Abstract: The invention relates to diagnostic methods, therapeutic methods and kits for diagnosing and treating chronic adenotonsillar tonsillitis and adenotonsillar hypertrophy as well as vaccines for preventing chronic adenotonsillar tonsillitis and adenotonsillar hypertrophy.

Abstract: A nucleic acid probe for identifying a target nucleic acid sequence including a linker structure including a 5? end and a 3? end; 5? marker mechanism for producing an identifying signal to the target nucleic acid sequence, wherein the 5? marker mechanism is conjugated to the 5? end of the linker structure; and 3? marker mechanism for producing an identifying signal to a target nucleic acid sequence, wherein the 3? marker mechanism is conjugated to the 3? end of the linker structure and wherein identification of the target nucleic acid sequence occurs when the 5? marker mechanism and 3? marker mechanism are in close physical proximity to each other. A nucleic acid probe for identifying a target nucleic acid including a marker pair mechanism for producing an identification signal to identify a target nucleic acid sequence; and linker mechanism for linking the marker pair mechanism together. A biosensor including a fluorophore quencher pair; and a linker sequence for linking the fluorophore quencher pair.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding an approximately 26 kilodalton antigen, PEB1A, of Campylobacter jejuni, or an antigenic fragment thereof, wherein the antigen is associated with diarrheal disease. The present invention also provides methods of detecting the presence of a Campylobacter jejuni strain possessing the PEB1A antigen in a subject. Vaccines and treatments for C. jejuni infection are provided, as is a mutant C. jejuni not expressing a functional PEB1A antigen.