Abstract: This invention provides a method as well as a kit for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a non-neural tissue biopsy sample, contacting at least a portion of the sample with a quantity of antibodies capable of identifying .beta.AP, a .beta.-amyloid precursor protein fragment comprising .beta.AP, or a .beta.AP peptide fragment of about 8 or more amino acids sufficient to allow detection of said protein, protein fragment or peptide fragment, and monitoring the extent of the reaction between the sample and the antibodies. The kit comprises antibodies specific for .beta.-amyloid protein, or a .beta.-amyloid precursor protein fragment comprising .beta.-amyloid protein, or a peptide fragment of .beta.-amyloid protein of at least about eight amino acids, and a means for detecting the extent of the reaction of the antibodies with a non-neural tissue sample.

Abstract: A multilayer diagnostic assay element wherein glyoxyl agarose, an aldehyde group - derivatized agarose, is utilized in one or more layers of the element. In a preferred embodiment the glyoxyl agarose is used to immobilize biological species such as a protein in a layer of the element.

Abstract: Indirect method of detecting elastase-modified or cleaved, antithrombin (ATx) in the presence of intact antithrombin (AT-III). The inventive method includes a modified ELISA using a detergent to alter the intact AT-III. Cleaved AT-III is generated in human plasma, then an ELISA is performed in the presence of a detergent.

Abstract: A stabilized prolactin calibrator is disclosed. The calibrator has a pH from about 5.5 to about 9.0, and contains prolactin in a 0.01 M to 0.2 M matrix of tris-(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane which additionally contains about 0.3 to 4 percent of bovine serum albumin, about 0.05 to 0.2 percent of sodium azide and from about 0.01 to about 0.2 mole/liter NaCl.

Abstract: A set of three unique monoclonal antibodies have been produced which recognize Legionella with particular specificity, without substantial cross-reactivity with non-Legionella bacteria. These monoclonal antibodies are useful as immunodiagnostic reagents for detecting Legionella.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody, specific for N. gonorrhoeae, specifically binds to a protein which is obtained from N. gonorrhoeae, which has a molecular weight of about 14 kD as determined by SDS-PAGE and which specifically binds to antibody secreted by hybridoma NG 28 (ECACC 89 07 19 01).

Abstract: A method and device for testing for the presence of substances such as drugs in body fluids while simultaneously positively identifying the test subject. The device comprises an absorbent pad and a membrane mounted to the absorbent pad containing a plurality of separated areas provided with different immobilized ligand having a specific receptor site for capture or rejection of specific antigens produced by different predetermined drugs.

Abstract: Heme-containing proteins, such as cytochrome c, are useful in admixture with enzyme-labeled immunoreactants, such as peroxidase-labeled antibodies or fragments thereof. The heme-containing proteins and enzyme-labeled immunoreactants can be supplied in a buffered composition as part of a test kit. The buffered composition comprising the heme-containing protein and peroxidase-labeled immunoreactant excludes 4'-hydroxyacetanilide, which is a phenolic electron transfer agent. The composition can be used in immunoassays for detecting various immunologically reactive species, such as hCG, and chlamydial or gonococcal antigens.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies specific for Toxin B of Clostridium difficile are provided. Further, methods for making and using the antibodies are given, particularly the use of the antibodies for the detection of C. difficile.

Abstract: A diagnostic kit for detecting the presence of microorganisms, comprising an insoluble substrate; and a carbohydrate receptor immobilized on the insoluble substrate, the carbohydrate receptor being capable of adsorbing microorganisms; and a labelled reagent useful for detecting the presence of microorganisms bound to the carbohydrate receptors and a method for detecting the presence of specified microorganisms in a sample, which comprises contacting a sample to be tested with carbohydrate receptors immobilized on an insoluble substrate; and determining the extent of binding of microorganisms in the sample to the carbohydrate receptors by use of a labelled reagent.

