Abstract: There is disclosed vaccines formulated for administration to the mucosa of the lungs of a mammal, and the use thereof in methods for prophylaxis or treatment of an infection by at least one pathogenic microorganism. The vaccines comprise a cellular fraction of the microorganism that is essentially free of particulate matter and includes polyvalent soluble antigen from the microorganism.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel immunogenic composition and vaccine, processes for producing them and methods for immunization against infections and disease caused by group A Streptococci. The compositions include group A streptococcal polysaccharide covalently linked to protein or liposomes to form immunogenic conjugates. The method of immunization for this invention comprises administering to an individual an immunogenic amount of group A polysaccharide. The group A polysaccharide may be administered as a vaccine either on its own, conjugated to proteins or conjugated to liposomes. Additionally, the group A polysaccharides may be associated with an adjuvant. This invention is particularly useful for providing both active and passive immunogenic protection for those populations most at risk of contracting group A Streptococcal infections and disease namely adults, pregnant women and in particular infants and children.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and subunit vaccines for dental caries are described which comprise peptide subunits of glucan binding protein-B and peptide subunits of glucan binding protein-B in combination with peptide subunits of glucosyltransferase. Methods of provoking an immune response to S. mutans glucan binding protein-B or glucosyltransferase. Methods of immunizing a mammal against dental caries are also described, along with antibodies which bind particular epitopes of glucan binding protein-B or glucosyltransferase.

Abstract: A reagent for the detection of an extracellular enzymatically active protein produced by a beta-hemolytic streptococcus bacteria found in a host biological fluid includes a proteinaceous substrate or a cholesterol-containing membrane substrate for the extracellular protein. The substrate is nonspecific within the groups of beta-hemolytic streptococcus bacterium and is in contact with an inert solid matrix. Upon reaction between the streptococcus enzymatically activate protein and the substrate, a color change discernable by an unaided human eye results. Extracellular streptococcus protein found in saliva represents a less invasive source of biological fluid for the determination as to whether a host suffers acute pharyngitis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for preventing particulate formation (e.g., aggregation, precipitation) of polysaccharide-protein conjugates comprised in a container means. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to processes for preventing particulate formation of polysaccharide-protein conjugates which are processed, developed, formulated, manufactured and/or stored in container means such as fermentors, bioreactors, vials, flasks, bags, syringes, rubber stoppers, tubing and the like.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making and using therapeutic formulations of multivalent hybrid polypeptides comprising immunogenic peptides of M proteins from various different serotypes of group A streptococci and antibodies thereto are provided. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding such hybrid polypeptides. The hybrid polypeptide formulations may be used, for example, in methods for treating or preventing a microbial infection and eliciting a protective immune response having broadly protective opsonic antibodies in the absence of tissue cross-reactive antibodies.

Abstract: The recombinant production of Gap4, a chimeric GapC plasmin binding protein comprising the entire amino acid sequence of the Streptococcus dysgalactiae GapC protein in addition to unique amino acid sequences from the Streptococcus parauberis and Streptococcus agalactiae GapC proteins, is described. Also described is the use of Gap4 chimeric GapC protein in vaccine compositions to prevent or treat streptococcal infections in general and mastitis in particular.

Abstract: Novel vaccines for use against ?-hemolytic Streptococcus colonization or infection are disclosed. The vaccines contain an immunogenic amount of a variant of streptococcal C5a peptidase (SCP). Also disclosed is a method of protecting a susceptible mammal against ?-hemolytic Streptococcus colonization or infection by administering such a vaccine. Enzymatically inactive SCP, and polynucleotides encoding these SCP proteins are further disclosed.

Abstract: Effective stimulation of immune responses is achieved through the use of a group A streptococcal antigen combined with proteosome adjuvant. The compositions are provided in particular for intranasal administration. The vaccine compositions are provided for use in inducing an immune response in an individual for the treatment or prophylaxis of group A streptococcal infection in an individual, preferably via prevention or reduction of colonisation of the throat following intranasal administration.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for eliciting an immune response against Group A streptococci, comprising use of recombinant fusion polypeptides, and compositions thereof, that include a multivalent immunogenic portion of at least two immunogenic polypeptides from Group A streptococci M proteins (which are capable of stimulating a protective immune response against Group A streptococci), and a reiterated polypeptide from the immunogenic portion carboxy-terminal to the immunogenic portion, wherein the carboxy-terminal polypeptide is not required to stimulate an immune response against Group A streptococci.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigens, more particularly an antigen of Streptococcus pygenes (also called group A Streptococcus (GAS)) bacterial pathogen which is useful as vaccine component for therapy and/or prophylaxis.

