Abstract: A method for characterizing at least one microorganism from a sample includes identifying the at least one microorganism and determining the properties of typing, potential resistance to at least one antimicrobial, and virulence factor. The properties of typing, resistance to at least one antimicrobial, and virulence factor for the at least one microorganism are determined by implementing mass spectrometry using proteins, peptides and/or metabolites as markers of the properties of typing, resistance to at least one antimicrobial, and virulence factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oxygenated amino or ammonium-containing sulfonic acid, phosphonic acid and carboxylic acid derivatives, in particular the compounds of formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, and their medical use, including their use in the treatment, prevention or amelioration of an inflammatory, autoimmune and/or allergic disorder, or a proliferative, neoplastic or dysplastic disease or disorder.

Abstract: The invention is directed compositions and methods related to bacterial cells physically associated with ceramide-like glycolipids. The invention allows for delivery of ceramide-like glycolipid adjuvants directly to the same cells that become infected with a bacterial vaccine. The compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for the prevention and treatment of diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reagents useful for generating immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for diagnosing infection and disease in a subject that has been exposed to M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: A first and a second identical or different mycobacterial immunogenic compositions, each comprising at least a Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), an antigenically related non-pathogenic mycobacteria, or one or more immunogenic component(s) thereof, as therapeutic active ingredient(s) for use in the treatment of cancer by parenteral or oral administration of the first composition to a cancer patient before local administration of the second composition at tumor site. A method in vitro for monitoring cancer treatment by immunotherapy with BCG, antigenically related non-pathogenic mycobacteria, or immunogenic component(s) thereof, comprising assaying BCG-specific immune response in a patient.

Abstract: Gram negative bacterial virulence genes are identified, thereby allowing the identification of novel anti-bacterial agents that target these virulence genes and their products, and the provision of novel gram negative bacterial mutants useful in vaccines.

Abstract: Provided is a pharmaceutical composition that includes one or more inactivated Mycobacterium spp., which are preferably inactivated using gamma irradiation, and which is than formulated for mucosal or pulmonary delivery to a subject. The pharmaceutical compositions are useful for preventing or treating mycobacterium-associated infections in a subject, including a human subject.

Abstract: Recombinant immunogenic compositions, and methods for the manufacture and use, are provided for the prevention and treatment of intracellular pathogen diseases in humans and animals. The recombinant immunogenic compositions express high levels of recombinant proteins in vectors that do not harbor an antibiotic resistance marker (“unmarked”).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved culture medium and method for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium growth. The invention further relates to an improved mycobacterial reagent system or kit that can be used for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of a tuberculosis infection caused by Mycobacteria belonging to the Mycobacteria tuberculosis complex group (MTC) in an animal including a human being, which comprises in vitro-detection of cell-mediated immune response to OmpAtb and/or antibodies against OmpAtb in a sample taken from that animal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compounds, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for inhibiting the growth of a microbe; treating a mammal having a microbial infection, malaria, mucositis, an ophthalmic infection, an otic infection, a cancer, or a Mycobacterium infection; killing or inhibiting the growth of a Plasmodium species; inhibiting the growth of a Mycobacterium species; modulating an immune response in a mammal; or antagonizing unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin, or a heparin/low molecular weight heparin derivative.

Abstract: The use of free, extractable lipids found in bacteria for identification of bacterial species and subspecies is described. Bacteria have been found to differ sufficiently in their extracted lipid compositions to effect identification using thin layer chromatographic techniques. Burkholderia pseudomallei, Burkholderia thailandensis, and Burkholderia mallei have been distinguished in this manner. Lipopeptides specific to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, but not to the closely related bacterium Mycobacterium avium subspecies avium have also been used as a basis for bacterial subspecies identification using mass spectrometry and seroreactivity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a DNA molecule capable of replication in Mycobacteria having a nucleic acid sequence as disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1, a shuttle vector constructed using it and a transformed cells containing the present vector. The vector of about 18 kb of the present disclosure contains 16 ORFs, a replication origin and a rep-like protein essential for replication. Therefore, the plasmid of the present disclosure can be utilized as a gene delivery system/research, and also in a therapeutic system such as immune therapeutics by effectively delivering proteins or heterologous DNA and expressing the encoded DNA in cells.

