Abstract: Vaccines, antibodies, proteins, DNAs and RNAs for diagnosis, prophylaxis, treatment and detection of Cryptosporidium species or Cryptosporidium species infections. Cryptosporidium species antigen and DNAs and RNA encoding the Cryptosporidium antigen and fragments thereof and recombinant proteins or fusion proteins produced thereby. Methods for diagnosis, prophylaxis, treatment and detection of Cryptosporidium species infections.

Abstract: A method is provided for administering to a mammal suffering from, or at risk for, multiple sclerosis, an initial dosing of a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-LFA-1 antibody, followed by a subsequent intermittent dosing of a therapeutically effective amount of the anti-LFA-1 antibody wherein the antibody is administered to the mammal no more than once per week in the intermittent dosing.

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 encompasses monoclonal and chimeric antibodies that bind to lipoteichoic acid of Gram positive bacteria. The antibodies also bind to whole bacteria and enhance phagocytosis and killing of the bacteria in vitro and enhance protection from lethal infection in vivo. The mouse monoclonal antibody has been humanized and the resulting chimeric antibody provides a previously unknown means to diagnose, prevent and/or treat infections caused by gram positive bacteria bearing lipoteichoic acid. This invention also encompasses a peptide mimic of the lipoteichoic acid epitope binding site defined by the monoclonal antibody. This epitope or epitope peptide mimic identifies other antibodies that may bind to the lipoteichoic acid epitope. Moreover, the epitope or epitope peptide mimic provides a valuable substrate for the generation of vaccines or other therapeutics.

Abstract: The invention provides active and passive immunization methods for preventing and treating Clostridium difficile infection, which involve percutaneous administration of C. difficile toxin-neutralizing polyclonal immune globulin, C. difficile toxoids, or combinations thereof. Also provided by the invention are C. difficile toxoids, C. difficile toxin-neutralizing polyclonal immune globulin, and methods of identifying subjects that produce C. difficile toxin-neutralizing polyclonal immune globulin.

Abstract: Isolated antibodies to Invaplex; novel compositions comprising immunoglobulins directed to invasin proteins and LPS from gram negative bacteria that selectively bind to Invaplex, and do not bind to the individual components of Invaplex.

Abstract: Human neutralizing antibodies (full-length or functional fragments) are useful as anti-toxins or anti-infectives with respect to infective agents such as, for example, anthrax, botulinum, smallpox, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus (VEEV), West Nile virus (WNV) and the like.

Abstract: Chimeric molecules that contain at least one pathogen-detection domain and at least one effector domain, and their methods of use in preventing or treating a pathogen infection in a cell or organism are described. The pathogen-detection domain and effector domain of the chimeric molecules are domains not typically found in nature to be associated together. Agents are also described herein having at least one pathogen-interacting molecular structure and at least one effector-mediating molecular structure, the agent being one that is non-naturally-occurring in a cell. The methods of prevention and treatment described herein are effective for a broad spectrum of pathogens and exhibit little or no toxic side-effects. Assays for the detection of a pathogen, pathogen component, or product produced or induced by a pathogen, are also provided.

Abstract: The F. necrophorum gene expressing leukotoxin was sequenced and cloned. The leukotoxin open reading frame (lktA) is part of a multi-gene operon containing 9,726 bp, and encoding a protein containing 3,241 amino acids with an overall molecular weight of 335,956 daltons. The protein encoded by the gene was truncated into five polypeptides having overlapping regions by truncating the full length gene into five different sections and amplifying, expressing, and recovering the protein encoded by each of these sections. Additionally, a region upstream of the gene was sequenced and the polypeptide encoded by that nucleotide sequence was purified and isolated. These polypeptides along with the full length protein are then tested to determine their immunogenicity and protective immunity in comparison to the efficacy of immunization conferred by inactivated native leukotoxin in F. necrophorum culture supernatant.

Abstract: The invention relates to monoclonal antibodies capable of recognizing and neutralizing epitopes from the ligand domain, the translocation domain or the catalytic domain of the enterotoxin (toxin A) and cytotoxin (toxin B) from Clostridium difficile, as well as their production and therapeutical and prophylactic applications to diseases due to the toxins.

Abstract: Antibodies for binding epitopes of BoNT/A and hybridomas which produce such antibodies are described. The antibodies of the present invention can be used in a method for detecting BoNT/A in a sample and/or in a method for purifying BoNT/A from an impure solution. In addition, the antibodies can be used for passive immunization against BoNT/A intoxication or as intoxication therapy. Another aspect of the invention is a kit for detecting BoNT/A in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions using biological factors, such as complement components, and manipulation of cells of erythroblastic lineage and myeloid lineage to facilitate clearance of pathologic targets from the blood stream of a patient in specific phagocytic compartment.