Abstract: Immununological compositions and methods for making and using them. The compositions contain at least one antigen and at least one lipoprotein and optionally an adjuvant. The lipoprotein can itself be antigenic or immunogenic. 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: A polypeptide is described herein which comprises (a) the sequence of SEQ ID No. 2, (b) a variant of (a) which is capable of generating a protective immune response to S. pyogenes, or (c) a fragment of (a) or (b) of at least 6 amino acids in length which is capable of generating a protective immune response to S. pyogenes, in the manufacture of medicament for use as a vaccine against S. pyogenes. A pharmaceutical composition for use in vaccinating against S. pyogenes or Group B streptococcus comprises a polypeptide which comprises: (A) the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 2, (B) a variant of (A) which is capable of conferring protective immunity to S. pyogenes or Group B streptococcus, or (C) a fragment of (A) or (B) of at least 6 amino acids in length which is capable of conferring protective immunity to S. pyogenes or Group B streptococcus.

Abstract: A composition prepared from intact killed cells of isolated ?-hemolytic Streptococcus agalactiae and a concentrated extract of a culture of ?-hemolytic Streptococcus agalactiae, is effective for the protection of fish against infection by the same and other virulent strains Streptococcus agalactiae.

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 greater than 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: The invention relates to peptides having an amino acid sequence substantially homologous to an amino sequence of a domain of a pyrogenic exotoxin, which domain forms a central turn in the exotoxin starting within ?-strand 7 and connecting the ?-strand 7, via short ?-strand 8, to ?-helix 4, and ending within ?-helix 4, based on the domain numbering of Staphylococus aureus enterotoxin B. The peptides of the invention are capable of antagonizing toxin-mediated activation of T-lymphocytes, do not have agonist activity, and are capable of eliciting protective immunity against toxic shock induced by a pyrogenic exotoxin or by a mixture of pyrogenic exotoxins.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and subunit vaccines for dental caries are described which comprise peptide subunits of glucan binding protein-B and peptide subunits of glucan binding protein-B in combination with peptide subunits of glucosyltransferase. Methods of provoking an immune response to S. mutans glucan binding protein-B or glucosyltransferase. Methods of immunizing a mammal against dental caries are also described, along with antibodies which bind particular epitopes of glucan binding protein-B or glucosyltransferase.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating an animal having a high somatic cell count. The methods include administering compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccarhide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating an animal for low milk production. The methods include administering compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccarhide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel immunogenic polypeptides, and fragments thereof, and vaccines for the prevention and treatment of pneumococcal infection, especially by Streptococcus pneumoniae. The invention also relates to antibodies against the disclosed polypeptides, as well as vaccines containing said polypeptides and methods of disease prevention.

Abstract: The invention provides metRS2 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding metRS2 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are preferred methods for utilizing metRS2 polypeptides and polynucleotides as diagnostic reagents and in diagnostic assays to screen for microbial infections in organisms and infestations in materials.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of streptococcal matrix adhesion (Ema) polypeptides. The invention provides nucleic acids encoding Group B streptococcal Ema polypeptides EmaA, EmaB, EmaC, EmaD and EmaE. The present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of Group B streptococcal polypeptides EmaA, EmaB, EmaC, EmaD and EmaE, including analogs, variants, mutants, derivatives and fragments thereof. Ema homologous polypeptides from additional bacterial species, including S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, E. faecalis and C. diptheriae are also provided. Antibodies to the Ema polypeptides and immunogenic fragments thereof are also provided. The present invention relates to the identification and prevention of infections by virulent forms of streptococci.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: Streptococcus proteins and polynucleotides encoding them are disclosed. Said proteins are antigenic and therefore useful vaccine components for the prophylaxis or therapy of streptococcus infection in animals. Also disclosed are recombinant methods of producing the protein antigens as well as diagnostic assays for detecting streptococcus bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to Streptococcus suis infection in pigs, vaccines directed against those infections and tests for diagnosing Streptococcus suis infections. The invention provides an isolated or recombinant nucleic acid encoding a capsular gene cluster of Streptococcus suis or a gene or gene fragment derivated thereof. The invention further provides a nucleic acid probe or primer allowing species or serotype-specific detection of Streptococcus suis. The invention also provides a Streptococcus suis antigen and vaccine derived thereof.