Abstract: Described herein is a mycobacterium mutant, comprising at least one mutation in at least one gene sequence encoding global gene regulators (GGRs) selected from the group consisting of sigH, sigL, sigE, ECF-1, and mixtures thereof, wherein the GGR gene is at least partially inactivated. Described herein also is a vaccine based on the mutant and a method of differentiating between subjects that have been infected with mycobacterium and subjects that have not been infected with mycobacterium or have been vaccinated with a mycobacterium vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to heat shock proteins from Mycobacterium leprae as well as their encoding polynucleotides and vectors and host cells containing these polynucleotides. These heat shock proteins and their encoding polynucleotides are useful in detection of Mycobacterium leprae. In addition, the heat shock protein can be used as an adjuvant in a pharmaceutical composition containing an antigen to induce or enhance the immune response against the antigen. Further, the heat shock protein may be used to treat atopic conditions or as a vaccine against Mycobacterium leprae. Alternatively, the heat shock protein can be used to form a fusion protein with an antigen to induce or enhance the immune response against the antigen.

Abstract: Methods for screening for agents that modulate the activation state, i.e., active growth or persistence, of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), methods of treating an Mtb infection in a subject using agents identified by the screening methods, and methods for screening for a latent Mtb infection in a subject are disclosed. The screening methods involve contacting a Mtb sensor kinase with an agent to be tested, then detecting the response of the Mtb sensor kinase to modulating ligands or detecting changes in the oxidation state of the heme iron of the Mtb sensor kinase. The methods for treating an Mtb infection in a subject involve administering a therapeutically effective amount of an agent identified by the screening methods. The methods for screening for a latent Mtb infection in a subject involve detecting carbon monoxide or nitric oxide binding to heme iron of Mtb sensor kinases.

Abstract: A composition and method for immunizing a mammal infected with Mycobacterium are disclosed. The genes gcpE, pstA, kdpC, papA2, impA, umaA1, fabG2_2, aceAB, mbtH2, lpqP, map0834c, cspB, lipN, and map1634 of M. paratuberculosis and the products that they encode are vaccine targets for Johne's and Crohn's disease. Eighteen M. paratuberculosis-specific genomic islands (MAPs) were identified. Three inverted large genomic fragments in M. paratuberculosis (INV) were also identified. These genomic identifiers represent novel virulence determinants that can be used as targets for vaccines and for developments of drugs against Johne's disease. The methods can be used to deliver an immunizing compound to a mammal, to provide an immune response against Johne's or Crohn's disease in the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides aryl- or heteroaryl-diketo acid compounds effective to inhibit an activity of a Mycobacterial malate synthase enzyme or to inhibit a malate synthase activity in other bacteria having the enzyme. The compounds may be phenyl- naphthyl-, or thienyl-substituted diketo acids and carboxylate derivatives thereof. Also provided are methods of treating tuberculosis or other pathophysiological conditions associated with a malate synthase enzyme with the inhibitory compounds and methods of in silico design of the inhibitory compounds. In addition, the present invention provides the inhibitory compounds designed by this method. Furthermore, three-dimensional X-ray crystal structures of the Mycobacterial malate synthase complexed with the inhibitory compounds are provided. Further still a method for stabilizing an aromatic or heteroaromatic diketo acid or its prodrug or close analog in solution by derivatizing at least the ortho position on the aromatic ring is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for inactivation and/or extraction of acid-fast bacteria (e.g., mycobacteria or nocardia), the method comprising the following sequential steps: (a) acquiring a test sample known to contain or that may contain acid-fast bacteria and suspending the test sample in a container containing ethanol and beads; (b) bead beating and/or vortexing the container to break up clumps and/or disrupt acid-fast bacteria cells in the container; and (c) subsequently incubating the suspension for at least about 3 minutes at room temperature to inactivate any acid-fast bacteria contained in the test sample. In accordance with the present invention, the test sample can subsequently be pelleted by centrifugation, resuspended with formic acid, acetonitrile added, and subjected to mass spectrometry for characterization and/or identification of the acid-fast bacteria.

Abstract: A method of culturing fastidious bacteria where a conditioned cell culture medium is prepared in which eukaryotic cells have been cultured, but where the medium is substantially free of the cultured cells. Fastidious bacteria are cultured in the medium. The conditioned cell culture medium can contain secreted factors from the cells. These factors promote the growth of the fastidious bacteria. The fastidious bacterial culture is maintained for a time period sufficient for the fastidious bacteria to multiply. The fastidious bacteria are analyzed using PCR, DNA sequencing or microbiology characterization.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for treating or preventing microbial infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved culture medium and method for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium growth. The invention further relates to an improved mycobacterial reagent system or kit that can be used for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium.