Abstract: A novel isolated Borrielia burgdorferi sensu lato surface antigen is characterized by a relative molecular mass of 39.5 kDa. This antigen is expressed in vitro by spirochetes of a B. burgdorferi sensu lato strain. This antigen induces antibodies which kill spirochetes of a B. burgdorferi sensu lato strain by ADCK in vitro. Novel Borrelia cassette string protein or fragments thereof are also useful, as is the P39.5 protein in diagnosing Lyme disease and in compositions for treatment or prophylaxis thereof.

Abstract: Treating humans and animals intoxicated with a bacterial toxin by administration of antitoxin. Avian antitoxin in an aqueous solution in therapeutic amount that is orally administrable.

Abstract: Improved molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with both higher and more specific binding capacity for particular bile acids and/or salts, including the synthesis of such MIPs, the compounds themselves, and specific applications thereof. As an example of a particularly preferred specific application of these compounds, the present invention encompasses the use of the MIPs as sequestrants in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in order to bind and therefore remove toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the present invention is also useful for treatment of various diseases which are related to, and/or characterized by, an effect of bile acids and salts, such as atherosclerosis, liver disease and various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The MIP compounds of the present invention are also useful for combination therapy with other medications and for diagnosis and monitoring of diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a vaccine for the prevention of F. necrophorum bacterial infections, comprising isolating the F. necrophorum bacteria from a bovine species, growing the bacteria in a suitable growth medium for a period equal to between about 10 hours and about 18 hours so as to achieve a bacterial population equal to at least 1×105 CFU/ml, terminating the growth, and using a whole cell culture to form the vaccine. Additionally, the present invention relates to the vaccine comprised of a killed whole cell population of the F. necrophorum bacteria taken from a bovine. The present invention further relates to a method for preventing footrot and liver abscesses caused by F. necrophorum bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins containing at least two Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens. In particular, it relates to bi-fusion proteins which contain two individual M. tuberculosis antigens, tri-fusion proteins which contain three M. tuberculosis antigens, tetra-fusion proteins which contain four M. tuberculosis antigens, and penta-fusion proteins which contain five M. tuberculosis antigens, and methods for their use in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: The invention is related to antibodies, particularly monoclonal antibodies, which recognize particularly epitopes of the intimin protein of enteropathogenic E. coli and enterohemorrhagic E. coli, methods of detecting such E. coli by use of these antibodies, and kits containing these antibodies for diagnosis.

Abstract: A method of targeting a diagnostic or therapeutic agent to a focus of infection comprises injecting a patient infected with a pathogen parenterally with an antibody conjugate which specifically binds to an accessible epitope of the pathogen or of a pathogen-associated antigen accreted at the focus of infection, the antibody conjugate further comprising a bound diagnostic or therapeutic agent for detecting, imaging or treating the infection. Polyspecific composite conjugates enhance the efficacy of the method, which is especially useful for treating infections that are refractory towards systemic chemotherapy.

Abstract: Effective antitoxins are demonstrated for prophylactic or causal immunotherapy. A method of generating antitoxin composed of highly-pure antibodies is described as an important defense against naturally-occurring plant and/or bacterial toxins.

Abstract: Novel methods for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases caused by tissue-adhering bacteria are disclosed. By interacting with periplasmic molecular chaperones it is achieved that the assembly of pili is prevented or inhibited and thereby the infectivity of the bacteria is diminished. Also disclosed are methods for screening for drugs as well as methods for the de novo design of such drugs, methods which rely on novel computer drug modelling methods involving an approximative calculation of binding free energy between macromolecules. Finally, novel pyranosides which are believed to be capable of interacting with periplasmic molecular chaperones are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns Mycobacterium strains whereof the erp gene is modified and a vaccine composition containing same. The modification of the erp gene decreases the virulence and the persistence of the Mycobacterium strains.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compounds and compositions and uses thereof, including the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections are described. The compounds and compositions include lantibiotic polypeptides and the nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The compounds and compositions are useful as antimicrobials in antibiotic pharmaceutical preparation and as an antimicrobial or antiseptic dentifrice.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating bacterial infections is disclosed which comprises the treatment of an individual with an effective amount of at least one lytic protein, peptide, or peptide fragment thereof, wherein said at least one lytic protein or peptides is in a natural or modified form The composition further discloses several carrier compositions suitable for site-specific delivery of the composition. Further disclosed are the method of use of the composition of the invention. These methods include therapeutic, diagnostic, prognostic and drug screening methods.

