Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially pure antigenic peptide or protein related to Shiga toxin, Shiga-like toxin I, Shiga-like toxin II or a variant of Shiga-like toxin II, and to a vaccine formulation containing such a peptide or protein useful in treating a disease associated with the toxin. Also disclosed is a method for treating a disorder associated with the expression of Shiga toxin or a Shiga-like toxin using an effective amounts of the P1 glycoprotein. Antibodies may be generated to Shiga-like toxin II of the present invention that cross-react with Shiga toxin and Shiga-like toxin I. Also disclosed are methods for removing Shiga toxin or a Shiga-like toxin from a sample such as a body fluid using the antibody or the P1 glycoprotein. Also provided are methods and kits for detecting disorders associated with the expression of Shiga toxins and Shiga-like toxins I and II involving the detection of the toxins.

Abstract: A method of stimulating a vertebrate animal to produce an immune response to at least one antigen is described. The method includes genetically engineering a bacterial cell with DNA encoding at least one antigen and inducing the bacterial cell to sporulate, then orally administering the bacterial spores to an animal. The bacterial spores germinate in the gastrointestinal tract of the animal and express the antigen so that it comes into contact with the animal's immune system and elicits an immune response.