Abstract: This application describes intracellular, cytoplasmic molecules that are translocated to the surface of a microorganism and participate in binding the microorganism to the surface of a host cell. Examples of such translocated molecules include glycerahdehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, and elongation factor-Tu. Regions of translocated molecules important for binding, as well as molecules which disrupt binding, are described. Antibodies directed to translocated molecules are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting mycoplasma in a biological sample through the application of nucleic acid hybridization techniques. More specifically, the instant invention details a method of detecting a wide variety of mycoplasma in a biological sample by employing a polynucleotide segment encoding a portion of M. pneumoniae P1 polypeptide.

Abstract: The molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence of the complete structural gene encoding Mycoplasma pneumoniae P1 cytadhesin and the amino acid sequence of the protein is described. The present invention provides recombinant DNA clones encoding the complete P1 protein as well as clones expressing P1 polypeptides with cytadhesin epitopes. The substantially purified nucleic acid molecules, recombinant vectors, recombinant cells, and recombinant polypeptides of the present invention are useful as hybridization probes and immunodiagnostic reagents and may be used to prepare anti-mycoplasmal vaccines.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies binding Mycoplasma genitalium more strongly than Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma orale, Mycoplasma salivarium and Acholeplasm laidlawii are described herein. These monoclonal antibodies are utilized in immunoassays directed toward the detection of M. genitalium infections. Hybridomas producing the above-described monoclonal antibodies have been created and isolated. These monoclonal antibodies are directed toward M. genitalium antigens. Certain antibodies bind protein antigens, while others bind lipid antigens. In one case a particular antibody apparently has binding affinity for both protein and lipid antigens of M. genitalium.

Abstract: The molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence of the complete structural gene encoding Mycoplasma pneumoniae P1 cytadhesin and the amino acid sequence of the P1 protein is described. The present invention provides recombinant DNA clones encoding the complete P1 protein as well as clones expressing P1 polypeptides with cytadhesin epitopes. The substantially purified nucleic acid molecular recombinant vectors, recombinant cells, and recombinant polypeptides of the present invention are useful as hybridization probes and immunodiagnostic reagents and may be used to prepare anti-mycoplasmal vaccines.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies specific for Mycoplasma pneumoniae determinants and their use in the diagnosis of mycoplasma pneumoniae and purification of a protein determinant of M. pneumoniae.

Abstract: A component for the rapid detection of anti-Treponema pallidum antibodies adapted for use as a selective foundation material in standard immunoassays is provided. The component comprises a quantity of fibronectin insolubilized to a solid matrix. The fibronectin component provides a foundation material for the selective binding of antigenic outer membrane proteins extracted from Treponema pallidum. Incorporation of the insolubilized fibronectin component bound to the antigenic outer membrane proteins extracted from Treponema pallidum into a standard immunoassay test pack provides an immunological assay for the presence of respective complementary anti-Treponema pallidum antibody in a biological sample.