Abstract: Invention is using M. brumae is a mycobacterium strain which stimulates immune system cells strongly, is non-pathogen for humans and has all of the defining attributes of the strain with catalog number 51384, American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) for therapy of superficial bladder cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to increase in survival of mammals suffering from desmocollin 3 expressing cancers. Mycobacterium w is administered to mammals suffering from desmocollin-3 expressing cancers. The administration of Mycobacterium w results in control of tumor and improvement in survival. Mycobacterium w can also be used along with other therapeutic agent(s)/modalities as per the requirement. The squamous type of non small cell lung cancer is known to be desmocollin-3 expressing cancer. Other cancers also express desmocollin-3.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a microorganism which is novel at the elemental composition level, and to provide a technique for providing such a microorganism. The present inventor has succeeded in causing a microorganism to efficiently contain a non-essential element by decreasing the content of an essential nutrient source for the microorganism, a C source, an N source, a P source, or an S source, and by adding an X compound containing the non-essential element as a constitutive element in a manner to make up for the decreased amount, and then culturing the microorganism.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention relates to a method for identifying the presence of particular bacteria in a sample. The method includes collecting a sample that includes or has been exposed to the particular bacteria and detecting, in the sample, at least one volatile organic compound indicative of the presence of the bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides a growth medium and kit containing a nicotine analog and use of the same in a method for enhancing the growth of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP).

Abstract: Methods of preparing mutants of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with one or more disrupted genes are presented, where the disrupted genes include ctpV, rv0990c, rv0971c, and/or rv0348. Compositions containing mutants with attenuated virulence and pathogenesis, which are capable of stimulation of an immune response against tuberculosis, are described. Compositions and methods relating to immunogenic compositions, which include an attenuated M. tb strain in which the M. tb genome includes a disruption of at least one of the ctpV gene, the rv0990c gene, the rv0971c gene, and the rv0348 gene, are also provided.

Abstract: Whole-cell vaccines and methods for their use in producing protective immune responses in vertebrate hosts subsequently exposed to pathogenic bacteria. The present invention involves a method of enhancing antigen presentation by intracellular bacteria in a manner that improves vaccine efficacy. After identifying an enzyme that has an anti-apoptotic effect upon host cells infected by an intracellular microbe, the activity of the enzyme is reduced, thereby modifying the microbe so that it increases immunogenicity. Also, the present invention provides a method of incrementally modifying enzyme activity to produce incrementally attenuated mutants of the microbe from which an effective vaccine candidate can be selected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for isolating cells devoid of unwanted viral contaminants, and to methods for preparing a virus stock substantially devoid of viral contaminants. Virus stocks, cells, and immunogenic reagents produced using such methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed compositions and methods related to bacterial cells that are physically associated with ceramide-like glycolipids for use as antigen carriers for heterologous antigens. The invention further relates to methods of incorporating ceramide-like glycolipid to bacterial cell walls. The compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for the prevention and treatment of diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination vaccine against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) and M. tuberculosis and/or M. bovis for use in methods of immunizing a subject against mycobacterial infection, preventing or treating mycobacterial infection, and preventing a disease associated with mycobacterial infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel mycobacterial compositions containing RNA and cell walls, and methods for making and using these compositions. These compositions have immune stimulating and anti-cancer activity. The present invention also relates to a synthetic medium for the cultivation of mycobacteria.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a M. tuberculosis fusion protein, polynucleotide coding for said protein, and a vector and host cell that contain said polynucleotide. The present invention also involves the preparation of said fusion protein, and the use thereof in preventions and treatment of tuberculosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel attenuated vaccine for tuberculosis. Furthermore, when used as a subcutaneous vaccine, the present invention induces a higher level of protection than the current vaccine. Finally, the present invention results in less tissue damage and a lower number of colony forming units (CFU) in the lungs compared to subjects vaccinated with BCG.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design of the Antisense-oligonucleotide complementary to the specific region of peptide deformylase gene from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The use of this Antisense-oligonucleotide on mycobacterial culture inhibits the production of the peptide deformylase enzyme by hybridizing within the region, which is found to be responsible for maintaining stability as well as retaining the functionality of the enzyme and thus in turn affecting the growth of the cells. This invention also establishes the essentiality of the peptide deformylase enzyme in mycobacteria and claims it as a drug target in this microorganism.

Abstract: Provided are recombinant mycobacteria having a mutation in an nlaA gene or in a nuoG gene. Also provided are isolated and purified nlaA proteins and nuoG proteins from a mycobacterium. Additionally provided are isolated and purified nucleic acids comprising a recombinant nlaA gene or a recombinant nuoG gene. Further provided are methods of inducing an immune response in a mammal and methods of making a recombinant mycobacterium using the nlaA gene or the nuoG gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a culture medium for disperse mycobacteria comprising at least one detergent and an antifoam agent, whereby said antifoam agent is a member of the silicone family. In addition, the invention provides for methods for the activation of dipressed mycobacteria, for obtaining a standardized mycobyterial culture or for the production of (a), purified protein derivates(s) (PDD) which comprise the cultivation of mycobacteria in the active medium disclosed herein. Furthermore, the use of standardized mycobacterial cultures obtained by the method of the invention for the preparation of pharmaceutical or diagnostic compositions is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved culture medium and method for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium growth. The invention further relates to an improved mycobacterial reagent system or kit that can be used for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved culture medium and method for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium growth. The invention further relates to an improved mycobacterial reagent system or kit that can be used for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium.

