Abstract: There is provided a method or improving the surface sterility of an invertebrate organism having an external cuticle, comprising contacting an outer surface of the organism, or a portion thereof, with an aqueous alcohol solution of less than about 70% v/v for a period of less than 60 seconds. The method is especially useful to provide research-grade organisms which can be utilised in research involving injection of compositions through the external cuticle, by reducing phenotype changes resulting from introduction of surface contaminants into the interior of the organism.

Abstract: There is provided a method or improving the surface sterility of an invertebrate organism having an external cuticle, comprising contacting an outer surface of the organism, or a portion thereof, with an aqueous alcohol solution of less than about 70% v/v for a period of less than 60 seconds. The method is especially useful to provide research-grade organisms which can be utilised in research involving injection of compositions through the external cuticle, by reducing phenotype changes resulting from introduction of surface contaminants into the interior of the organism.

Abstract: A strain of Francisella species wherein a gene which encodes an enzyme in the purine pathway has been inactivated, and which is able to produce a protective immune response in an animal, for use as a live prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine against infection by said Francisella species. Suitable genes for inactivation include the purF gene. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods which utilise these strains are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The application relates to nucleic acids which encode enzymes responsible for the production of the O-antigen of Francisella tularensis, and their use as or in the production of vaccines and in diagnosis.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions containing Francisella components or modified live strains of the Francisella species and their use in preventing or treating disease such as tularemia.

Abstract: The use of (i) an antibody specific for Yersinia pestis F1-antigen, or a binding fragment thereof, or (ii) an antibody specific for Yersinia pestis V-antigen, or a binding fragment thereof, or a combination of (i) and (ii), in the production of a medicament for the treatment of infection by Yersinia pestis. It has been found that such treatments are effective therapies for Yersinia pestis infection. In addition, the combination produces a synergistic effect when used prophylactically.

Abstract: A method for identifying a vaccine candidate, said method comprising selecting a protein from the proteome of a target organism on the basis of a property selected from a biophysical property or the amino acid composition of that protein. For example, using this method a first set of data for a said property of a one or more vaccine antigens of a particular genus is collected, and a control set of data for said property of one or more random proteins from the same genus is also collected. These datasets are then compared and statistical differences noted.