Abstract: A novel Helicobacter pylori blood group antigen binding (BAB) adhesin protein was isolated and purified, whereby said protein or fractions thereof bind specifically to fucosylated blood group antigens. The protein sequence of said adhesin is disclosed in this application. Simultaneously the DNA sequences for two genes, babA and babB, producing highly similar proteins, are disclosed. Said adhesin and/or DNA is useful for diagnose and therapy and/or prophylaxis directed against H. pylori induced infections, e.g. gastritis and acid peptic disease, i.e. active vaccination. A new immunoglobulin composition, which exhibits specific activity to a Lewisb antigen binding Helicobacter pylori adhesin, or preferably, monoclonal and/or polyclonal antibodies to said adhesin offer a new and more efficient method of treatment and/or prevention of gastrointestinal diseases, caused by Helicobacter pylori or other Helicobacter species, i.e. passive vaccination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oral composition and an immunogenic composition for the suppression of the pathogenic effects of the intra-oral bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis associated with periodontal disease.

Abstract: The structure and specificity of a recombinant ?2,3-sialyltransferase from Campylobacter spp., is disclosed. Also provided are methods for using the ?2,3-sialyltransferase in the production of desired carbohydrate structures and nucleic acids that encode the sialyltransferase.

Abstract: A novel sarR gene and sarR gene product which down regulates the expression of sarA and the resulting virulence determinants in Staphylococcus aureus is provided. Methods for modulating the expression of sarA and virulence determinants are also provided. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides structural information relating to the gene product and enables the identification and formulation of lead compounds and reducements for treating and preventing infections by S. aureus and related bacteria.

Abstract: This invention relates to conjugates of the O-specific polysaccharide of E. coli O157 with a carrier, and compositions thereof, and to methods of using of these conjugates and/or compositions thereof for eliciting an immunogenic response in mammals, including responses which provide protection against, or reduce the severity of, bacterial infections. More particularly it relates to the use of polysaccharides containing the tetrasaccharide repeat unit: (?3)-?-DGalpNAc-(1?2)-?-D-PerpNAc-(1?3)-?-L-Fucp-(1?4)-?-D-Glcp-(1?), and conjugates thereof, to induce serum antibodies having bactericidal (killing) activity against hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) causing E. coli, in particular E. coli O157. The conjugates, and compositions thereof, are useful as vaccines to induce serum antibodies which have bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity against E. coli, in particular E. coli O157, and are useful to prevent and/or treat illnesses caused by E. coli O157.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic method for treating or preventing a disease resulting from a microbial infection in an individual using an antimicrobial polypeptide. The present invention also provides a method of potentiating the therapeutic action of an antimicrobial drug in a patient. Further provided in the present invention are methods for neutralizing circulating endotoxin in a patient by administering the endotoxin-neutralizing polypeptide or functional variant thereof of the present invention to the patient.

Abstract: The multivalent strains of bacteriophages, methods of obtaining these and their use in the treatment of bacterial infections, particularly those of drug-resistant bacterial strains, especially arising in mucoviscidosis patients, are provided.

Abstract: Methods for treating psychiatric disorders include intracranial administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a neurotoxin, such as a botulinum toxin type A, to a human patient.

Abstract: Methods for determining the effect of a Clostridial neurotoxin on muscle are disclosed. In particular, methods for determining a potency and/or diffusion of a neurotoxin based on a nuclear index and/or an amount of muscle atrophy are disclosed. The methods may be used to distinguish two different Clostridial neurotoxins. In certain embodiments, the neurotoxins are obtained from Clostridium botulinum.

Abstract: Botulinum toxin may be used to inhibit the cascade of events leading to acne. Results in preliminary studies have been dramatic. Without wishing to be bound by this theory, it is believed that botulinum toxin achieves this result through parasympathetic effects, inhibiting sweat gland activity, stimulating keratinocyte locomotion, anti-inflammatory effects, and possibly anti-androgenic effects. Botulinum toxin can play an important role in decreasing and even preventing the formation of acne.