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: The present invention discloses amino acid sequences and nucleic acid sequences relating to a Streptococcus Pneumoniae surface associated Pneumo Protective Protein (PPP) having a molecular weight of about 20 kilo Daltons (kDa). The PPP exhibits the ability to reduce colonization of pneumococcal bacteria. Thus the present invention also pertains to compositions for the treatment and prophylaxis of infection or inflammation associated with bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of diagnosis of and vaccination against Streptococcal infections and to the detection of virulence markers of Streptococci. The invention discloses a method for modulating virulence of a Streptococcus comprising modifying a genomic fragment of Streptococcus wherein the genomic fragment comprises at least a functional part of a fragment identifiable by hybridization in Streptococcus suis to a nucleic acid or fragment thereof as shown in FIG. 5.

Abstract: The present invention provides glucan-based compositions and methods for stimulating an immune response against mutans streptococci components and vaccines and methods for the treatment and prevention of dental caries. In a preferred embodiment, a glucan polymer, preferably WSG, is covalently bound to one or more T cell-dependent antigens to form a conjugate vaccine. The T cell-dependent antigen preferably contains epitopes of one or more mutans streptococcal proteins, such as a glucosyltransferase. Moreover, one or more moieties, including haptens, may be conjugated to the glucan-T cell-dependent composition. In a preferred embodiment, these moieties are peptides which contain immunogenic epitopes corresponding to components of a mutans streptococcus.

Abstract: A kit for use in detecting a bacterium having resistance to streptogramin A and related compounds is provided. A kit for use in detecting a bacterium harboring at least one polynucleotide encoding VgaB in a biological sample is also provided. The kits comprise at least one oligonucleotide probe and at least one reagent for performing a nucleic acid hybridization reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically attenuated superantigen toxin vaccines altered such that superantigen attributes are absent, however the superantigen is effectively recognized and an appropriate immune response is produced. The attenuated superantigen toxins are shown to protect animals against challenge with wild type toxin. Methods of producing and using the altered superantigen toxins are described.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are: epitopic regions of Pneumococcal Surface Protein C or “PspC”, different clades of PspC, isolated and/or purified nucleic acid molecules such as DNA encoding a fragment or portion of PspC such as an epitopic region of PspC or at least one epitope of PspC, uses for such nucleic acid molecules, e.g., to detect the presence of PspC or of S. pneumoniae by detecting a nucleic acid molecule therefor in a sample such as by amplification and/or a polymerase chain reaction, vectors or plasmids which contain and/or express such nucleic acid molecles, e.g.

Abstract: Streptococcus polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding them are disclosed. The polypeptides may be useful vaccine components for the prophylaxis or therapy of streptococcus infection in animals. Also disclosed are recombinant methods of producing the protein antigens as well as diagnostic assays for detecting streptococcus bacterial infection.

Abstract: Recombinant hybrid streptococcal M protein antigens are provided which elicit protective antibodies against Group A streptococci and prevent rheumatic fever. Recombinant hybrid genes which encode the antigen are provided. Vaccine compositions and methods of administering the compositions are provided to elicit immunity against Group A streptococci.

Abstract: Methods for improving binding of a proteinaceous substance to cell-wall material of a Gram-positive bacterium are disclosed. The proteinaceous substance includes an AcmA cell-wall binding domain, homolog or functional derivative thereof. The method includes treating the cell-wall material with a solution capable of removing a cell-wall component such as a protein, lipoteichoic acid or carbohydrate from the cell-wall material and contacting the proteinaceous substance with the cell-wall material.

