Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions useful in immunization against pathogenic organisms of the genus Mycobacterium and for diagnostic purposes. In particular, the present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one protein which is differentially expressed in a virulent strain as compared to an avirulent strain of Mycobacteria. Furthermore, the invention relates to compositions comprising fusion proteins, antigenic fragments, nucleic acid molecules encoding the aforementioned proteinaceous compounds and/or antibodies thereto. Additionally, the invention relates to pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions comprising or employing compounds of the invention. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of the compounds of the invention for the treatment of Mycobacterium induced diseases and/or for the preparation of a vaccine for vaccination against Mycobacterium induced diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for characterizing or identifying proteins which are expressed by cultivated Helicobacter cells and which preferably react with human antisera. Thus, novel Helicobacter antigens are provided which are suitable as targets for the diagnostis, prevention or treatment of Helicobacter infections.