Abstract: The invention pertains to the use of VirB10 to immunize a host against an infection by a bacterium having T4SS. The invention provides a vaccine comprising VirB10, a fragment of VirB10, a polynucleotide encoding VirB10 or a polynucleotide encoding a fragment of VirB10 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or adjuvant. The invention also provides a method of immunizing a host against an infection caused by a bacterium having T4SS, the method comprising administering to the host a vaccine of the invention. The vaccines and the methods of the invention can be used to immunize against infections caused by bacteria having T4SS in dogs, rabbits, cats, pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, deer, horses, rodents and humans.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the use of VirB10 to immunize a host against an infection by a bacterium having T4SS. The invention provides a vaccine comprising VirB10, a fragment of VirB10, a polynucleotide encoding VirB10 or a polynucleotide encoding a fragment of VirB10 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or adjuvant. The invention also provides a method of immunizing a host against an infection caused by a bacterium having T4SS, the method comprising administering to the host a vaccine of the invention. The vaccines and the methods of the invention can be used to immunize against infections caused by bacteria having T4SS in dogs, rabbits, cats, pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, deer, horses, rodents and humans.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the use of VirB10 to immunize a host against an infection by a bacterium having T4SS. The invention provides a vaccine comprising VirB10, a fragment of VirB10, a polynucleotide encoding VirB10 or a polynucleotide encoding a fragment of VirB10 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or adjuvant. The invention also provides a method of immunizing a host against an infection caused by a bacterium having T4SS, the method comprising administering to the host a vaccine of the invention. The vaccines and the methods of the invention can be used to immunize against infections caused by bacteria having T4SS in dogs, rabbits, cats, pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, deer, horses, rodents and humans.

Abstract: We have successfully sequenced and cloned the gene expressing the Major Surface Protein 5 (MSP5) of A. phagocytophilum. The recombinant MSP5 (rMSP5) protein has been tested using sera from humans and dogs infected with A. phacytophilum. The polypeptide has been found to be immunogenic and useful as a diagnostic test antigen. The polypeptide antigen of the subject invention can provide the basis of a diagnostic assay that would allow the rapid, in-house, laboratory diagnosis of infection with A. phagocytophilum using a sample (e.g., serum, plasma, or whole blood) from an infected human or animal. Additionally, the subject invention provides methods of detecting the presence of A. phagocytophilum in biological or environmental samples utilizing antibodies provided by the subject invention.

Abstract: Described are nucleic acid vaccines containing genes to protect animals or humans against rickettsial diseases. Also described are polypeptides and methods of using these polypeptides to detect antibodies to pathogens.

Abstract: Described are nucleic acid vaccines containing genes to protect animals or humans against rickettsial diseases. Also described are polypeptides and methods of using these polypeptides to detect antibodies to pathogens.

Abstract: Described are nucleic acid vaccines containing genes to protect animals or humans against rickettsial diseases. Also described are polypeptides and methods of using these polypeptides to detect antibodies to pathogens.

Abstract: Described are nucleic acid vaccines containing genes to protect animals or humans against rickettsial diseases. Also described are polypeptides and methods of using these polypetides to detect antibodies to pathogens.

Abstract: Described are nucleic acid vaccines containing genes to protect animals or humans against rickettsial diseases. Also described are polypeptides and methods of using these polypeptides to detect antibodies to pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to materials and methods for preventing, or reducing the severity of, heartwater disease in animals. One aspect of the invention is a vaccine against heartwater comprising cultured inactivated Cowdria ruminantium rickettsiae mixed with a suitable adjuvant. The vaccine of the subject invention can be injected into an animal and, once injected, induces immune responses which protect the animal from severe heartwater when exposed to infection with Cowdria ruminantium rickettsiae. The invention further concerns methods of producing a vaccine for use against heartwater. The invention also concerns methods for inducing an immune response in animals, such as mammals, against heartwater by inoculating an animal with a vaccine composition of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to materials and methods for preventing, or reducing the severity of, heartwater disease in animals. One aspect of the invention is a vaccine against heartwater comprising cultured inactivated Cowdria ruminantium rickettsiae mixed with a suitable adjuvant. The vaccine of the subject invention can be injected into an animal and, once injected, induces immune responses which protect the animal from severe heartwater when exposed to infection with Cowdria ruminantium rickettsiae. The invention further concerns methods of producing a vaccine for use against heartwater. The invention also concerns methods for inducing an immune response in animals, such as mammals, against heartwater by inoculating an animal with a vaccine composition of the present invention.

Abstract: Described are nucleric acid vaccines containing genes to protect animals or humans against Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Also described are polypeptides and methods of using these polypeptides to detect antibodies to pathogens.

Abstract: Described are nucleic acid vaccines containing MAP1-related genes to protect animals or humans against rickettsial diseases.

Abstract: A purified antigenic surface protein of Anaplasma marginale has been identified, and is capable of inducing immune responses in ruminants which neutralizes virulent Anaplasma marginale. The antigenic surface protein has a molecular weight of about 105,000 daltons, and can be purified by an immunoaffinity chromatography process. The antigen has further utility in diagnostic tests for anaplasmosis. It can be synthesized by polypeptide procedures or by genetic engineering. DNA and amino acid sequences have been developed for the antigen according to this invention. The antigen is useful as a vaccine component for protecting mammals against infection by Anaplasma marginale and may be useful for rickettsial organisms other than Anaplasma marginale.