Abstract: Provided is a method of surveillance for hazardous materials, e.g., chemical, biological and radiological agents. The method comprises assaying a sample derived from materials collected from a sample domain for the presence of a chemical, biological, or radiological agent. The sample domain comprises at least one collection point from which the materials are collected in a pre-existing operation unrelated to surveillance.

Abstract: Provided is a method of surveillance for hazardous materials, e.g., chemical, biological and radiological agents. The method comprises assaying a sample derived from materials collected from a sample domain for the presence of a chemical, biological, or radiological agent. The sample domain comprises at least one collection point from which the materials are collected in a pre-existing operation unrelated to surveillance.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an isolated and purified DNA sequence which encodes a lantibiotic, mutacin I, is disclosed. The nucleic acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID No: 1 and the amino acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID No: 2.

Abstract: Dental caries is a polymicrobial infectious disease. Of the hundreds of bacteria present in the biofilms coating teeth, the Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) remain strongly linked to caries and dental disease. Streptococcus sanguinis (S. sanguinis) may serve a protective or antagonistic role against the cariogenic bacterium S. mutans. In the present invention, exemplary sets of species-specific PCR primers are provided for the identification and quantification of S. mutans and of S. sanguinis in clinical samples, including the simultaneous and sensitive analysis of both bacterial species. Assays, kits and methods for determining the presence and amount of S. mutans and/or S. sanguinis are provided. Oligonucleotide probes and primers for use in the assays, kits and methods are described. Assays and methods for determining and evaluating an individual's oral bacteria, risk for caries, and effects of prevention and treatment modalities, are provided.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an isolated and purified DNA sequence which encodes a lantibiotic, mutacin I, is disclosed. The nucleic acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID No: 1 and the amino acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID No: 2.

Abstract: Methods for producing a mutacin, by growing a mutacin-producing cell in a liquid medium under conditions in which mutacin is produced and isolating mutacin from the liquid medium. Methods are also provided for isolating and purifying mutacin I/III from fermentation broths of Streptococcus mutans strains CH43 and UA787 to homogeneity. Fermentation are conducted in anaerobic bioreactors under anaerobic conditions at a cultivation temperature of about 35-42° C., with agitation rate of between 50-250 rpm.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an isolated and purified DNA sequence which encodes a lantibiotic, mutacin I, is disclosed. The nucleic acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID No: 1 and the amino acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID No: 2.

Abstract: Certain bacteria indigenous to humans produce antimicrobial substances called bacteriocins which inhibit other bacteria, including members of their own species. Mutacins are a class of antibiotic substances made by Streptococcus mutans. Disclosed is the purification and biochemical characterization of a novel lanthionine-containing mutacin peptide from S. mutans. The purified peptide is pH- and temperature-stable and its amino acid composition indicates the presence of lanthionine and &bgr;-methyllanthionine. Also provided are methods of making and using the purified polypeptide.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an isolated and purified DNA sequence which encodes a lantibiotic, mutacin I, is disclosed. The nucleic acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID No: 1 and the amino acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID No: 2.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an isolated and purified DNA sequence which encodes a lantibiotic, mutacin I, is disclosed. The nucleic acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID No: 1 and the amino acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID No: 2.

Abstract: Certain bacteria indigenous to humans produce antimicrobial substances called bacteriocins which inhibit other bacteria, including members of their own species. Mutacins are a class of antibiotic substances made by Streptococcus mutans. Disclosed is the purification and biochemical characterization of a novel lanthionine-containing mutacin peptide from S. mutans. The purified peptide is pH- and temperature-stable and its amino acid composition indicates the presence of lanthionine and .beta.-methyllanthionine. Also provided are methods of making and using the purified polypeptide.

Abstract: Certain bacteria indigenous to humans produce antimicrobial substances called bacteriocins which inhibit other bacteria, including members of their own species. Mutacins are a class of antibiotic substances made by Streptococcus mutans. Disclosed is the purification and biochemical characterization of a novel lanthionine-containing mutacin peptide from S. mutans. The purified peptide is pH- and temperature-stable and its amino acid composition indicates the presence of lanthionine and .beta.-methyllanthionine. Also provided are methods of making and using the purified polypeptide.