Abstract: Multivalent, multispecific molecules having at least one specificity for a pathogen and at least one specificity for the HLA class II invariant chain (Ii) are administered to induce clearance of the pathogen. In addition to pathogens, clearance of therapeutic or diagnostic agents, autoantibodies, anti-graft antibodies, and other undesirable compounds may be induced using the multivalent, multispecific molecules.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel mycobacterial protein named DES, which appears to share significant amino acid sequence homology with soluble stearoyl-ACP desaturases. The results of allelic exchange experiments, indicate that the des gene may be essential to the survival of mycobacteria. These results coupled with the surface localization, the unique structure of DES, and the fact this antigen is expressed in vivo, and DES protein induces a humoral response in human patients, indicate that the DES protein provides a new target for the design of anti-mycobacterial drugs. This invention provides methods of screening molecules that can inhibit the DES enzyme activity of purified DES protein, in order to identify antibiotic molecules that are capable of inhibiting the growth or survival of mycobacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides bacterial immunogenic agents for administration to humans and non-human animals to stimulate an immune response. It particularly relates to the vaccination of mammalian species with heteropolymeric protein complexes as a mechanism for stimulating production of antibodies that protect the vaccine recipient against infection by pathogenic bacterial species. In another aspect the invention provides antibodies against such proteins and protein complexes that may be used as diagnostics and/or as protective/treatment agents for pathogenic bacterial species. A novel vector for expressing the FimC-H complex at optimal levels is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic method for the treatment of hemolytic uremic syndrome. More specifically, the method includes the administration of monoclonal antibodies, chimeric monoclonal antibodies and monospecific polyclonal antibodies specific for Shiga like toxin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing monoclonal antibodies that are highly specific for (1) unique epitopes of Campylobacter jejuni (Cj) only and (2) epitopes conserved between Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli (Cc) outer membranes; to specific monoclonal antibodies made by the methods of the instant invention; and uses thereof The invention is drawn further to immunogens comprising the outer membrane complexes of Cj and Cc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins of Mycobacterium tuberclosis antigens. In particular, it relates to two fusion proteins, each of which contains three individual M. tuberculosis antigens, and a fusion protein of two M. tuberculosis antigens, their coding sequences, and methods for their use in the treatment and prevention of tuberculosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides bacterial and fungal ABC transporter proteins, immunogenic fragments thereof, neutralizing agents specific thereto and binding agents specific thereto for therapeutic and diagnostic use, together with diagnostic test methods, methods of same and kits for performing same. Also provided are immunodominant conserved antigens from gram positive staphylococci, together with neutralising and binding agents specific thereto for use in therapy and diagnosis, and methods of same. Also provided are Staphylococcal homologues of IstA and IstB and immunogenic fragment thereof, and their uses in methods of treatment and diagnosis of the human or animal body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of avian antibodies and/or antigen binding fragments thereof, for the production of a drug for treatment and/or prevention of respiratory tract infection. The drug is administered through local application at the oral cavity and/or pharynx.

Abstract: A method of producing active immunity against a bacterial or protozoal disease in a subject comprises administering to the subject a vaccine conjugate comprising a live bacteria or protozoa and a neutralizing factor bound to the live bacteria or protozoa. The neutralizing factor is selected from the group consisting of antibodies and antibody fragments. The live bacteria or protozoa is one capable of producing disease in the subject, and the antibody or antibody fragment is one capable of neutralizing the live bacteria or protozoa.

Abstract: A new isolate of Ehrlichia species has been obtained from a patient suffering from ehrlichiosis. The new isolate has been found to be similar, but distinctly different from E. canis. A diagnostic kit and methods for diagnosing ehrlichiosis in humans and for screening drugs toxic to the new isolate have been described.

Abstract: The invention relates to Mycobacterium tuberculosis superoxide dismutase antibodies, methods of using them for detection of M. tuberculosis, methods of testing for an inhibitor of an M. tuberculosis superoxide dismutase, and methods of detecting tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: Isolated peptide sequences and proteins containing these sequences are provided which are useful in the prevention and treatment of infection caused by Gram-positive bacteria. The peptide sequences have been shown to be highly conserved motifs in the surface proteins of Gram-positive bacteria, and these consensus sequences include amino acid sequences such as LPXTG (SEQ ID NO:13), ALKTGKIDIIISGMTSTPERKK (SEQ ID NO:14), VEGAWEKPVAEAYLKQN (SEQ ID NO:15), and EYAGVDIDLAKKIAK (SEQ ID NO:16). By virtue of the highly conserved regions, the sequences and the proteins including these sequences can be utilized to generate antibodies which can recognize these highly conserved motifs and the proteins containing them and thus be useful in the treatment or prevention of a wide range of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to three outer membrane proteins conserved among Gram-negative bacteria, OmpA, PAL, and MLP. The invention provides vaccines and polypeptides useful for passive and active immunization against Gram-negative bacteria, as well as methods of preventing and treating Gram-negative sepsis.

