DNA sequences or antigenic epitopes and a suitable detection reagent may be used for the detection of B. microti infection in patients and biological samples. Antibodies directed against such polypeptides and antigenic epitopes are also provided.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of Babesia sp. WA1 infection are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one immunogenic portion of a Babesia sp. WA1 antigen and polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides. Pharmaceutical compositions and immunogenic compositions comprising such polypeptides or polynucleotides are also provided. Diagnostic kits containing such polypeptides or polynucleotides and a suitable detection reagent may be used for the detection of Babesia sp. WA1 infection in patients and biological samples. Antibodies directed against such polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of B. microti infection are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one antigenic portion of a B. microti antigen, DNA sequences encoding such polypeptides, and fusion proteins comprising such polypeptides. Antigenic epitopes of such antigens are also provided, together with pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising such polypeptides, DNA sequences, fusion proteins or antigenic epitopes. Diagnostic kits containing such polypeptides, DNA sequences, fusion proteins or antigenic epitopes and a suitable detection reagent may be used for the detection of B. microti infection in patients and biological samples. Antibodies directed against such polypeptides and antigenic epitopes are also provided.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of B. microti infection are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one antigenic portion of a B. microti antigen and DNA sequences encoding such polypeptides. Antigenic epitopes of such antigens are also provided, together with pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising such polypeptides, DNA sequences or antigenic epitopes. Diagnostic kits containing such polypeptides, DNA sequences or antigenic epitopes and a suitable detection reagent may be used for the detection of B. microti infection in patients and biological samples. Antibodies directed against such polypeptides and antigenic epitopes are also provided.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of B. microti infection are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one antigenic portion of a B. microti antigen and DNA sequences encoding such polypeptides. Antigenic epitopes of such antigens are also provided, together with pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising such polypeptides, DNA sequences or antigenic epitopes. Diagnostic kits containing such polypeptides, DNA sequences or antigenic epitopes and a suitable detection reagent may be used for the detection of B. microti infection in patients and biological samples. Antibodies directed against such polypeptides and antigenic epitopes are also provided.