Abstract: A method of identifying an M17 strain of E. coli in a human biological sample is provided. The method comprises analyzing products of an amplification reaction using DNA extracted from the human biological sample and a primer pair which amplifies an M17 specific nucleic acid sequence of an M17 nucleic acid sequence, wherein the primer pair is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 37 and 38; SEQ ID NO: 39 and 40; and SEQ ID NOs: 45 and 46, wherein a product of the amplification reaction is indicative of an M17 strain of E. coli. Additional primers and kits comprising same are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides alpha interferon compositions comprising one or a mixture of selected highly antiviral interferon proteins, which compositions are characterized by increased anti-viral activity. These compositions may be used therapeutically in the treatment of viral infection, particularly retroviral or hepatitis infection or as additives to conventional antiviral agents to increase the antiviral potency thereof.

Abstract: Two distinct alpha interferon receptor proteins have been separated and partially purified by antigen affinity chromatography and SDS-PAGE. These proteins are potentially useful as therapeutic agents. Antibodies against these proteins are potentially useful as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel improved alpha interferon composition characterized by high specific activity, a purity of greater than 95% and which upon use in humans is further characterized by a substantial reduction in side effects normally associated with alpha interferon compositions. Also provided is a method for large scale production of the composition from human peripheral blood leukocytes. This alpha interferon composition may be used therapeutically in the treatment of cancers and diseases of the immune system and/or viral etiology.

Abstract: An interferon preparation to be administered topically is provided comprising: (a) a therapeutically effective amount of one or more interferons; (b) a vehicle base compatible with the interferon or interferons being administered; (c) an effective amount of one or more protease inhibitors for the purpose of reducing the rate of decay of the biological activity of the interferon or interferons due to proteolytic agents; and (d) an effective amount of one or more anti-microbial agents. In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the vehicle base is prepared from a mixture of polyethylene glycols or includes hydroxyethyl cellulose as a thickening agent.

Abstract: A substantially non-toxic, stable, topical therapeutic composition is provided which comprises:(a) a therapeutically active component which is susceptible to oxidative degradation;(b) an oxidative degradation-inhibitory amount of a redox system containing(1) a water soluble polymer containing a plurality of reducing moieties covalently bound thereto and(2) a water soluble polymer containing a plurality of oxidizing moieties covalently bound thereto; and(c) an aqueous vehicle base compatible with the therapeutically active component.

Abstract: An interferon preparation to be administered topically is provided comprising: (a) a therapeutically effective amount of one or more interferons; (b) a vehicle base compatible with the interferon or interferons being administered; (c) an effective amount of one or more protease inhibitors for the purpose of reducing the rate of decay of the biological activity of the interferon or interferons due to proteolytic agents; and (d) an effective amount of one or more anti-microbial agents. In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the vehicle base is prepared from a mixture of polyethylene glycols or includes hydroxyethyl cellulose as a thickening agent.

Abstract: A process and cellular system for producing soluble biological mediators, including cytokines, lymphokines, monokines and interferons, and mRNA therefor, from white blood cells is provided. The process involves treating white blood cells with a mitogenic or antigenic agent in the presence of a controlled amount of red blood cells. Increases in production of the soluble biological mediator, gamma interferon, on the order of 5 to 10 fold have been achieved by maintaining the ratio of red blood cells to white blood cells between 10 to 1 and about 50 to 1. The process is particularly useful in producing HuIFN-.gamma. with PHA-P.