Abstract: A number of protein and glycoprotein antigens secreted by Mycobacterium. tuberculosis (Mt) have been identified as “early” Mt antigens on the basis early antibodies present in subjects infected with Mt prior to the development of detectable clinical disease. These early Mt antigens, in particular an 88 kDa secreted protein having a pI of about 5.2 and the sequence of SEQ ID NO:106, which is present in Mt lipoarabinomannan-free culture filtrate, a protein characterized as Mt antigen 85C; a protein characterized as Mt antigen MPT51, a glycoprotein characterized as Mt antigen MPT32; and a 49 kDa protein having a pI of about 5.1, are useful in immunoassay methods for early, rapid detection of TB in a subject. Preferred immunoassays detect the antibodies in the subject's urine. Also provided are antigenic compositions, kits and methods to useful for detecting an early Mt antigen, an early Mt antibody, and immune complexes thereof.

Abstract: A method of purging enterotoxigenic organisms from an environment is described whereby contamination of other animals by the organism is prevented.

Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (“MenB”) are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli K1. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: A truncated SE fimbria antigen useful as an antigen for immunoassay diagnosis of Salmonella enteritidis (SE) infection or evidence of infection.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions of treatment for a patient with ulcerative colitis comprising a drug which can selectively kill Fusobacterium varium cells, or a drug which can neutralize the toxin produced by Fusobacterium varium cells, a method for screening such a drug, a method for treating a patient with the disease, a vaccine for the disease, a diagnostic drug, a diagnostic method, an experimental model for the disease and an experimental animal for the disease.

Abstract: Immunoadhesins active against infectious bacterial agents, e.g., the bacterium responsible for anthrax, are described and claimed. These chimeric molecules feature stabilizing immunoglobulin portions linked to bacterial proteins having affinity for host receptors. Methods of using these immunoadhesins are also desribed.

Abstract: A process of preparing a pharmaceutical composition includes the steps of: a) obtaining isolated immunoglobulins from an animal; b) contacting the isolated immunoglobulins with a bacterial Fc-binding protein; c) collecting the immunoglobulins not bound to the bacterial Fc-binding protein; and d) adding a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the immunoglobulins not bound to the bacterial Fc-binding protein.

Abstract: A polypeptide has first and second domains which enable the polypeptide to be translocated into a target cell or which increase the solubility of the polypeptide, or both, and further enable the polypeptide to cleave one or more vesicle or plasma-membrane associated proteins essential to exocytosis. The polypeptide thus combines useful properties of a clostridial toxin, such as a botulinum or tetanus toxin, without the toxicity associated with the natural molecule. The polypeptide can also contain a third domain that targets it to a specific cell, rendering the polypeptide useful in inhibition of exocytosis in target cells. Fusion proteins comprising the polypeptide, nucleic acids encoding the polypeptide and methods of making the polypeptide are also provided. Controlled activation of the polypeptide is possible and the polypeptide can be incorporated into vaccines and toxin assays.

Abstract: A new protein derived from acid hydrolyzed IgG concentrate which has a molecular weight of about 55,000, and is activated by heat within the defined narrow temperature range provides resulting product that has a protective mechanism for bacterial and viral invasion of living cells.

Abstract: An immunoassay method including reacting a sample from a patient with a bispecific antibody, wherein the bispecific antibody includes one antibody specific for a compound to be detected and a second antibody specific for a compound foreign to said patient sample, and subsequently reacting the patient sample with a polymer probe, wherein the polymer probe includes a compound recognized by the second antibody in the bispecific antibody complex and further includes at least two detectable signals; the bispecific antibody; and the polymer probe of the immunoassay method are disclosed.

Abstract: The infection of a mammalian host by a microorganism can be prevented or treated through the administration of substrates for transglutaminases or antibodies against such substrates that inhibit the transglutaminase-mediated interaction of the microorganism with the mammalian host. These compounds may be used in the identification, prevention or treatment of microbial infection of mammalian hosts such as immunocompromised or immunosuppressed humans, for example, those having AIDS or undergoing transplantation or anti-cancer therapy.

Abstract: The invention is a performance-enhancing feed supplement. The feed supplement is made up of a combination of spray-dried porcine plasma and spray-dried hyperimmune egg. The feed supplement is effectively administered to increase performance when weanling pigs and calves.

Abstract: A method of stimulating an immune response in a human against malignant cells or an infectious agent comprises the step of administering to the human an immunogenic amount of a primate anti-idiotype antibody or antibody fragment that acts as an immunogenic functional mimic of an antigen produced by or associated with a malignant cell or an infectious agent. Sub-human primate anti-idiotype antisera, especially from baboons, are preferred. Such anti-idiotype antibodies are used to make vaccines for inducing preventive immunity or a therapeutic immune response against tumors, viruses, bacteria, rickettsia, mycoplasma, protozoa, fungi and multicellular parasites.