Abstract: The present invention relates to vaccines comprising antiserum raised against a flagellaless Campylobacter strain for the prevention of Campylobacter colonisation in animals. The invention also relates to antigenic Campylobacter proteins visible in a Western blot of Campylobacter jejuni protein after incubation of said Western blot with antibodies against a flagellaless mutant of Campylobacter jejuni and not visible after incubation of said blot with antibodies against wild type Campylobacter jejuni, and to their use in vaccines and the manufacturing thereof. The invention further relates to vaccines comprising such proteins and antibodies against such proteins. The invention further relates to the use of such Campylobacter proteins and to antiserum and antibodies raised against Campylobacter antigens for the preparation of vaccines. Finally, the invention relates to methods for the preparation of such vaccines.

Abstract: This invention is directed to mutant SPE-C toxins or fragments thereof, vaccine and pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using the vaccine and pharmaceutical compositions. The preferred SPE-C toxin has at least one amino acid change and is substantially non-lethal compared with the wild type SPE-C toxin. The mutant SPE-C toxins can form vaccine compositions useful to protect animals against the biological activities of wild type SPE-C toxin.

Abstract: The gene for Streptococcus pyogenes DNase B has been cloned and vectors incorporating the cloned DNA have been used to transform Escherichia coli, allowing efficient and rapid production of the DNase in E. coli without the necessity of growing large quantities of S. pyogenes. The enzyme can be produced with a leader peptide at its aminoterminus. An improved method for the purification of naturally occurring S. pyogenes DNase B enzyme is also provided. The DNase B enzyme produced, either by purification of naturally occurring enzyme or by recombinant DNA techniques, can be used to generate antibodies and can also be used in immunochemical assays to detect the presence of anti-DNase B antibodies in serum as a marker of infection by S. pyogenes.

Abstract: Isolated and purified Staphylococcus thioredoxin reductases (TrxB) are provided. Polynucleotides encoding the TrxBs, vectors and host cells containing such polynucleotides are also provided. In addition, antibodies reactive with the TrxBs are provided, as are methods of isolating the TrxBs, as well as methods for producing recombinant TrxBs, using TrxBs for screening compounds for TrxB-modulating activity, and detecting Staphylococcus in a test sample.

Abstract: Reagents and methods for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus are provided. The reagents contain an antibody that binds to a capsular polysaccharide of type 5 of Staphylococcus aureus, and can be used in methods for detection of oxacillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus that escapes detection by agglutination in the presence of fibrinogen and antibodies directed against protein A of Staphylococcus.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptide, oligopeptide or polypeptide compounds that are capable of eliciting a protective immune response against the capsular polysaccharide of group B Streptococcus (GBS), particularly type III GBS. Such compounds are useful in the development of vaccines that are effective against diseases caused by these pathogens.

Abstract: A vaccine composition is disclosed that comprises polypeptides and fragments of polypeptides containing histidine triad residues or coiled-coil regions, some of which polypeptides or fragments lie between 80 and 680 residues in length. Also disclosed are processes for preventing infection caused by S. pneumoniae comprising administering of vaccine compositions.

Abstract: An isolated B1 domain polypeptide of bacterial Protein G which binds a Fab fragment of an IgG but substantially does not bind a Fc fragment of an IgG. Methods for the detection and purification of IgG Fc antibody fragments and Fab antibody fragments using the isolated GB1 domain polypeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides MAbs for blocking and alleviating nasal colonization by staphylococci and methods for their use in the anterior nares.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vaccine composition(s) comprising at least two PspAs from strains selected from at least one family, the family being defined by PspAs from strains belonging to the family having greater than or equal to 50% homology in aligned sequences of a C-terminal region of an alpha helical region of PspA. Additionally, the families are further comprised of clades, wherein PspAs from strains which belong to a clade exhibit at least 75% sequence homology in aligned sequences of the C-terminal region of the alpha helix of PspA. Vaccine compositions of the present invention preferably comprise a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 strains representing a single clade each, and the at least two PspAs are optionally serologically or broadly cross-reactive.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a Directed Human Immunoglobulin and compositions thereof for preventing or treating staphylococcal infections such as S. epidermidis.

Abstract: Cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies are provided which are generated from peptides from Enterococcus faecalis, including the ACE40 and the ACE19 protein, and the CNA19 peptide from Staphylococcus aureus, and which can bind to the collagen-binding proteins from bacteria from a variety of species including enterococcal bacteria, staphylococcal bacteria and streptococcal bacteria. These monoclonal antibodies may then be formed into suitable pharmaceutical compositions, and they are thus particularly effective in providing methods of treating or preventing bacterial infections from a wide range of bacterial species.

