Abstract: The invention relates to new tunicamycin structures comprising N-acyl groups metabolically integrated into the terminus of the TUN via the Streptomyces branched chain fatty acid pathways and variants thereof, and methods of preparing such new tunicamycin structures. The invention further relates to antibacterial compositions comprising such new tunicamycin structures, and methods for using such antibacterial compositions for killing Gram-positive bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an isolated synthetic tripeptide of formula H-D-Phe-N-Methyl-L-Val-L-Ala-OMe (SEQ ID NO:1), or a derivative thereof, and to the corresponding lipotripeptides, which are specific to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map)S-type strain, as well as derivatives and conjugates thereof. The invention also concerns the use of these antigens in different methods and tests for detecting Map infection, especially by detecting humoral response and cell mediated response of infected animals. The invention is also directed to a genetic signature of Map and a mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy signature of Map presence or infection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an isolated synthetic tripeptide of formula H-D-Phe-N-Methyl-L-Val-L-Ala-OMe (SEQ ID NO:1), or a derivative thereof, and to the corresponding lipotripeptides, which are specific to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) S-type strain, as well as derivatives and conjugates thereof. The invention also concerns the use of these antigens in different methods and tests for detecting Map infection, especially by detecting humoral response and cell mediated response of infected animals. The invention is also directed to a genetic signature of Map and a mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy signature of Map presence or infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculsis (MAP) derived antigens which may be used to diagnose and thereafter effectively treat animals that have been infected with MAP, Further provided are methods of determining whether an animal is infected with MAP, and methods of diagnosing and treating Johne's disease. The invention also relates to a kit for the implementation of the methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an isolated synthetic tripeptide of formula H-D-Phe-N-Methyl-L-Val-L-Ala-OMe (SEQ ID NO:1), or a derivative thereof, and to the corresponding lipotripeptides, which are specific to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) S-type strain, as well as derivatives and conjugates thereof. The invention also concerns the use of these antigens in different methods and tests for detecting Map infection, especially by detecting humoral response and cell mediated response of infected animals. The invention is also directed to a genetic signature of Map and a mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy signature of Map presence or infection.

Abstract: Compositions of immunogenic proteins of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) are effective for stimulating a protective immune response in animals against MAP. Combinations of MAP1087 with two or more of MAP1204, MAP1272c and MAP2077c are effective for stimulating a protective immune response in animals against MAP and can be administered as vaccines against paratuberculosis (Johne's disease). Induction of the immune response significantly reduces or eliminates colonization of the animal by MAP, and consequently reduces or eliminates the symptoms of clinical disease in animals infected with MAP and reduces or eliminates fecal shedding of MAP. Vaccination with the compositions provides protection against clinical disease and reduces transmission of MAP infection within a herd.

Abstract: Hybridoma cell lines which produce and secrete monoclonal antibodies which selectively bind to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis have been produced. Cells of M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis in biological samples may be detected and quantified by contacting the sample with the antibodies to form a M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis/antibody immunocomplex when M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis is present, which immunocomplex may then be detected. The monoclonal antibodies also may be incorporated into kits for the detection and quantification of M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis.

Abstract: Compositions of immunogenic proteins of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) are effective for stimulating a protective immune response in animals against MAP. Combinations of MAP1087 with two or more of MAP1204, MAP1272c and MAP2077c are effective for stimulating a protective immune response in animals against MAP and can be administered as vaccines against paratuberculosis (Johne's disease). Induction of the immune response significantly reduces or eliminates colonization of the animal by MAP, and consequently reduces or eliminates the symptoms of clinical disease in animals infected with MAP and reduces or eliminates fecal shedding of MAP. Vaccination with the compositions provides protection against clinical disease and reduces transmission of MAP infection within a herd.

Abstract: Hybridoma cell lines which produce and secrete monoclonal antibodies which selectively bind to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis have been produced. Cells of M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis in biological samples may be detected and quantified by contacting the sample with the antibodies to form a M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis/antibody immunocomplex when M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis is present, which immunocomplex may then be detected. The monoclonal antibodies also may be incorporated into kits for the detection and quantification of M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules unique to M. paratuberculosis. The invention also provides the polypeptides encoded by the M. paratuberculosis-specific nucleic acid molecules of the invention, and antibodies having specific binding affinity for the polypeptides encoded by the M. paratuberculosis-specific nucleic acid molecules. The invention further provides for methods of detecting M. paratuberculosis in a sample using nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, and antibodies of the invention. The invention additionally provides methods of preventing a M. paratuberculosis infection in an animal.

Abstract: Hybridoma cell lines which produce and secrete monoclonal antibodies which selectively bind to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis have been produced. Cells of M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis in biological samples may be detected and quantified by contacting the sample with the antibodies to form a M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis/antibody immunocomplex when M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis is present, which immunocomplex may then be detected. The monoclonal antibodies also may be incorporated into kits for the detection and quantification of M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis.

Abstract: A process of detection of the causative agent of Johne's disease (Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis) (MAP) by detecting shedding of surface protein of MAP. A preferred way is use of surface enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. The system of detecting MAP shedding of protein provides early detection and diagnosis, and therefore allows early treatment for Johne's disease in ruminant animals.

Abstract: A process of detection of the causative agent of Johne's disease (Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis) (MAP) by detecting shedding of surface protein of MAP. A preferred way is use of surface enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. The system of detecting MAP shedding of protein provides early detection and diagnosis, and therefore allows early treatment for Johne's disease in ruminant animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules unique to M. paratuberculosis. The invention also provides the polypeptides encoded by the M. paratuberculosis-specific nucleic acid molecules of the invention, and antibodies having specific binding affinity for the polypeptides encoded by the M. paratuberculosis-specific nucleic acid molecules. The invention further provides for methods of detecting M. paratuberculosis in a sample using nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, and antibodies of the invention. The invention additionally provides methods of preventing a M. paratuberculosis infection in an animal.

Abstract: Certain Chlamydia proteins have been found to be infection-specific and to be associated primarily with the vegetative Reticulate Body form of Chlamydia rather than with the refractile Elementary Body form of Chlamydia. The invention includes a vaccine directed against the Reticulate Body form of Chlamydia comprising one or more infection-specific proteins, or fraction thereof; a method of using such a vaccine; a method of production of such a vaccine; a method for detection of infection-specific antibodies in a biological specimen; a method for detection of infection-specific antigens in a biological specimen and a method of using therapeutic agents specifically directed against infection-specific peptides, or the genes that code for such peptides, to treat chlamydial infection. The invention also includes the IncB, and IncC proteins of C. psittaci, and nucleotides encoding these proteins, ant the TroA, TroB and p242 proteins of C. trachomatis, and the nucleotides that encode polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules unique to M. paratuberculosis. The invention also provides the polypeptides encoded by the M. paratuberculosis-specific nucleic acid molecules of the invention, and antibodies having specific binding affinity for the polypeptides encoded by the M. paratuberculosis-specific nucleic acid molecules. The invention further provides for methods of detecting M. paratuberculosis in a sample using nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, and antibodies of the invention. The invention additionally provides methods of preventing a M. paratuberculosis infection in an animal.