Abstract: Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms resident in the alimentary tract of humans and animals can be prevented and treated by administering to the alimentary tract of the human or animal an effective amount of a composition containing at least one lectin capable of binding to an infective microorganism and diminishing its infective capability of the microorganism. The lectin is administered dispensed in a pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic vehicle. Peptic ulcer disease caused by infection with H. pylori can be treated by oral administration of lectins that bind to the pathogen. A beneficial ecology of H. pylori can be maintained in infected patients by chronic oral administration of lectins that bind to the pathogen.

Abstract: Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms resident in the alimentary tract of humans and animals can be prevented and treated by administering to the alimentary tract of the human or animal an effective amount of a composition containing at least one lectin capable of binding to an infective microorganism and diminishing its infective capability of the microorganism. The lectin is administered dispensed in a pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic vehicle. Peptic ulcer disease caused by infection with H. pylori can be treated by oral administration of lectins that bind to the pathogen. A beneficial ecology of H. pylori can be maintained in infected patients by chronic oral administration of lectins that bind to the pathogen.

Abstract: Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms resident in the alimentary tract of humans and animals can be prevented and treated by administering to the alimentary tract of the human or animal an effective amount of a composition containing at least one lectin capable of binding to an infective microorganism and diminishing its infective capability of the microorganism. The lectin is administered dispensed in a pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic vehicle. Peptic ulcer disease caused by infection with H. pylori can be treated by oral administration of lectins that bind to the pathogen. A beneficial ecology of H. pylori can be maintained in infected patients by chronic oral administration of lectins that bind to the pathogen.

Abstract: Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms resident in the alimentary tract of humans and animals can be prevented and treated by administering to the alimentary tract of the human or animal an effective amount of a composition containing at least one lectin capable of binding to an infective microorganism and diminishing its infective capability of the microorganism. The lectin is administered dispensed in a pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic vehicle. Peptic ulcer disease caused by infection with H. pylori can be treated by oral administration of lectins that bind to the pathogen. A beneficial ecology of H. pylori! can be maintained in infected patients by chronic oral administration of lectins that bind to the pathogen.

Abstract: In order to prevent conception and/or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) one or more lectins capable of binding sperm and/or the pathogenic microorganisms responsible for STD's are administered to the vagina prior to sexual intercourse. The lectins immobilize the sperm to render them incapable of fertilization and also bind to the microorganisms to render them non-pathogenic or to the cells to prevent infection by the microorganisms. Lectins can also be administered to treat sexually transmitted vaginal infections. The invention also encompasses a device for to be placed in the vault of the vagina which comprises a ring which surrounds the cervix and a membrane spanning the central aperture of the ring to prevent the direct contact of ejaculate with the cervical tissues. The device is impregnated or coated with lectins and releases them into the vaginal environment over a period of time.

Abstract: Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms resident in the alimentary tract of humans and animals can be prevented and treated by administering to the alimentary tract of the human or animal an effective amount of a composition containing at least one lectin capable of binding to an infective microorganism and diminishing its infective capability of the microorganism. The lectin is administered dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic vehicle. Peptic ulcer disease caused by infection with H. pylori can be treated by oral administration of lectins that bind to the pathogen. A beneficial ecology of H. pylori can be maintained in infected patients by chronic oral administration of lectins that bind to the pathogen.

Abstract: Diseases and disorders of dermal tissue such as the skin, hair and nails are treated or prevented by administering one or more lectins, capable of binding to the surface of pathogenic microorganisms inhabiting the hair, skin, and nails, or of binding to the superficial tissues that comprise hair, skin, and nails. The lectins may be administered topically or subcutaneously to a patient infected with pathogenic microorganisms or in danger of being exposed to such pathogens. Lectins that stimulate cell mitosis may also be administered to accelerate wound healing and restore the appearance of age-wrinkled skin. Lectins that coagulate blood can be administered to assist in stopping bleeding from skin lesions. The lectins may be applied to the skin in a pharmceutically acceptable vehicle.

Abstract: Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms resident in the alimentary tract of humans and animals can be prevented and treated by administering to the alimentary tract of the human or animal an effective amount of a composition containing at least one lectin capable of binding to an infective microorganism and diminishing its infective capability of the microorganism. The lectin is administered dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic vehicle.

Abstract: In order to prevent conception and/or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) one or more lectins capable of binding sperm and/or the pathogenic microorganisms responsible for STD's are administered to the vagina prior to sexual intercourse. The lectins immobilize the sperm to render them incapable of fertilization and also bind to the microorganisms to render them non-pathogenic or to the cells to prevent infection by the microorganisms. Lectins can also be administered to treat sexually transmitted vaginal infections. The invention also encompasses a device for to be placed in the vault of the vagina which comprises a ring which surrounds the cervix and a membrane spanning the central aperture of the ring to prevent the direct contact of ejaculate with the cervical tissues. The device is impregnated or coated with lectins and releases them into the vaginal environment over a period of time.

Abstract: Menstrual discharge is coagulated by contacting with one or more lectins capable of agglutinating blood with the menstrual flow to coagulate the blood at least partially, thereby rendering it easier to control and collect. The lectins may be applied either alone, in neat or formulated form, or in conjunction with an intravaginal or extravaginal device. Toxic shock syndrome is prevented by administering one or more lectins capable of diminishing the infective capability of the microorganism causing toxic shock.

Abstract: Diseases and disorders of dermal tissue such as the skin, hair and nails are treated or prevented by administering one or more lectins, capable of binding to the surface of pathogenic microorganisms inhabiting the hair, skin, and nails, or of binding to the superficial tissues that comprise hair, skin, and nails. The lectins may be administered topically or subcutaneously to a patient infected with pathogenic microorganisms or in danger of being exposed to such pathogens. Lectins that stimulate cell mitosis may also be administered to accelerate wound healing and restore the appearance of age-wrinkled skin. Lectins that coagulate blood can be administered to assist in stopping bleeding from skin lesions. The lectins may be applied to the skin in a pharmceutically acceptable vehicle.