Abstract: Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies which are cross-reactive to both coagulase-positive staphylococcus bacteria, such as S. aureus and to coagulase-negative bacteria, such as S. epidermidis and S. hemolyticus, are provided which can recognize surface proteins from both coagulase-positive and coagulase negative staph bacteria. The antibodies may be generated from surface proteins that have been isolated on the basis of characteristics that may be common between S. aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci, and these recombinant surface proteins are used to generate the antibodies of the invention. There is also provided vaccines and methods which utilize these proteins and antibodies for the treatment or protection against a wide variety of staphylococcal infections.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel biologically active lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) derivatives including LBP derivative hybrid proteins which are characterized by the ability to bind to and neutralize LPS and which lack the CD14-mediated immunostimutlatory properties of holo-LBP.

Abstract: PspAs, portions thereof, DNA therefor, and immunological compositions, primers and probes based thereon are disclosed claimed.

Abstract: A method of treatment of severe anthrax infection particularly inhalation pneumonia or gastrointestinal anthrax antigen by the passive transfer to infected patients of plasma or plasma fractionated derivatives, such as gammaglobulins or antibodies, monclonal or polyclonal, with high titer neutralizing antibodies against Bacillus anthracis or its toxins. The plasma or fractionated plasma derivatives are derived from previously vaccinated individuals with anthrax vaccine, or any antigen or toxin antigen of Bacillus anthracis, including protective antigen (PA), lethal factor (LF) and/or oedema factor (OF).

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies which can bind to the ClfA protein and which are generated from binding subdomains or active fragments of the ClfA protein from Staphylococcus aureus, including the active fragments proteins from its fibrinogen binding domain such as Clf40 protein, the Clf33 protein, or ClfA N3, are provided which can be useful in the treatment and protection against infection from staphylococcal bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, medical instruments can be treated using the monoclonal antibodies of the invention in order to reduce or eliminate the possibility of their becoming infected or further spreading the infection. In particular, the antibodies of the present invention are advantageous because they can prevent adherence of the bacteria to host cells by impairing or inhibiting the ability of S. aureus ClfA to bind to fibrinogen or fibrin, and thus can be utilized in methods or treating or preventing staphylococcal inventions.

Abstract: A negatively-charged S. aureus antigen contains &bgr;-hexosamine as a major carbohydrate component. S. aureus strains that carry the antigen account for nearly all of the clinically significant strains of S. aureus that are not Type 5 or Type 8 strains. The antigen can be used in combination with S. aureus Type 5 polysaccharide antigen and S. aureus Type 8 polysaccharide antigen to provide nearly 100% coverage of S. aureus infection. The antigen and antibodies to the antigen are useful in kits and assays for diagnosing S. aureus infection. A whole cell vaccine of cells that contain the antigen is particularly useful in the treatment of mastitis.

Abstract: Reagents and methods for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus are provided. The reagents contain an antibody that binds to a capsular polysaccharide of type 5 of Staphylococcus aureus, and can be used in methods for detection of oxacillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus that escapes detection by agglutination in the presence of fibrinogen and antibodies directed against protein A of Staphylococcus.

Abstract: A composition including a purified antibody conjugated with at least one antibiotic, the antibody having an antigen-binding portion that binds at least one antigen derived from Staphylococcus or Streptococcus.

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: The immunoglobulins of the present invention are useful therapeutic immunoglobulins against mucosal pathogens such as S. mutans. The immunoglobulins contain a protection protein that protects the immunoglobulins in the mucosal environment.

Abstract: A substantially pure capsular exopolysaccharide adhesin of coagulaso-negative staphylococcal strains, and a general method to prepare such adhesins, are described. Vaccines composed of such adhesins, and uses of such adhesins to produce polyclonal and mono-clonal antibodies against such adhesins, are also disclosed. The adhesins are useful in coating polymeric medical materials to prevent colonization by coagulase-negative staphylococcal strains, and as a probe in selecting desirable polymeric medical materials. Such adhesin antibodies are useful in vivo to prevent infection by noso-comial coagulase-negative staphylococcal strains, in assays for the detection of such bacteria, in assays for the estimation of such adhesins in complex mixtures, and as an affinity chromatography matrix.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of increasing the half-life of a viral-specific ligand on a mucosal membrane by modifying the viral-specific ligand to bind the bacteria colonized on the mucosal membrane. The invention also provides a chimeric molecule comprising a viral-specific ligand and a bacterial-specific ligand.

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 substantially pure capsular exopolysaccharide adhesin of coagulase-negative staphylococcal strains, and a general method to prepare such adhesins, are described. Vaccines composed of such adhesins, and uses of such adhesins to produce polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against such adhesins, are also disclosed. The adhesins are useful in coating polymeric medical materials to prevent colonization by coagulase-negative staphylococcal strains, and as a probe in selecting desirable polymeric medical materials. Such adhesin antibodies are useful in vivo to prevent infection by nosocomial coagulase-negative staphylococcal strains, in assays for the detection of such bacteria, in assays for the estimation of such adhesins in complex mixtures, and as an affinity chromatography matrix.

