Abstract: The present invention provides methods of inducing an immune response against Clostridium species in birds, for protecting birds from Clostridium infection, and/or for protecting birds from related disorders such as necrotic enteritis. The methods can be practiced in ovo and/or post-hatch. The invention further provides compositions and methods for delivery of a composition of this invention in ovo directly to the embryo body.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of inducing an immune response against Clostridium species in birds, for protecting birds from Clostridium infection, and/or for protecting birds from related disorders such as necrotic enteritis. The methods can be practiced in ovo and/or post-hatch. The invention further provides compositions and methods for delivery of a composition of this invention in ovo directly to the embryo body.

Abstract: A method of producing active immunity against a bacterial or protozoal disease in a subject comprises administering to the subject a vaccine conjugate comprising a live bacteria or protozoa and a neutralizing factor bound to the live bacteria or protozoa. The neutralizing factor is selected from the group consisting of antibodies and antibody fragments. The live bacteria or protozoa is one capable of producing disease in the subject, and the antibody or antibody fragment is one capable of neutralizing the live bacteria or protozoa.

Abstract: A method of producing active immunity against a bacterial or protozoal disease in a subject comprises administering to the subject a vaccine conjugate comprising a live bacteria or protozoa and a neutralizing factor bound to the live bacteria or protozoa. The neutralizing factor is selected from the group consisting of antibodies and antibody fragments. The live bacteria or protozoa is one capable of producing disease in the subject, and the antibody or antibody fragment is one capable of neutralizing the live bacteria or protozoa.

Abstract: A method of producing active immunity against a bacterial or protozoal disease in a subject comprises administering to the subject a vaccine conjugate comprising a live bacteria or protozoa and a neutralizing factor bound to the live bacteria or protozoa. The neutralizing factor is selected from the group consisting of antibodies and antibody fragments. The live bacteria or protozoa is one capable of producing disease in the subject, and the antibody or antibody fragment is one capable of neutralizing the live bacteria or protozoa.

Abstract: A method of producing active immunity against a bacterial or protozoal disease in a subject comprises administering to the subject a vaccine conjugate comprising a live bacteria or protozoa and a neutralizing factor bound to the live bacteria or protozoa. The neutralizing factor is selected from the group consisting of antibodies and antibody fragments. The live bacteria or protozoa is one capable of producing disease in the subject, and the antibody or antibody fragment is one capable of neutralizing the live bacteria or protozoa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification and purification of antigens from M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae and their use in serological assays. Cell proteins from these organisms that possess substantial immunoreactive responses with poultry antisera to the mycoplasma from which they are isolated in both the acute and convalescent stages of infection are identified. Of these immunogenic proteins, those that also lack immunogenic cross-reactivity with antisera to other poultry mycoplasmas and pathogens are identified. These species specific proteins are purified and incorporated into enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The resulting assays are able to detect sensitively and selectively both field or experimentally-induced M. gallisepticum or M. synoviae infection in poultry. A combination of these assays are incorporated into a diagnostic kit to allow the rapid, sensitive, and selective testing for and differentiation between M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae.