Abstract: A variety of conjugates useful for the treatment of infections due to pathogenic microorganisms are provided. The conjugates comprise at least one agent coupled to a receptor which binds a microorganism. Suitable agents include anti-infectives, such as antibiotics and synthetic drugs. The present invention also provides methods for treating infections in warm-blooded animals due to pathogenic microorganisms.

Abstract: Methods for the in vitro and in vivo inhibition of microbial colonization are provided. The methods use host cell phospholipid molecules ("receptors") which bind microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention is a method for detecting pathogenic bacteria by specific binding of the bacteria to GalNAc.beta.1-4Gal sequences found in fucosyl-asialo GM1, asialo GM1 and asialo GM2. An agglutination reaction is disclosed comprising contacting a culture suspected of containing the bacteria with a suspension of a purified carbohydrate compound bound to an insoluble carrier and detecting the presence of perceptible agglutination of the carrier as an indication of the presence of the bacteria. Bacteria which can be detected using the claimed method include Pseudomonas, Haemophilus, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract: A carbohydrate receptor for pathogenic bacteria is a purified carbohydrate compound that is a member selected from the group consisting of fucosyl-asialo GM1, asialo GM1, and asialo GM2. The receptor can be included in a composition having a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The receptor may be used for purifying, detecting, or removing bacteria from diseased tissue. The structure of the receptor is N-acetylagalctosamine-beta-1-4-galactose-beta-1-4-glucose, abbreviated GalNAc.beta.1-4Gal.beta.1-4Glc. The receptor is present in human and animal tissues as complex molecule and can serve as the attachment site for bacterial infection. For example, fucosyl-asialo GM1, asialo GM1, and asialo GM2 are three biological molecules which occur in cell membranes and contain the carbohydrate receptor.

Abstract: A glycolipid receptor that specifically binds pathogenic fungi has been identified. Various properties and utilities of the receptor have been described.

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: The invention is a carbohydrate receptor for pathogenic bacteria. The receptor is a purified carbohydrate compound that is a member selected from the group consisting of fucosyl-asialo GM1, asialo GM1, and asialo GM2. The invented receptor can be included in a composition having a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention includes methods for purifying, detecting, or removing bacteria from diseased tissue. The applicants have discovered a carbohydrate receptor for a variety of different species of disease-producing bacteria. The structure of the receptor is N-acetylgalactosamine-beta-1-4-galactose-beta-1-4-glucose, abreviated GalNAc.beta.1-4Gal.beta.1-4Glc. The receptor is present in human and animal tissues as complex molecules and can serve as the attachment site for bacterial infection. For example, fucosyl-asialo GM1, asialo GM1, and asialo GM2 are three biological molecules which occur in cell membranes and contain the carbohydrate receptor.

Abstract: The invention is a carbohydrate receptor for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma hominus and its use to detect mycoplasma in biological fluids and diseased tissue and cells. The receptor can be included in a composition having a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods are provided for purifying, detecting, or removing mycoplasma from diseased tissue or fluids. The receptor includes sulfatides, dextran sulfate, sialyloligosaccharides, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting the presence of C. difficile toxin A. Stool or other appropriate specimen is contacted with a reagent containing an available non-reducing galactose-alpha-1-3-galactosyl structure, which is a specific receptor for toxin A. The reagent may be intact cells, cell membranes, membrane fractions containing the toxin A receptor structure, glycoconjugates, as well as the purified toxin A receptor per se. Binding of toxin A is determined by conventional assay techniques. The method may also be used to isolate and purify toxin A. Conversely, immobilized toxin A is used to detect, isolate, or purify biological materials of interest containing the receptor structure.