Abstract: The present invention provides the discovery of a new Streptococcus protective antigen (herein designated Spa) which has been identified and isolated from Streptococci. Spa is a surface antigen distinct from M protein which evokes opsonic antibodies that are protective against multiple serotypes of streptococci. The invention further provides isolated Spa polypeptides, proteins, peptides, and antibodies against the same, as well as nucleic acids encoding Spa polypeptide and peptide antigens. Also provided are methods for identification and isolation of a Spa polypeptide, therapeutic compositions comprised of Spa antigens or antibodies and methods of their use in protecting an animal against a Streptococcus infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides comprising an amino acid sequence homologous to the amino sequence of a fragment of a pyrogenic exotoxin, and functional derivatives of said peptides, capable of eliciting protective immunity against toxic shock induced by a pyrogenic exotoxin or by a mixture of pyrogenic exotoxins. Preferred peptides comprise an amino acid sequence homologous to the amino sequence of a fragment of Staphylococcal aureus enterotoxin B (SEB). The invention also relates to broad spectrum pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment, protection against or short term prophylaxis of toxin-mediated activation of T cells, comprising as active ingredient at least one peptide according to the invention or derivative thereof, and to broad spectrum vaccines for conferring long term immunity against toxic shock induced by at least one pyrogenic exotoxin are provided. The vaccines comprising as active ingredient at least one peptide according to the invention, or derivative thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides FabK polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding FabK polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing FabK polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel vaccines for the prevention or attenuation of infection by Streptococcus pneunoniae. The invention further relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding antigenic polypeptides of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Antigenic polypeptides are also provided, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention additionally relates to diagnostic methods for detecting Streptococcus nucleic acids, polypeptides and antibodies in a biological sample.

Abstract: Vaccine compositions and immunogenic compositions are described which are glucosyltransferase subunit vaccines for dental caries and which contain at least one peptide which corresponds to a sequence of glucosyltransferase containing aspartate 413, an equivalent of aspartate 413, aspartate 451, an equivalent of aspartate 451, aspartate 562, an equivalent of aspartate 562, aspartate 567, an equivalent of aspartate 567, histidine 561, an equivalent of histidine 561, tryptophan 491, an equivalent of tryptophan 491, glutamate 489, an equivalent of glutamate 489, arginine 449, an equivalent of arginine 449, or combinations thereof. These subunit vaccines elicit antibodies which protect an immunized mammal from dental caries. Methods of provoking an immune response to intact glucosyltransferase are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are: epitopic regions of Pneumococcal Surface Protein C or “PspC”, different clades of PspC, isolated and/or purified nucleic acid molecules such as DNA encoding a fragment or portion of PspC such as an epitopic region of PspC or at least one epitope of PspC, uses for such nucleic acid molecules, e.g., to detect the presence of PspC or of S. pneumoniae by detecting a nucleic acid molecule therefor in a sample such as by amplification and/or a polymerase chain reaction, vectors or plasmids which contain and/or express such nucleic acid molecles, e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides a nucleic acid encoding the 37-kDa protein from Streptococcus pneumoniae. Also provided are isolated nucleic acids comprising a unique fragment of at least 10 nucleotides of the 37-kDa protein. The invention also provides purified polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid encoding the 37-kDa protein from and the nucleic acids comprising a unique fragment of at least 10 nucleotides of the 37-kDa protein. Also provided are antibodies which selectively binds the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid encoding the 37-kDa protein and the nucleic acids comprising a unique fragment of at least 10 nucleotides of the 37-kDa protein. Also provided are vaccines comprising immunogenic polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid encoding the 37-kDa protein and the nucleic acids comprising a unique fragment of at least 10 nucleotides of the 37-kDa protein.

Abstract: The invention provides FabK polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding FabK polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are preferred methods for utilizing FabK polypeptides and polynucleotides as diagnostic reagents and in diagnostic assays to screen for microbial infections in organisms and infestations in materials.

Abstract: Multivalent immunogenic molecules comprise a carrier molecule containing at least one functional T-cell epitope and multiple different carbohydrate fragments each linker to the carrier molecule and each containing at least one functional B-cell epitope. The carrier molecule inputs enhanced immunogenicity to the multiple carbohydrate fragments. The carbohydrate fragments may be capsular oligosaccharide fragments from Streptococcus pneumoniae, which may be serotypes 1, 4, 5, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F or 23F, or Neisseria meningitidis, which may be serotype A, B, C, W-135 or Y. Such oligosaccharide fragments may be sized from 2 to 5 kDa. Alternatively, the carbohydrate fragments may be fragments of carbohydrate-based tumor antigens, such as Globo H, LeY or STn. The multivalent molecules may be produced by random conjugation or site-directed conjugation of the carbohydrate fragments to the carrier molecule.