Abstract: The instant invention concerns Francisella bacteria mediated degradation of alkaline phosphatase (AP). Detection of AP degradation may be used to determine the presence of Francisella bacteria in a sample. Furthermore, methods for identifying and treating Francisella infections by detecting AP degradation are described. Methods of the invention also concerns methods for treating Francisella infection by inhibiting AP degradation.

Abstract: Disclosed are Vibrio cholerae comprising a mutated transcriptional regulatory protein (ToxT) amino acid sequence, wherein the mutation results in a reduction in the expression of cholera toxin by the Vibrio cholerae. Also disclosed are Vibrio cholerae comprising a mutated transcriptional regulatory protein (ToxT) amino acid sequence, wherein the mutation results in an increase in transcription of the nucleic acid encoding the mutated ToxT. Vaccines comprising the aforementioned Vibrio cholerae are disclosed. Also disclosed are amino acid sequences that encode a mutated ToxT protein.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is disclosed a method of inducing an immune response in a subject comprising administering to the subject a Francisella bacterium that includes an alteration in the nucleic acid sequence encoding the mglA, iglA, iglB, iglC, or iglD gene of the bacterium.

Abstract: Disclosed are Vibrio cholerae comprising a mutated transcriptional regulatory protein (ToxT) amino acid sequence, wherein the mutation results in a reduction in the expression of cholera toxin by the Vibrio cholerae. Also disclosed are Vibrio cholerae comprising a mutated transcriptional regulatory protein (ToxT) amino acid sequence, wherein the mutation results in an increase in transcription of the nucleic acid encoding the mutated ToxT. Vaccines comprising the aforementioned Vibrio cholerae are disclosed. Also disclosed are amino acid sequences that encode a mutated ToxT protein.

Abstract: The instant invention concerns Francisella bacteria mediated degradation of alkaline phosphatase (AP). Detection of AP degradation may be used to determine the presence of Francisella bacteria in a sample. Furthermore, methods for identifying and treating Francisella infections by detecting AP degradation are described. Methods of the invention also concerns methods for treating Francisella infection by inhibiting AP degradation.

Abstract: A live non-virulent vaccine composition and method for preparing the same comprising a virulent microorganismal strain which contains at least two mutations, wherein the first mutation results in an auxotrophic mutant which requires for proliferation, a nutrient which is normally available in the host tissues in an amount required by the auxotrophic mutant for proliferation and the second mutation results in the inability of the auxotrophic mutant to specifically transport the required nutrient from host-tissues into the auxotrophic mutant thereby producing an attenuated strain.