Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising polyclonal antibodies that specifically bind to with human tumor necrosis factor (hTNF) wherein the polyclonal antibodies are derived from the serum, milk or colostrum of a bovine animal that has been immunized hTNF or an immunogenic portion thereof. The antigenic specificity analysis of the anti-hTNF polyclonal antibodies of the invention is unique and has not been previously described for anti-hTNF polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies of the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention provides purified immunoglobulin compositions derived from the colostrum of a bovine immunized with a target antigen. The immunoglobulin composition comprises polyclonal antibodies specific for the target antigen and is depleted of non-immunoglobulin factors. The invention includes methods of manufacturing the compositions of the invention. The invention further includes pharmaceutical formulations comprising a purified immunoglobulin composition of the invention and an optional pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

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: Biotherapeutic compositions of a non-pathogenic bacterial strain such as M-17 and its substrains and an anaerobic bacterial antibiotic such as metronidazole, are disclosed. Further disclosed are uses of M-17 or its substrains and an anaerobic bacterial antibiotic for treating disorders caused by anaerobic bacteria, whereby such disorders include, for example, pouchitis, microbial infection, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, mucous colitis and diarrhea.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for making and using antibodies. A pharmaceutical composition of the invention comprises a selected antigen and a Candida spp. antigen. Selected antigens include, for example, antigens derived from bacteria, yeasts, rickettsias, protozoas, viruses, parasites, and components or fragments thereof. Preferred compositions disclosed include antigens selected from Cryptosporidium spp. and Clostridium spp. The invention further provides for immunizing an animal with a composition of the invention to prepare a composition of immunoglobulins reactive with the selected antigen. The composition of immunoglobulins can be included in nutraceuticals that are ingested or administered enterally.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine composition for enhancing the immune response of a mammal against a selected antigen. The vaccine composition of the invention comprises a combination of the selected antigen and a Candida spp. antigen. Selected antigens include, for example, a bacteria, yeast, rickettsia, protozoa, virus, parasite or components thereof. The composition may also contain adjuvants known in the art. A preferred vaccine composition for immunization against the selected antigen Cryptosporidium parvum is disclosed. The invention also provides a method for enhancing the immune response of a mammal against a selected antigen utilizing the vaccine compositions of the invention.

Abstract: The effective treatment of Clostridium difficile associated diseases, such as Clostridium difficile colitis, pseudomembranous colitis and antibiotic associated diarrhea, by administering an antibody having specific activity against Clostridium difficile colitis and toxins thereof alone or in combination with vancomycin, bacitracin or metronidazole is herein described as well as pharmaceutical compositions therefor.

Abstract: An isolated, substantially pure bovine pregnancy antigen for detecting and determining pregnancy in cattle consisting of a glycoprotein obtained from a pregnant bovine animal which is characterized by having a specific immunological reaction with a monoclonal antibody directed specifically against said glycoprotein wherein said monoclonal antibody is produced from hybridoma ATCC HB 8846.

Abstract: A bovine pregnancy antigen, determined to be a glycoprotein, has been isolated and purified. If is diagnostic for the presence of pregnancy in cattle when detected by the use of antibodies to the antigen.