Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for monitoring treatment of Helicobacter infection and in particular to methods for monitoring eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection using immunoglobulin G2 (IgG2). The invention also relates to methods for predicting the likelihood of successful eradication of Helicobacter infection in a subject to be treated or being treated for the infection and in particular, to methods for predicting the likelihood of successful eradication including determining the levels of interleukin, interferon-&ggr; and IgG in the subject to be, or being treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of chronic diseases associated with the presence of abnormal or an abnormal distribution of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian host, which compositions comprise viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Clostridia. The compositions further comprise one or more additional viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides, Eubacteria, Fusobacteria, Propionibacteria, Lactobacilli, anaerobic cocci, Ruminococcus, E.Coli, Gemmiger, Desullomonas, Peptostreptococcus, and fungi. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of the same chronic diseases comprising viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Escherichia coli, at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathoenic Bacteroides and at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganism.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one fibrate and at least one bile acid, and to methods for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia or elevated liver function tests in a patient by administering at least one fibrate and at least one bile acid to the patient.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for detecting urease in a gastric material taken from a human or lower animal subject is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a dry indicating composition responsive to urease, a backing sheet supporting the dry indicating composition, and a cover sheet sealingly adhered about its periphery to the backing sheet to enclose the dry indicating composition. At least one of the backing sheet or cover sheet has a transparent portion in alignment with the dry indicating composition, and wherein the cover sheet may be peeled from the backing sheet and resealed.

Abstract: A method of treating chronic disorders associated with the presence of abnormal microflora or an abnormal distribution of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract involves removing the host's existing enteric microflora and substitution of feces from a disease screener donor or composition comprising microorganism selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides and E. coli.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of disorders associated with mucosal surfaces and in particular to treatment of infectious disorders at mucosal sites by enhancing non-specific mucosal immunity, especially with probiotics such as lactobacillus or mycobacterium vaccae.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and composition of medications used to treat inflammatory bowel disease. The invention further provides combinations of anti-atypical mycobacterial agents effective against the atypical mycobacterial strains. It also provides a method of potentiating the anti-atypical mycobacterial agents in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease by immunizing patients with extracts of non-pathogenic mycobacteria.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for detecting urease in a gastric material taken from a human or lower animal subject is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a dry indicating composition responsive to urease, a backing sheet supporting the dry indicating composition, and a cover sheet sealingly adhered about its periphery to the backing sheet to enclose the dry indicating composition. At least one of the backing sheet or cover sheet has a transparent portion in alignment with the dry indicating composition, and wherein the cover sheet may be peeled from the backing sheet and resealed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the treatment and/or prevention of recurrence of a gastrointestinal disorder associated with Helicobacter pylori in a patient requiring said treatment and/or prevention, which comprise administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a first antibiotic which is an ansamycin and a therapeutically effective amount of at least a second antibiotic or antimicrobial agent. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: At least two different antibiotics are administered to treat condition associated with infection by Chlamydia species, Mycoplasma species, Listeria species and Bartonella species, and the aetiologic agents of leptospirosis and Q fever. Compositions comprise the antibiotics.

Abstract: Compositions comprising colchicine and at least one amino-salicylic acid derivative, preferably olsalazine is used for treatment of prophylaxis of constipation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and composition of medications used to treat inflammatory bowel disease. The invention further provides combinations of anti-atypical mycobacterial agents effective against the atypical mycobacterial strains. It also provides a method of potentiating the anti-atypical mycobacterial agents in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease by immunising patients with extracts of non-pathogenic mycobacteria.

Abstract: A self-advancing endoscope (10) comprising an elongated flexible tubular member (12) and an elongated channel (14) defined by the tubular member (12) and having a distal end wall (16). Piston means (22) are slideably disposed in the channel (14) toward the distal end wall (16). The endoscope (10) also comprises means (24, 26) for reciprocating the piston means (22) such that the piston means (22) impacts the distal end wall (16) on an advancing stroke.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and composition of medications use to treat inflammatory bowel disease. The invention further provides combinations of anti-atypical mycobacterial agents effective against the atypical mycobacterial strains. It also provides a method of potentiating the anti-atypical mycobacterial agents effective agents in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease by immunising patients with extracts of non-pathogenic mycobacteria.

Abstract: Colonic evacuation, treatment of small bowel bacterial overgrowth or irritable bowel syndrome or treating acute or chronic bacterial bowel infection comprises administering an osmotic colonic evacuant in solid form, preferably a mixture of sodium dihydrogen phosphate and disodium hydrogen phosphate or a sulfate based laxative comprising a picosulfate, together with a diluent.

Abstract: Colonic evacuation, treatment of small bowel bacterial overgrowth or irritable bowel syndrome or treating acute or chronic bacterial bowel infection comprises administering an osmotic colonic evacuant in solid form, preferably a mixture of sodium dihydrogen phosphate and disodium hydrogen phosphate or a sulfate based laxative comprising a picosulfate, together with a diluent.

Abstract: An osmotic colonic evacuant in solid dosage form, which comprises a phosphate based laxative or a sulfate based laxative and preferably comprises sodium picosulfate and an antacid, is used preferably in conjunction with 250 ml to 1,500 ml diluent, alone or as part of a sequential pack, to evacuate the colon, to treat small bowel bacterial overgrowth, irritable bowel syndrome, and acute or chronic bacterial bowel infections.