Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide SE36 derived from the N-terminal domain (47 kd) of SERA (serine-repeat antigen) produced by malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, at the erythrocyte stage, a process for purifying said polypeptide, and a malaria vaccine and diagnostic agent using as an active component said purified antigen obtained therefrom. SE36 can be produced in Escherichia coli on a large scale by deleting all or part of polymerized serines of the 47 kd serine-repeat region, whereby high purification is permitted. The human IgG3 antibodies specifically binding to SE36 prevents highly effectively growth of the protozoa in the red blood cells to inhibit fever and cerebral malaria, and further prevent the death.

Abstract: The invention relates to cells and organisms as well as to methods for producing said cells and organisms, according to which intermediates of the mevalonate-independent pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis (MEP pathway) are enriched by deleting or inactivating genes. The derivatives can also be enriched by using enzyme inhibitors. The enriched intermediates may be used as substrates in enzyme activity tests. The inventive cells and organisms and the enriched intermediates can further be used in the production of medicaments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for unspecific enrichment of bacterial cells by means of cationic or anionic polymers and magnetic carriers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel vaccines against malaria infections, based on recombinant viral vectors, such as alpha viruses, adenoviruses or vaccinia viruses. The recombinant viral-based vaccines can be used to immunize against different Plasmodium infections, such as infections by P. falciparum or P. yoelii. Novel codon-optimized circumsporozoite genes are disclosed. Preferably, replication-defective adenoviruses are used, derived from serotypes that encounter low titers of neutralizing antibodies. The invention, therefore, also relates to the use of different adenoviral serotypes that are administered to elicit a strong immune response, either in single vaccination set-ups or in prime-boost set-ups in which compositions based on different serotypes can be applied.

Abstract: A method for defining, identifying and isolating recombinantly produced protein complex is provided. The protein complex comprises a group of fatty acid and retinol-binding proteins wherein the complex protein structure is entirely alpha-helical. The molecular weight of the recombinant protein is approximately 46 kDa comprised of 26 kDa GST and 20 kDa Hp20 protein. The procedures for extracting, isolating and analyzing the recombinantly in vivo produced protein complex and Hp20 protein of the recombinantly in vivo produced protein complex are provided.

Abstract: A novel method of treating and preventing bacterial diseases is provided. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibition of Gram negative, Gram positive and acid fast bacilli in general and tuberculosis (TB), mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), and anthrax in particular. Thus, the invention relates to modulation of cellular activities, including macrophage activity, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to the inhibitory compounds comprising naturally occurring and man-made inhibitors of serine protease.

Abstract: The present invention relates in its broadest aspect to combined phage/antibiotic therapy. More particularly, it relates to use of (i) one or more bacteriophages and (ii) one or more antibiotics in the manufacture of a combined product for simultaneous, separate or sequential administration of (i) and (ii) to treat a bacterial infection characterized by biofilm formation, for example an infection comprising or consisting of P. aeruginosa. Treatment in this context may be either therapeutic or prophylactic treatment. Also provided are deposited bacteriophages each exhibiting different strain specificity against P. aeruginosa and combinations of such bacteriophages, e.g. a panel of six deposited bacteriophages which was found to be effective against a high percentage of clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa from canine ear infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antifungal protein gene and cDNA sequence thereof, which is obtained by mining the whole genome sequences of Monascus pilosus BCRC 38072 and the unigene database. The gene can encode an antifungal protein MAFP1. A purified protein obtained from M. pilosus culture broth having molecular weight of about 7 kDa is identified as MAFP1 by N-terminal protein sequencing and comparative analysis. The purified MAFP1 protein can inhibit the growth of pathogens such as Paecilomyces variotii BCRC 33174 and Helminthosporium panici BCRC 35004. In addition, it is found by PCR test that the gene of this antifungal protein exists in other Monascus species such as M. Barkeri, M. floridanus, M. lunisporas, M. pilosus, M. ruber and the like. It is also been proved that the mafp1 gene and cDNA thereof in four Monascus strains, M. pilosus (BCRC 38072, BCRC 38093 and BCRC 31502) and M. ruber BCRC 31533, have the same DNA sequences.

