Abstract: Methods of identifying altered leukocyte profiles are disclosed. In one embodiment, counts or relative percentages of leukocyte cell types are received and constitute input data points. Combinations of input data points are generated. Pairs of input data points and combinations are generated. Secondary data values are generated from the pairs. Three-dimensional plots are then constructed and selected as useful for identifying an altered leukocyte profile through pattern recognition of perpendicular data inflection, data bifurcation, non-overlapping data clusters, or combinations thereof. Such a strategy results in partially or totally non-overlapping data subsets, which are then interpreted.

Abstract: Methods of identifying altered leukocyte profiles are disclosed. In one embodiment, counts or relative percentages of leukocyte cell types are received and constitute input data points. Combinations of input data points are generated. Pairs of input data points and combinations are generated. Secondary data values are generated from the pairs. Three-dimensional plots are then constructed and selected as useful for identifying an altered leukocyte profile through pattern recognition of perpendicular data inflection, data bifurcation, non-overlapping data clusters, or combinations thereof. Such a strategy results in partially or totally non-overlapping data subsets, which are then interpreted.

Abstract: A substance obtainable from Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria or from a Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria culture, the substance characterized in having at least one of the following characteristics: (a) stimulates proliferation of bovine T-lymphocytes in vitro; (b) accelerates healing of skin wounds in mice and pigs; (c) prevents AIDS-like disease (ALD) in mice infected with ALD virus (ALD-V) when injected substantially simultaneously with the virus; and (d) reduces the viral load in Rhesus Macaques infected with the hybrid simian/human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) when injected into chronically infected Macaques, or a derivative or fraction of said substance which retains at least one of the characteristics of the substance. Also disclosed is a novel Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising as active ingredient the substance and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: The invention provides antigenic compositions for the vaccination of an animal against bovine mastitis caused by infection with Staphylococcus aureus. The invention also provides methods for stimulating an animal's immune system to respond to antigens derived from selected strains of Staphylococcus aureus by administering the antigenic compositions of the invention to the animal.