Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). A treatment of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor agonist and L-arginine, a bioequivalent thereof, or NO-donor showed efficacy against NEC. The invention also provides kits, unit doses and uses comprising epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor agonist and L-arginine, a bioequivalent thereof, or NO-donor for the treatment of NEC.

Abstract: Biofilm forming organisms are incubated to form a biofilm on projections by providing a flow of liquid growth medium across projections, the direction of the flow of liquid being repeatedly changed, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Biofilm forming organisms are incubated to form a biofilm on projections arranged in rows, with several projections in each row, while providing a flow of liquid growth medium across each row of projections, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Sensitivity of the biofilm to antimicrobial reagent may be determined by treating the projections with antimicrobial reagent before carrying out the assay, by treating each row of projections with a different antimicrobial reagent, and each of the projections in a row with a different concentration of antimicrobial reagent.

Abstract: This invention relates to treating or preventing pathogenic infections with an epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF is capable of inhibiting pathogenic colonization of pathogens in a variety of tissue or cell types. Since pathogenic colonization is essential for pathogenic infection, EGF can be used as an effective preventive and therapeutic agent for pathogenic infections, particularly in the urogenital tract. A method of increasing weight gain in an animal by administering epidermal growth factor is also described.