Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and composition for the treatment of bacterial contamination of food by the use of a phage associated lysing enzyme, preferably blended with an appropriate carrier. The method for treating food stuffs comprises treating the food stuffs with an anti-infection agent comprising an effective amount of at least one lytic enzyme produced by a bacteria infected with a bacteriophage specific for the bacteria. Additionally, chimeric lytic enzymes shuffled lytic enzymes, and holin proteins, either alone or in combination, may be used to treat or prevent bacterial contamination of foodstuffs. The lytic enzyme can be used for the treatment or prevention of various strains of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Pseudomonas, Brucella, other bacteria, and any combination thereof.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating bacterial infections is disclosed which comprises the treatment of an individual with an effective amount of at least one lytic protein, peptide, or peptide fragment thereof, wherein said at least one lytic protein or peptides is in a natural or modified form The composition further discloses several carrier compositions suitable for site-specific delivery of the composition. Further disclosed are the method of use of the composition of the invention. These methods include therapeutic, diagnostic, prognostic and drug screening methods.

Abstract: A method for the use of a phage associated lysing enzyme for the detecting the presence and determining the quantity of bacteria present in or on a wide variety of substances is described. The total concentration of microbes is determined by adding or incorporating a phage associated lytic agent to a disposable test system device with the luminescent reagents luciferin and luciferase, and introducing the disposable test system into a luminometer that can read the luminescence. Other systems can be used with the lytic enzymes for the quantitative and qualitative determination for the presence of bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a biological sample collection kit which can be utilized to collect samples of biological origin for use in any recovery and identification method.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a biological sample collection kit which can be utilized to collect samples of biological origin for use in any recovery and identification method. The biological sample collection kit comprises a sterile device for collecting a sample, a collection and dispersing device for depositing and holding the sample, a device for transferring the sample, and a container for storing the sample to be tested. There may also be a labeling system for identifying the sample and for diluting the sample. The biological sample collection kit preferably contains an outer bag which holds, in a sterile environment, all of the items used in the testing procedures. Additionally, a container of collection fluid is preferably included in the sample collection kit.