Abstract: Moraxella bovis cytotoxin and a gene encoding Moraxella bovis cytotoxin. Identification, isolation, cloning and identification of nucleotide sequence of the Moraxella bovis genes mbxA, mbxB, mbxC and mbxD, partial purification of the native cytotoxin, preparation of partially purified native and a recombinant Moraxella bovis cytotoxin, identification of an amino acid sequence of the cytotoxin, preparation of antibodies against the Moraxella bovis cytotoxin, preparation of vaccines against Moraxella bovis. Method for prevention and treatment of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis caused by Moraxella bovis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating an eye disorder. The methods comprise a step of locally administering a Clostridial toxin to the eye of a patient to treat the disorder. The eye disorder may be associated with an inflammation of the eye, including for example, bacterial conjunctivitis, fungal conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis, uveitis, keratic precipitates, macular edema, and inflammation response after intra-ocular lens implantation. The Clostridial toxin may be produced by a Clostridial beratti, a Clostridia butyricum, a Clostridial tetani bacterium and/or a Clostridial botulinum.

Abstract: This invention is directed to preparation and expression of synthetic genes encoding polypeptides containing protective epitopes of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). The invention is also directed to production of immunogenic peptides encoded by the synthetic genes, as weel as recovery and purification of the immunogenic peptides from recombinant organisms. The invention is also directed to methods of vaccination against botulism using the expressed peptides.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for the diagnosis of female infertility, prognostic indicators for female infertility, compounds for the treatment of female infertility, compounds and methods for contraception. Methods and compounds are based on the levels of ebaf in endometrial tissue. Methods for diagnosing endometrial receptivity and bleeding function by screening a biological sample such as an endometrial tissue sample, or bodily fluid for the presence of ebaf. A contraceptive compound containing an effective amount of ebaf and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A diagnostic kit for timing contraception containing reagents for screening a sample for the presence of ebaf. A method of treating endometrial irregularities by down-regulating the expression of ebaf.

Abstract: Recombinant immunogenic compositions and methods for protecting against lethal infections from Bacillus anthracis having a variant of recombinant Bacillus anthracis protective antigen (rPA) and a variant of recombinant Bacillus anthracis lethal factor (rLF). These proteins may be expressed separately or as a fusion protein. The recombinant proteins are produced in an avirulent strain of Bacillus anthracis that overproduces the desired antigens. The compositions and methods induce the animal host to produce antibodies against a virulent strain of Bacillus anthracis.

Abstract: Purified and isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided which encode a FlaC flagellin protein of a strain of Campylobacter, particularly C. jejuni, or a fragment or an analog of the FlaC flagellin protein. The nucleic acid molecules may be used to produce proteins free of contaminants derived from bacteria normally containing the FlaA or FlaB proteins for purposes of diagnostics and medical treatment. Furthermore, the nucleic acid molecules, proteins encoded thereby and antibodies raised against the proteins, may be used in the diagnosis of infection.

Abstract: A method is provided for the purification of Clostridium difficile Toxin A antigen comprising reacting impure Toxin A with immobilized mono-specific polyclonal antibodies. The polyclonal antibodies are coupled to a hydrazide group containing matrix such as hydrazide activated agarose gel. The immobilized antibody is specific for Toxin A and will greatly purify Toxin A from a Toxin A containing solution. Antibodies raised to Toxin A purified according to the method are of higher activity than antibodies produced from prior art purified Toxin A.

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: This invention relates to a method for analyzing a sample comprising: immobilising a polypeptide to a physical support; contacting the immobilised polypeptide with a test sample which may contain an agent capable of modifying the immobilised polypeptide; contacting the immobilised polypeptide with a binding partner polypeptide, wherein the binding of this partner polypeptide to the immobilised polypeptide is at least partly dependent on the modification state of the immobilised polypeptide; and measuring the association of the binding partner polypeptide to the immobilised polypeptide.

Abstract: A process for producing recombinant anti-botulinum toxin antibody comprising the steps of fermenting recombinant E. Coli cells in broth, concentrating the cells by removing the broth, crushing the concentrated cells, separating a permeate derived from the crushed cells from cell debris, purifying a recombinant antibotulinum antibody (Fab) from said permeate, and separating said Fab from impurities by diafiltration.