Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions utilizing upper-airway microbiota for diagnosing individuals at risk for asthma exacerbations. Further provided herein are probiotic compositions and methods for treating asthma by administering microorganisms that are associated with decreased risk of asthma exacerbations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA sequences encoding Vmp-like polypeptides of pathogenic Borrelia, the use of the DNA sequences in recombinant vectors to express polypeptides, the encoded amino acid sequences, application of the DNA and amino acid sequences to the production of polypeptides as antigens for immunoprophylaxis, immunotherapy, and immunodiagnosis. Also disclosed are the use of the nucleic acid sequences as probes or primers for the detection of organisms causing Lyme disease, relapsing fever, or related disorders, and kits designed to facilitate methods of using the described polypeptides, DNA segments and antibodies.

Abstract: A collagen-binding MSCRAMM entitled Ace from enterococcal bacteria is provided which was homologous to the ligand-binding region of Cna, the collagen-binding MSCRAMM from Staphylococcus aureus, and which can be utilized to inhibit adhesion of enterococcal bacteria to extracellular matrix proteins. The N-terminal region of Ace contained a region (residues 174-319), or A domain, contains several 47-residue tandem repeat units between the collagen-binding site and cell wall-associated regions. The Ace protein can be utilized in methods of preventing and/or treating enterococcal infection, and in addition, antibodies raised against Ace, or its A domain, can be used to effectively inhibit the adhesion of enterococcal cells to a collagen substrate.

Abstract: Novel compositions are disclosed for use in the treatment or diagnosis of bovine pasteurellosis, commonly referred to as Shipping Fever. Cell-free Pasteurella haemolytica supernatants are employed to provide individual antigen compositions, identified through reaction with sera from naturally-infected or convalescent cattle. In particular, at least seven individual P. haemolytica antigen groups were recognized in cell-free culture supernatants. Purified P. haemolytica supernatant, formulated in a suitable pharmaceutical vaccine composition is shown to elicit a specific immune response, in both cows and rabbits, directed against the individual immunoreactive P. haemolytica polypeptides identified. Also disclosed are novel recombinant cells, plasmids and bacteriophage which include transcriptionally active P. haemolytica antigen genes. Recombinant clones are similarly selected to be reactive with naturally-infected antisera.

Abstract: Novel compositions are disclosed for use in the treatment or diagnosis of bovine pasteurellosis, commonly referred to as Shipping Fever. Cell-free Pasteurella haemolytica supernatants are employed to provide individual antigen compositions, identified through reaction with sera from naturally-infected or convalescent cattle. In particular, at least seven individual P. haemolytica antigen groups were recognized in cell-free culture supernatants. Purified P. haemolytica supernatant, formulated in a suitable pharmaceutical vaccine composition is shown to elicit a specific immune response, in both cows and rabbits, directed against the individual immunoreactive P. haemolytica polypeptides identified. Also disclosed are novel recombinant cells, plasmids and bacteriophage which include transcriptionally active P. haemolytica antigen genes. Recombinant clones are similarly selected to be reactive with naturally-infected antisera.

Abstract: Novel compositions are disclosed for use in the treatment or diagnosis of bovine pasteurellosis, commonly referred to as Shipping Fever. Cell-free Pasteurella haemolytica supernatants are employed to provide individual antigen compositions, identified through reaction with sera from naturally-infected or convalescent cattle. In particular, at least seven individual P. hameolytica antigen groups were recognized in cell-free culture supernatants. Purified P. haemolytica supernatant, formulated in a suitable pharmaceutical vaccine composition is shown to elicit a specific immune response, in both cows and rabbits, directed against the individual immunoreactive P. haemolytica polypeptides identified. Also disclosed are novel recombinant cells, plasmids and bacteriophage which include transcriptionally active P. haemolytica antigen genes. Recombinant clones are similarly selected to be reactive with naturally-infected antisera.