Abstract: The invention relates to Mycobacterium tuberculosis superoxide dismutase antibodies, methods of using them for detection of M. tuberculosis, methods of testing for an inhibitor of an M. tuberculosis superoxide dismutase, and methods of detecting tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: A process for producing an optical active &bgr;-amino alcohol, the method comprising the step of allowing at least one microorganism selected from the group consisting of microorganisms belonging to the genus Morganella and others, to act on an enantiomeric mixture of an &agr;-aminoketone or a salt thereof having the general formula (I): to produce an optical active &bgr;-amino alcohol with the desired optical activity having the general formula (II) described below in a high yield as well as in a highly selective manner:

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification, cloning, sequencing and characterization of the iniB, iniA and iniC genes of mycobacteria which are induced by a broad class of antibiotics that act by inhibiting cell wall biosynthesis, including the first line antituberculosis agents, isoniazid and ethambutol. The present invention provides purified and isolated iniB, iniA, iniC and iniB promoter nucleic acids which may comprise the iniBAC operon, as well as mutated forms of these nucleic acids. The present invention also provides one or more single-stranded nucleic acid probes which specifically hybridize to the iniB, iniA, iniC and iniB promoter nucleic acids, and mixtures thereof, which may be formulated in kits, and used in the diagnosis of drug-resistant mycobacterial strain. The present invention also provides methods for the screening and identification of drugs effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis using induction of the iniB promoter.

Abstract: A mutated mycobacterium selected from the class consisting of mutated M. bovis-BCG, mutated M. tuberculosis, and mutated M. leprae. The mutation of M. bovis-BCG, M. tuberculosis, or M. leprae is preferably effected through an insertional mutation of a mycobacterial gene. The insertional mutagenesis may be effected, for example, through illegitimate recombination or by a mycobacterial transposon. Such mutated mycobacteria may then be transformed with an expression vector(s) containing a complement gene to the gene which is mutated, and preferably also including a heterologous gene.

Abstract: A mutated mycobacterium selected from the class consisting of mutated M.bovis-BCG, mutated M.tuberculosis, and mutated M. leprae. The mutation of M.bovis-BCG, M.tuberculosis, or M. leprae is preferably effected through an insertional mutation of a mycobacterial gene. The insertional mutagenesis may be effected, for example, through illegitimate recombination or by a mycobacterial transposon. Such mutated mycobacteria may then be transformed with an expression vector(s) containing a complement gene to the gene which is mutated, and preferably also including a heterologous gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to Mycobacterium tuberculosis superoxide dismutase antibodies, methods of using them for detection of M. tuberculosis, methods of testing for an inhibitor of an M. tuberculosis superoxide dismutase, and methods of detecting tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification, cloning, sequencing and characterization of the iniB, iniA and iniC genes of mycobacteria which are induced by a broad class of antibiotics that act by inhibiting cell wall biosynthesis, including the first line antituberculosis agents, isoniazid and ethambutol. The present invention provides purified and isolated iniB, iniA, iniC and iniB promoter nucleic acids which may comprise the iniBAC operon, as well as mutated forms of these nucleic acids. The present invention also provides one or more single-stranded nucleic acid probes which specifically hybridize to the iniB, iniA, iniC and iniB promoter nucleic acids, and mixtures thereof, which may be formulated in kits, and used in the diagnosis of drug-resistant mycobacterial strain. The present invention also provides methods for the screening and identification of drugs effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis using induction of the iniB promoter.

Abstract: The invention relates to the nucleic acid sequence and amino acid sequence of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) from mycobacteria and to expression of recombinant DHFR protein. Utilizing the recombinant protein, novel therapies and diagnostic strategies can be developed and selective antimycobacterial compositions can be designed and utilized to treat mycobacterial infections in patients. This invention includes all or portions of novel recombinant nucleic acids encoding DHFR for mycobacteria such as M. avium, to novel recombinant DHFR peptides produced by such sequences, and to vaccines, diagnostic kits, cells and therapies utilizing these peptides and nucleic acid sequences. The present invention relates to methods for using the sequences of the present invention to develop drugs specific to M. avium and other mycobacteria, to identify and sequence corresponding sequences in species other than M. avium, as well as diagnostic and treatment methods incorporating the disclosed sequences and peptides.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of Mycobacteria from any liquid, semi solid or exotic source is described. The extracted Mycobacterial sample is suitable for detection by culture and amplification.

Abstract: Exochelins can be used to prevent damage to organs for transplant from the formation or presence of the .circle-solid.OH radical. In particular, the invention is directed to the administration of exochelins to the organ prior to or coincidental with removal from a donor, storage, implantation in a recipient or in conjunction with reestablishment of flow of body fluids to the organ.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward the use of desferri-Exochelins to destroy cancer cells or retard or eliminate the growth of those cancer cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to InhA enzyme crystals and to methods of growing said crystals. This invention is further directed to the utilization of said crystals to determine the three dimensional structure of InhA enzyme utilizing heavy atom derivatives of said crystals, and to the identification and development of compounds which inhibit the biochemical activity of InhA enzyme in bacteria and plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant mycobacteria, particularly recombinant M. bovis BCG, which express heterologous DNA encoding a product (protein or polypeptide) of interest, such a protein or polypeptide (e.g., an antigen) against which an immune response is desired, or a cytokine.