Abstract: In order to prevent conception and/or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) one or more lectins capable of binding sperm and/or the pathogenic microorganisms responsible for STD's are administered to the vagina prior to sexual intercourse. The lectins immobilize the sperm to render them incapable of fertilization and also bind to the microorganisms to render them non-pathogenic or to the cells to prevent infection by the microorganisms. Lectins can also be administered to treat sexually transmitted vaginal infections. The invention also encompasses a device for to be placed in the vault of the vagina which comprises a ring which surrounds the cervix and a membrane spanning the central aperture of the ring to prevent the direct contact of ejaculate with the cervical tissues. The device is impregnated or coated with lectins and releases them into the vaginal environment over a period of time.

Abstract: In order to prevent conception and/or infection by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) one or more lectins capable of binding sperm or agglutinable components of male ejaculate and/or the pathogenic microorganisms responsible for STDs or the carbohydrate moieties expressed on cell surfaces by which the microorganisms bind to the cells, are administered to the vagina prior to sexual intercourse. The lectins prevent conception by binding to the sperm or agglutinable components of male ejaculate to render the sperm incapable of fertilization. They also bind to the pathogenic microorganisms to render them non-pathogenic or to carbohydrates expressed on cell surfaces to prevent infection by the microorganisms or treat such infections. Lectins can also be administered to treat sexually transmitted vaginal infections. The lectins can also be applied to or contained within a condom.

Abstract: In order to prevent conception and/or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) one or more lectins capable of binding sperm and/or the pathogenic microorganisms responsible for STD's are administered to the vagina prior to sexual intercourse. The lectins immobilize the sperm to render them incapable of fertilization and also bind to the microorganisms to render them non-pathogenic or to the cells to prevent infection by the microorganisms. Lectins can also be administered to treat sexually transmitted vaginal infections.The invention also encompasses a device for to be placed in the vault of the vagina which comprises a ring which surrounds the cervix and a membrane spanning the central aperture of the ring to prevent the direct contact of ejaculate with the cervical tissues. The device is impregnated or coated with lectins and releases them into the vaginal environment over a period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are immunogenic polysaccharide-H. influenzae adhesin protein conjugates, a purified H. influenzae adhesin protein and related proteins and polypeptides, DNA useful for producing the proteins, synthetic polyribosylribotol phosphate (PRP) oligosaccharides and intermediates useful for their synthesis, and methods of making and using these materials. The conjugates comprise a PRP fragment, preferably a synthetic oligosaccharide, coupled to an H. influenzae adhesin protein. The invention further comprises purified H. influenzae adhesin proteins and novel PRP oligosaccharides. The invention also comprises methods of producing these materials and using them in a vaccine to protect humans and other mammals against H. influenzae infection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an immunogenic Haemophilus influenzae outer membrane protein of 49 kDa as well as a mature outer membrane protein of 47 kDa protein, DNA and vector useful for producing the outer membrane protein, host cell containing said DNA, and a method for producing the outer membrane protein. Also disclosed are methods for producing these materials which can be beneficially used in the production of vaccines against H. influenzae.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are receptors for pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms, methods of obtaining such reeptors, and methods of using such receptors for diagnostic or pharmaceutical purposes. The receptor comprises a substantially pure compound selected from the group consisting of GalB1-4GlcNAcB1-3GalB1-4GlcB1-1-X(R), GalB1-3GlcNAcB1-3GalB1-4GlcB1-1-X(R), GlcNAcB1-3GalB1-4GlcB1-1-X(R), GalB1-4GlcNAcB1-3GalB1-4Glc, GalB1-3GlcNAcB1-3GalB1-4Glc, GlcNAcB1-3GalB1-4Glc, GalB1-4GlcNAcB1-3Gal, and GalB1-3-GlcNAcB1-3Gal wherein X is sphingosine, hydroxylated sphingosine, or saturated sphingosine and R is H or an N-acyl fatty acid derivative of X such that X(R) is a ceramide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are immunogenic polysaccharide-H. influenzae adhesin protein conjugates, a purified H. influenzae adhesin protein and related proteins and polypeptides, DNA useful for producing the proteins, synthetic polyribosylribotol phosphate (PRP) oligosaccharides and intermediates useful for their synthesis, and methods of making and using these materials. The conjugates comprise a PRP fragment, preferably a synthetic oligosaccharide, coupled to an H. influenzae adhesin protein. The invention further comprises purified H. influenzae adhesin proteins and novel PRP oligosaccharides. The invention also comprises methods of producing these materials and using them in a vaccine to protect humans and other mammals against H. influenzae infection.

Abstract: A diagnostic kit for detecting the presence of microorganisms, comprising an insoluble substrate; and a carbohydrate receptor immobilized on the insoluble substrate, the carbohydrate receptor being capable of adsorbing microorganisms; and a labelled reagent useful for detecting the presence of microorganisms bound to the carbohydrate receptors and a method for detecting the presence of specified microorganisms in a sample, which comprises contacting a sample to be tested with carbohydrate receptors immobilized on an insoluble substrate; and determining the extent of binding of microorganisms in the sample to the carbohydrate receptors by use of a labelled reagent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are high titer, monospecific, polyclonal antibodies to Shiga-like toxins. Also disclosed are methods for producing such antibodies, compositions containing them, and methods for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases caused by Shiga-like toxins. These include hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome in humans, edema disease in swine, and calf diarrhea in cattle.