Abstract: An immunological adjuvant for polysaccharide vaccines is provided whereby polysaccharide antigens are rendered more immunogenic and thus stimulate more antibody production including an IgG response and immunological memory. The adjuvant is comprised of (1) either (A) an emulsion system containing a metabolizable oil, a low molecular weight polyol and lecithin, or (B) an oil-in-water emulsion system containing a light hydrocarbon non-biodegradable oil or a biodegradable oil, and a detergent; and (2) a refined detoxified endotoxin. The adjuvant can optionally also contain trehalose dimycolate.

Abstract: Peritoneal inflammation or infection can be detected in a patient by assaying a peritoneal lavage sample from the patient for lysosomal enzymes. This is done by combining the lavage sample with a leukocyte lysing agent and a chromogenic or fluorogenic enzyme substrate specific for lysosomal enzymes. The lysosomal enzymes can then be measured, and the inflammation of infection detected, by measuring the color or fluorescence developed in the sample by action of the enzymes on the substrate.

Abstract: Peritoneal inflammation or infection can be detected in a patient by assaying a peritoneal lavage sample from the patient for lysosomal enzymes. This is done by combining the lavage sample with a leukocyte lysing agent and a chromogenic or fluorogenic enzyme substrate specific for lysosomal enzymes. The lysosomal enzymes can then be measured, and the inflammation or infection detected, by measuring the color or fluorescence developed in the sample by action of the enzymes on the substrate.

Abstract: A method for detecting endotoxins in body fluids comprising: unmasking endotoxins in the body fluids; separating the unmasked endotoxins from the body fluids by affinity chromatography; and detecting the endotoxins. This method is particularly useful for early detection of life threatening systemic Gram-negative infections.