Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a fragment, variant, derivative or fusion thereof which is capable of binding specifically to and/or lysing cells of Clostridium difficile, and means for producing the same, with the proviso that the fragment, variant, derivative or fusion is not a naturally occurring lysin of a bacteriophage of Clostridium difficile. The invention further provides methods for killing bacterial cells, such as cells of Clostridium difficile, and for diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases and conditions associated with infection of the same. The invention also provides diagnostic kits for use in such methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, or a fragment, variant, derivative or fusion thereof which is capable of binding specifically to and/or lysing cells of Clostridium difficile, and means for producing the same, with the proviso that the fragment, variant, derivative or fusion is not a naturally occurring lysin of a bacteriophage of Clostridium difficile. The invention further provides methods for killing bacterial cells, such as cells of Clostridium difficile, and for diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases and conditions associated with infection of the same. The invention also provides diagnostic kits for use in such methods.