Abstract: Exochelins can be used to prevent damage to living tissue from the formation or presence of the (.cndot.OH) radical. In particular, the invention is directed to the administration of exochelins to infarcted myocardium prior to or coincidental with reperfusion to prevent damage to myocardium from iron mediated free radical formation. Also presented is the chemical structure of exochelins and modified exochelins as well as other applications of these materials in the treatment and diagnosis of disease in mammals.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of Mycobacteria from any liquid, semi-solid or exotic source is described. The extracted Mycobacterial sample is suitable for detection by culture and amplification.

Abstract: A method of visually demonstrating the growth of such microorganisms as fungi, yeasts, and bacteria, especially mycobacteria, identifying them, and testing them for sensitivity to antibiotics by the color change of a specific redox indicator system. A mixture of the redox indicators Methylene Blue and resazurin is added to the culture medium. Iron(III) salts mixed with K.sub.3 Fe(CN).sub.6, Iron(II) salts mixed with K.sub.4 Fe(CN).sub.6, or sodium tungstate (Na.sub.2 WO.sub.4) is added to the culture medium.

Abstract: A process for the production of 4-androstene-3,17-dione and 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione of the general formula ##STR1## wherein . . . . . symbolizes a single bond or a double bond, characterized in that ergosterol ##STR2## is fermented with a culture of a microorganism strain capable of side-chain degradation of sterols.

Abstract: A process for the production of 17-oxosteroids by fermentative oxidation of 17.beta.-hydroxy steroids is described, which is characterized in that for the fermentation, a bacterial culture of the species Mycobacterium spec. NRRL B-3805, Mycobacterium spec. NRRL B-3683, Mycobacterium phlei NRRL B-8154 or Mycobacterium fortuitum NRRL B-8153 is used.

Abstract: A process for the microbiological conversion of steroids to (2+)-(7aS) 2,3,7,7-tetrahydro-7a-methyl-(1H)-indene-1,5(6H)-dione, hereinafter referred to as the indenedione.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel one-stage fermentation process for making the useful steroid intermediate 9-hydroxy-3-oxo-4,17(20)-pregnadiene-20-carboxylic acid (I). This process is significantly superior to the best prior art process known for making (I).

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel fermentation process for making the novel useful steroid intermediate 9-hydroxy-3-oxo-4,17(20)-pregnadiene-20-carboxyaldehyde (I). This compound can be used as in the synthesis of valuable corticoids.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel fermentation process for making the useful steroid intermediate 24-nor-1,4-choladiene-3,22-dione (I). Compound (I) can be converted to valuable corticoids by known methods.

Abstract: Mutant which is used in a novel microbiological process to selectively transform steroids having 17-alkyl side chains of from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, to yield sole transformed product. AD is a valuable intermediate to make useful steroids.

Abstract: Mutant which is used in a novel microbiological process to selectively transform steroids having 17-alkyl side chains of from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, to yield androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (AD) as essentially the sole transformed product. AD is a valuable intermediate to make useful steroids.

Abstract: Mutant which is used in a novel microbiological process to selectively degrade steroids having 17-alkyl side chains of from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, to yield predominantly androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (AD) and small amounts of androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (ADD). AD is a valuable intermediate to make useful steroids.

Abstract: Novel compounds prepared by microbial transformation using novel mutants to selectively degrade steroids with or without 17-alkyl side chains of from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, inclusive. These compounds can be used as intermediates to make useful steroids.

Abstract: Mutants which are used in a novel microbiological process to selectively degrade steroids having 17-alkyl side chains of from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, to androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (ADD) and androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (AD). ADD and AD are valuable intermediates to make useful steroids.

Abstract: Mutant which is used in a novel microbiological process to selectively degrade steroids having 17-alkyl side chains of from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, to yield predominantly androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (AD) and small amounts of androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (ADD). AD is a valuable intermediate to make useful steroids.

Abstract: Mutants which are used in a novel microbiological process to selectively degrade steroids having 17-alkyl side chains of from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, to androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (ADD) and androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (AD). ADD and AD are valuable intermediates to make useful steroids.

Abstract: Valuable steroid intermediates, 9.alpha.-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-17.beta.-ol-3-one (9.alpha.--OH testosterone), 9.alpha.-hydroxy-3-ketobisnorchol-4-en-22-ol (9.alpha.--OH BN alcohol) and 9.alpha.---hydroxy-3-ketobisnorchol-4-en-22-oic methyl ester (9.alpha.--OH BN acid methyl ester), prepared by microbiological conversion of steroids having 17-alkyl side chains of 8 to 10 carbons.