Abstract: A negatively-charged S. aureus antigen contains &bgr;-hexosamine as a major carbohydrate component. S. aureus strains that carry the antigen account for nearly all of the clinically significant strains of S. aureus that are not Type 5 or Type 8 strains. The antigen can be used in combination with S. aureus Type 5 polysaccharide antigen and S. aureus Type 8 polysaccharide antigen to provide nearly 100% coverage of S. aureus infection. The antigen and antibodies to the antigen are useful in kits and assays for diagnosing S. aureus infection. A whole cell vaccine of cells that contain the antigen is particularly useful in the treatment of mastitis.

Abstract: Compositions and kits comprising combinations of &bgr;-glucans and specific immunoglobulins are disclosed. The compositions and kits are useful in methods of preventing or treating infection by a pathogenic microorganism, in which &bgr;-glucan is administered to a subject, and specific antibodies to a pathogenic microorganism are introduced into the subject.

Abstract: Lysostaphin is demonstrated to be a powerful anti-staphylococcal agent suitable for parenteral administration to mammals including humans. Low dosages, on the order of 0.5 - 45 mg/kg/day are sufficient to eradicate most staphylococcal infections. Lysostaphin is also effective against bacteria of this type which have developed resistance to conventional antibiotics such as penicillins and vancomycin. Lysostaphin analogues, such as variants and related enzymes, show similar activity.

Abstract: Compositions containing a purified antibody having both an antigen-binding portion specific for a bacterial antigen and a constant region that does not bind bacterial Fc-binding proteins are disclosed. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for treating and preventing bacterial infections in animals and humans.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for vaccine priming, using co-treatment, at a temporally similar or at a previous time, with a priming antibody capable of priming, or enhancing, or potentiating the effects of a vaccine, or vaccine composition. Also disclosed are methods of using this process to prevent or treat disease.

Abstract: A negatively-charged S. aureus antigen contains &bgr;-hexosamine as a major carbohydrate component. S. aureus strains that carry the antigen account for nearly all of the clinically significant strains of S. aureus that are not Type 5 or Type 8 strains. The antigen can be used in combination with S. aureus Type 5 polysaccharide antigen and S. aureus Type 8 polysaccharide antigen to provide nearly 100% coverage of S. aureus infection. The antigen and antibodies to the antigen are useful in kits and assays for diagnosing S. aureus infection. A whole cell vaccine of cells that contain the antigen is particularly useful in the treatment of mastitis.

Abstract: Disclosed are the cna gene and cna-derived nucleic acid segments from Staphylococcus aureus, and DNA segments encoding cna from related bacteria. Also disclosed are Col binding protein (CBP) compositions and methods of use. The CBP protein and antigenic epitopes derived therefrom are contemplated for use in the treatment of pathological infections, and in particular, for use in the prevention of bacterial adhesion to Col. DNA segments encoding these proteins and anti-(Col binding protein) antibodies will also be of use in various screening, diagnostic and therapeutic applications including active and passive immunization and methods for the prevention of bacterial colonization in an animal such as a human. These DNA segments and the peptides derived therefrom are contemplated for use in the preparation of vaccines and, also, for use as carrier proteins in vaccine formulations, and in the formulation of compositions for use in the prevention of S. aureus infection.

Abstract: The invention provides tyrS polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding tyrS polypetides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing tyrS polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: A method for depolymerizing polysaccharides containing into saccharide fragments using ozonolysis is described.

Abstract: Immunological compositions and methods for making and using them. The compositions contain an antigen and a lipoprotein and optionally an adjuvant. The lipoprotein can itself be antigenic or immurogenic. The antigen can be influenza HA and the lipoprotein a recombinantly expressed product having an OspA leader for lipidation and PspA for the protein portion. The antigen can be OspC and the lipoprotein OspA. The components of the composition are co-administered. A potentiated immunological response is obtained by the compositions and methods.

Abstract: The invention describes three monoclonal IgG antibodies, referred to as SWLA1, SWLA2, and SWLA3, which appear to recognize a species-specific lipooligosaccharide or lipopolysaccharide on the cell surface of S. mutans. The invention also describes a rapid method of detection of S. mutans without the need for prior growth of the bacteria in culture. The invention further describes a methods of utilizing these antibodies for rapidly quantitatively detecting S. mutans. These methods are sensitive enough to detect the presence of a single S. mutans bacterial cell. These methods can be widely used in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of dental caries in humans.

Abstract: A soluble antibody conjugate comprising an antibody linked to a structure which is recognized by T-cells and has the ability to direct T-cells to lyse the target cell, which is recognized by the antibody. The conjugate is characterized by the structure being a superantigen. One important mode is a method for the lysis of target cells, wherein the target cells are contacted with a target cell lysis effective amount of the conjugate. The method of lysis is part of a potent treatment regime for cancer, autoimmunity, parasitic infestations and fungal, viral and bacterial infections. The specification also describes modes such as the synthesis of the conjugate and pharmaceutical compositions and their manufacture.