Abstract: According to the present invention there are provided methods of use in companion animals of probiotic bacteria of the genus Lactobacilli.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and a method of preparing or treating food products so as to improve their aroma, flavor, mildness, sweetness, consistency, texture, body, mouth feel, firmness, viscosity, gel fracture, wheying off, structure and/or organoleptic properties, nutrition and/or health benefits. In particular, the present invention provides a composition comprising a live micro-organism, an enzyme produced by said micro-organism and an exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by the activity of said enzyme.

Abstract: Novel bacteriocins and/or the novel lactic acid-producing strains are used for at least reducing the levels of colonization by at least one target bacteria in animals, especially poultry.

Abstract: With the goal of creating a combination vaccine against Shigella and other diarrheal pathogens we have constructed a prototype vaccine strain of Shigella flexneri 2a (SC608) that can serve as a vector for the expression and delivery of heterologous antigens to the mucosal immune system. SC608 is an asd derivative of SC602, a well-characterized vaccine strain, which has recently undergone several phase 1 and 2 trials for safety and immunogenicity. Using non-antibiotic asd-based plasmids, we have created novel constructs for the expression of antigens from enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), including CFA/I (CfaB and CfaE) and the B-subunit from heat-labile enterotoxin (LTB) in Shigella vaccine strain SC608. Heterologous protein expression levels and cellular localization are critical to immune recognition and have been verified by immunoblot analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of a milk apoprotein or a mixture thereof to prevent or treat microbial or viral infection of the human or animal body. It is believed that this is achieved by inhibiting adhesion of potential pathogens. More preferably, at least one milk apoprotein or a mixture thereof is administered, simultaneously or sequentially, with either or both of at least one free fatty acid or a mixture thereof or a monoglyceride thereof; and/or at least one organic acid or a salt or ester thereof or a mixture thereof. The active agent(s) may be delivered by means of a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery system which includes parenteral solutions, ointments, eye drops, nasal sprays, intravaginal devices, surgical dressings, medical foods or drinks, oral healthcare formulations and medicaments for mucosal applications.

Abstract: A vaginal care composition is introduced directly into the vagina in the form of an ovule, a cream or an ointment or with a tampon or which is brought into a position outside the vagina on a panty liner. The composition comprises viable Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium microorganisms, non-viable Saccharomyces cultures, saccharide(s), vitamin A, and zinc.

Abstract: The present invention is compositions and methods for producing anti-bacterial polypeptides, and for using those compositions and methods for treating diseases and conditions caused by a bacterial infection. More specifically, the compositions and methods include treating a gram-negative bacterium with a gram-positive host that produces a polypeptide effective against the gram-negative bacterium.

Abstract: This application provides, in part, novel polypeptides and nucleic acids that affect induction of defensins, and methods of making and using same.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the presence of a target bacteria based on its resistance to a cell lysing antibiotic. Said antibiotic is used to lyse cells of non-target bacteria in a sample and hence facilitate isolation of the target prior to detection by known means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to differential diagnostics, and provides a method for determining if an infection detected in a patient is of bacterial or of viral origin. In the method chemiluminescence of phagocytic cells induced by non-opsonized zymosan in a blood sample is measured and the expression of Complement Receptor 1 (cr1) is determined. The value when multiplying chemiluminescence with the CR1 expression is compared with method-specific average values for bacterial and viral infections. The invention also provides test kits for accomplishing the method of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to intranasal immunization with detoxified lipooligosaccharide from nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae or Moraxella catarrhalis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safe and effective vaccine composition which comprises: an effective immunizing amount of an inactivated Ehrlichia canis bacterin; a pharmacologically acceptable carrier; and an immunogenically stimulating amount of an adjuvant system consisting essentially of an antibody response inducing agent and a cell-mediated immunity response inducing agent. The present invention also provides a method for the prevention or amelioration of canine ehrlichiosis in dogs.