Abstract: The present invention relates to a fish vaccine. More specifically the invention relates to a vaccine to protect salmon against infection by Piscirickettsia salmonis. The invention is based on or derived from the nucleic acid or amino acid sequence of antigens from Piscirickettsia salmonis. Nucleic acid and/or amino acid sequences may be used in the preparation of a vaccine to protect against infection by Piscirickettsia salmonis.

Abstract: Gram negative bacterial virulence genes are identified, thereby allowing the identification of novel anti-bacterial agents that target these virulence genes and their products, and the provision of novel gram negative bacterial mutants useful in vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface exposed protein, which can be detected in Moraxella catarrhalis, having an amino acid sequence as described in SEQ ID NO 1, an apparent molecular weight of 200 kDa and a capacity of selectively binding membrane bound or soluble IgD, to an immunogenic or IgD-binding fragment of said surface exposed protein, and to an immunogenic and adhesive fragment of said surface exposed protein. DNA segments, vaccines, plasmids and phages, non human hosts, recombinant DNA molecules and plants, fusion proteins and polypeptides and fusion products are also described. A method of detecting IgD, a method of separating IgD, a method of isolation of a surface exposed protein of Moraxella catarrhalis and a method for treatment of an autoimmune disease are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigens, more particularly antigens of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) (S. agalactiae) which may be useful to prevent, diagnose and/or treat streptococcal infections.

Abstract: Peptides are produced as fusions with a suitable carrier protein. The carrier protein disclosed herein are adapted from the N-terminal domain of staphylococcus nuclease. This novel carrier protein acts to promote the over-expression of the peptide-protein fusion in the form of inclusion bodies, which minimizes in-cell proteolysis of desired peptides. The fusion protein is readily purified by conventional procedures or His-tag affinity chromatography when His-tag is inserted into the fusion protein. The target peptide is released from the purified fusion protein by a simple cleavage step and separated from the librated carrier protein by use of a reverse-phase HPLC process or by repeating the same affinity purification method. A particular advantage of the disclosed method, in addition to the obvious advantage of high yields, is its use for producing isotopically labeled peptides for NMR characterization of bioactive peptides and their interactions with target proteins.

Abstract: The isolation of genes and proteins from Staphylococcus aureus is provided, and the nucleic acids coding for specific regions of the S. aureus CIfA protein are described. The nucleic acids encode proteins that can be useful as vaccines or in pharmaceutical compositions for application to prevent infection, promotion of wound healing, blocking adherence to indwelling medical devices, or diagnosis of infection.

Abstract: A genetic deletion mutant live E. coli vaccine suitable for mass application to poultry, including chickens, is provided. Also provided is a safe and effective method to protect poultry against the ravages of Escherichia coli bacillosis infection and disease in which a live mutant aroA-gene deleted E. coli immunogen is administered to chickens, turkeys and the like via mass application routes such as coarse sprays and drinking water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine for coccidiosis in chickens prepared from three attenuated Eimeria species: E. acervulina, E. maxima and E. tenella. The vaccine was similar to or superior to other anticoccidial drugs in stimulating protective immunity against coccidiosis.

Abstract: A protein toxin named Aeromonas salmonicida exoenzyme T (AcxT), which belongs to the family of ADP-ribosylating toxins, is disclosed as is a Calcium (or other cation concentration) dependent promoter of A. salmonicida. Also disclosed are diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic techniques, including the preparation of bacterin vaccines based on AexT for inducing immunity against A. salmonicida infections.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the existence of two novel proteins UspA1 and UspA2, and their respective genes uspA1 and uspA2. Each protein encompasses a region that is conserved between the two proteins and comprises an epitope that is recognized by the MAb 17C7. One or more than one of these species may aggregate to form the very high molecular weight form (i.e. greater than 200 kDa) of the UspA antigen. Compositions and both diagnostic and therapeutic methods for the treatment and study of M. catarrhalis are disclosed.

Abstract: Group B streptococcus polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding them are disclosed. Said polypeptides may be useful for the prophylaxis, diagnostic and/or therapy of streptococcal infection in mammals. Also disclosed are recombinant methods of producing the polypeptide antigens as well as diagnostic assays for detecting streptococcal infections, particularly GBS.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antigens that stimulate protective antibodies against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Also disclosed herein are proteins encoded by cssA and cssB genes as well as constructs containing the genes and methods of using thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides of Moraxella (Branhamela) catarrhalis which may be used for prophy-laxis, diagnostic and/or therapy purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed are genes found in Streptococcus pneumoniae that are essential for survival for a wide range of bacteria. These genes are termed “S-ylqF,” “S-yqeG,” “S-yybQ,” “S-yerL,” and “S-ysxC.” These genes and the polypeptides that they encode, as well as homologs and orthologs thereof can be used to identify antibacterial agents for treating a broad spectrum of bacterial infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to Leptospiral surface proteins, and the nucleic acid molecules which encode them. Various uses are described, including immunoprophylactic, diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods for identifying Francisella tularensis vaccine candidates. It enables identification of novel vaccine candidates and quality assurance for vaccine batches, assessment of protection in vaccinates and identification of the infecting agent in vaccinates. Mice were first vaccinated with Brucella abortus O-polysaccharide (OPS) vaccine. These animals were then given 10 LD50s of F. tularensis live vaccine strain (LVS). Sixty percent (60%) of the vaccinated mice survived the multiple lethal doses. Sera were collected from these surviving mice and the antibodies were used to probe supernatant and cell lysates of live F. tularensis LVS cultures. Several F. tularensis components were identified only by the noted “survivor” antisera. Of these identified proteins, enzyme digestions and chemical oxidation suggest post-translational modifications of some proteins e.g. a 52 kDa glycoprotein, a 45 kDa lipoprotein and a 19 kDa nucleoprotein.

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 invention relates to a mutation within the sap operon of an avirulent clone of a nontypeable strain of Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). The invention also relates to the NTHi sap operon genes and the polypeptides encoded by these polynucleotide sequences. The invention also relates to a novel 110 kDa NTHi outer membrane protein and the polynucleotide that encodes this outer membrane protein. Methods of screening for NTHi infection, and treating and preventing NTHi related disorders are also contemplated.

Abstract: The invention provides metRS2 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding metRS2 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are preferred methods for utilizing metRS2 polypeptides and polynucleotides as diagnostic reagents and in diagnostic assays to screen for microbial infections in organisms and infections in materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds and methods for immunizing a patient against a biofilm-producing bacterial infection and a vaccine related thereto.