Abstract: Immunoadsorbent combinations for the detection and diagnosis of group B streptococcus polysaccharide antigen, comprising an insoluble carrier, a capture agent having an affinity for specifically binding to the trirhamnose epitope of group B streptococcus antigen and having the formula .alpha.-L-Rhap(1.fwdarw.2)-.alpha.-L-Rhap(1.fwdarw.2).alpha.-Rhap- 1- wherein Rhap is rhamnose, and an antigen marker agent having an affinity for binding to monorhamnose epitope of group B streptococcus polysaccharide antigen of formula .alpha.-L-Rhap-1- when the group B streptococcus polysaccharide is bound to the carrier. An immunoassay method test kit and polyclonal antibody are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel antigens associated with Borrelia burgdorferi which are exported (or shed) in vivo and whose detection is a means of diagnosing Lyme disease. The antigens are extracellular membrane vesicles and other bioproducts including the major extracellular protein. The invention further provides antibodies, monoclonal and/or polyclonal, labeled and/or unlabeled, that react with the antigens. The invention is also directed to a method of diagnosing Lyme disease by detecting the antigens in a biological sample taken from a host using the antibodies in conventional immunoassay formats. The invention further relates to kits, for the diagnosis of Lyme disease, comprising the antibodies and ancillary reagents. The advantage of the antibodies used in the invention is that they react with the antigens from geographically diverse strains of Borrelia burgdorferi, but do not react with antigens from related Borrelia spirochetes.

Abstract: The invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that react specifically with members of the genus Leptosphaeria and hybridomas that produce such antibodies. The invention is further directed to a method for making a hybridoma cell line that produces monoclonal antibodies that react specifically with Leptosphaeria nodorum, and a method of obtaining monoclonal antibodies therefrom. Methods and kits for diagnosing Leptosphaeria infections in plant material using such monoclonal antibodies are also within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: Antigens extracted from one or more serotypes of a Bacteroides microorganism are rapidly and sensitively detected when directly bound to a water-insoluble substrate. The bound antigens are detected by forming an immunological complex on the substrate when the antigen reacts with the appropriate antibody. The antibody-antigen complex can be detected directly or by means of a second antibody which is directed to the Bacteroides antibody. The entire assay can be carried out at room temperature in less than about 15 minutes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to detect a Chlamydia infection. More particularly, this invention relates to the discovery of a genus specific antigen in Chlamydia psittaci strain DD-34 than can be used to make antibodies that diagnostically identify strains of both Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia trachomatis, while not cross-reacting with other species.

Abstract: Antigenic compositions useful in diagnostic testing for the presence of Campylobacter jejuni or Campylobacter coli comprising a PEB1 antigen obtained from Campylobacter jejuni having an apparent molecular weight of about 28 kDa as measured by SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions, a molecular weight of 28.9 .+-.1.0 kDa as measured by gel filtration chromatography under native conditions and an isoelectric point of 8.5 or a PEB3 antigen obtained from Campylobacter jejuni having an apparent molecular weight of about 30 kDa as measured by SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions and an isoelectric point of greater than 9.3 or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An immunoassay procedure is provided which exhibits increased specificity over current procedures. The procedure allows the differentiation of animals infected with Brucella abortus from animals vaccinated with Brucella abortus Strain 19. The invention employs unique monospecific monoclonal antibodies having particular affinity, specificity and binding characteristics directed to a B. abortus lipopolysaccharide antigen. The invention also concerns continuous hybrid cell lines for producing the unique monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: Diagnostic reagents comprising the 20 kd Brucella abortus CuZn superoxide dismutase (B. abortus lCuZnSOD) protein and peptide segments thereof, which are effective as antigenic determinants, have been identified. These reagents are useful for detecting an antibody response to the B. abortus CuZnSOD protein in bovine serum or other body fluid samples and can also be used for distinguishing between animals which have serum antibody of a natural B. abortus infection and those which have an antibody response to a B. abortus Strain 19 vaccine or a B. abortus Strain which does not express the 20 kd protein.

Abstract: An assay for Chlamydia includes contacting Chlamydia organisms in a liquid with a solid support having an antispecies Fe antibody immobilized thereon and an anti-Chlamydia capture antibody. After binding of Chlamydia antigen to the capture antibody and binding of the capture antibody to the antispecies antibody on the support, a tracer including a label conjugated to a signal antibody is added. After binding of the signal antibody to the antigen, the presence of Chlamydia organisms in the liquid is detected by a signal associated with the label thereby bound to the support. The invention includes a kit of materials for performing an assay according to the method of the invention.