Abstract: In this application is described isolated, recombinant CapD and recombinant PghP for use in digesting capsule comprising polyglutamate polymers and for treatment of infections caused by bacilli having a polyglutamate capsule, such as anthrax.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for immunizing a mammal against B. anthracis using a composition of pure recombinant Protective Antigen (rPA), optionally in combination with truncated Lethal Factor polypeptide (LFn). Formulations of the pure rPA immunogen have little or no reactogenicity and therefore may be administered to a mammalian subject in very high doses of 50 &mgr;g to 1000 &mgr;g or more rPA, which is at least four times the amount of PA included per dose in conventional anthrax vaccines. Preferred immunogenic compositions are free of adjuvant and other undesired components, further enhancing the effectiveness and safety of the compositions. Methods for preparing the immunogenic compositions and for purifying rPA and LFn polypeptides also are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method by which new antigens from vector-borne pathogens may be discovered and analyzed by incubating the viable pathogens in the saliva of their vector host. Three such antigens, proteins with the approximate molecular weights of 19, 22 and 24 kDa, have been discovered and analyzed from a strain of B. burgdorferi T-15. The proteins provide a route for the development of immunodiagnostics for Lyme disease and related disorders. The proteins and related amino acids and DNA sequences may also be used for the immunization, for the detection of B. burgdorfei in human or body fluids, and also for the generation of specific antibodies for use in diagnosis, epidemiology, prevention of and treatment of Lyme disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, probes, primers and kits for identifying pyrazinamide-resistant mycobacteria. These methods can be used to distinguish M. bovis from M. tuberculosis, as well as to identify additional pyrazinamide-resistant mycobacteria. Also disclosed are methods for treating mycobacterial infections by expressing a pncA gene in mycobacteria that infect a mammal, and treating the mammal with pyrazinamide. The invention derives from the discovery of that the molecular basis for pyrazinamide resistance is an alteration in the pncA gene of mycobacteria. The detection of such an alteration is an indicator of PZA-resistant mycobacteria.