Abstract: The invention relates to a Bacillus spore specific antigen. Compositions and methods relating to the antigen are provided along with antibodies against the antigen. The antigen is specific for Bacillus spores relative to the vegetative form of the cells. The antigen is detectable on ungerminated spores. The antibodies may be used to detect the presence of Bacillus spores by use of methods provided herein. The invention also relates to articles of manufacture as well as kits comprising the antibodies which may be used in the detection methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to spore specific antibodies. Compositions and methods relating to the antibodies are provided along with the hybridomas that produce the antibodies. The antibodies are specific for the spores of Bacillus anthracis relative to the vegetative form of the cells. The antibodies are also specific for the spores relative to other Bacillus spores and cells. The antibodies may be used to detect the presence of Bacillus anthracis spores by use of methods provided herein. The invention also relates to articles of manufacture as well as kits comprising these antibodies which may be used in the detection methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to diagnostic methods, probes, detection systems and kits for the identification of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) infection in a biological sample obtained from a farm animal. It was discovered that a highly conserved region of sequence existed with the 3D coding region of the FMDV genome. This region was found to be strikingly similar, and often identical or with only one or two nucleotide substitution, between the various serotypes of FMDV. Thus, by performing PCR analysis with probes comprising sequences form this region or ELISA with antibodies directed to polypeptide products expressed from this region, a plurality of serotypes of FMDV could be detected from a single test. Further, by including dried PCR reagents plus trehelose, kits could be stored at room temperatures for long periods of time without any significant loss in sensitivity or specificity.