Abstract: A method of inducing latency in Mycobacterium permits preparation of an in vitro model system of latent mycobacterial infection. Latency is induced in a pure culture of Mycobacterium by exposing it to multiple stress conditions, including a low nutrient culture medium without glycerol, a low pH, a relatively high level of carbon dioxide and a relatively low gas phase oxygen level. An in vitro model of mycobacterial infection employs macrophages induced from THP1 cells which are then infected with Mycobacterium. The infected macrophages are grown under hypoxic conditions to induce latency in the mycobacteria. The in vitro model of infection is useful in evaluating compounds for activity against latent mycobacteria.

Abstract: A process for separation of a mixture containing a microbial substance and a liquid using deformable filter is provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to Micrococcus luteus containing compositions useful for controlling skin disorders in which bacteria are a causative component. The invention also provides for a new strain of Micrococcus luteus useful in these compositions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that are useful for predicting and controlling the stability of expressed polypeptides. The compositions and methods may be used to predict and as desired, increase or decrease the stability of proteins recombinantly expressed in mycobacteria, for example DesA3 expressed in Mycobacterium smegmatis. At the C terminus and the penultimate position, substitution to residues with charged side chains, large non-polar side chains, or no side chains can be used to reduce or inhibit the protein degradation. At the antepenultimate position from the C terminus, residues with no side chain or acidic side chains can increase the stability, i.e. reduce or inhibit the protein degradation. The combinational substitution of only the last three residues of polypeptides can make the polypeptides more stable during heterologous expression in mycobacterial hosts.

Abstract: This invention refers to an immunotherapeutic agent based on cell wall fragments from virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, to a method for obtaining this immunotherapeutic agent, to pharmaceutical formulations containing it and to its use for the preparation of a drug for the combined treatment of tuberculosis in association with other drugs.

Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem and currently, the only licensed TB vaccine is Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin (M. bovis BCG). In the present invention, mutation of mycobacterial components reportedly involved in phagosome maturation inhibition was evaluated for vaccine purposes, as such mutations should result in better vaccine antigen processing and presentation. Thus, BCG mutants in genes coding for ManLAM capping ?-1,2-mannosyltransferases and the PI3P phosphatase SapM were evaluated as TB vaccines in a stringent mouse model. Vaccination with both ManLAM capping mutants and the SapM mutant resulted in significantly longer survival as compared to non-vaccinated mice, whereas vaccination with the parental BCG did not. Moreover, mice vaccinated with the SapM mutant survived significantly longer than mice vaccinated with the parental BCG.

Abstract: A herpes simplex virus is disclosed in which the herpes simplex virus genome comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an ING4 polypeptide.

Abstract: This invention relates to the protein, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis acylase (mpa) and the gene encoding mpa, which we have identified in the pathogen Mycobacterium paratuberculosis Mptb (also designated Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis MAP), and to their use in the diagnosis of Mptb/MAP infections in animals and humans, as well as their use as components of vaccines for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by Mptb/MAP. The importance of an intact uninterrupted mpa gene as a determinant of pathogenicity in Mptb/MAP is recognized and the invention also provides attenuated strains of normally pathogenic Mptb/MAP and other mycobacteria in which mpa has been inactivated, for use as vaccines.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions comprising recombinant attenuated intracellular pathogens that have been transformed to express recombinant immunogenic antigens of the same or other intracellular pathogens are provided. Exemplary immunogenic compositions include, but are not limited to attenuated recombinant Mycobacteria expressing the major extracellular non-fusion proteins of Mycobacteria and/or other intracellular pathogens. Other embodiments are provided wherein the recombinant attenuated intracellular pathogen is auxotrophic.

Abstract: The present invention provides live, attenuated Mycoplasma bacteria that exhibit reduced expression of one or more proteins selected from the group consisting of pyruvate dehydrogenase, phosphopyruvate hydratase, 2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolase, and ribosomal protein L35, relative to a wild-type Mycoplasma bacterium of the same species. Also provided are vaccines and vaccination methods involving the use of the live, attenuated Mycoplasma bacteria, and methods for making live attenuated Mycoplasma bacteria.