Abstract: The present invention provides attenuated live cultures of the pathogenic protozoan parasite, Neospora, and live vaccines against neosporosis prepared therefrom which are useful in the prevention of clinical disease and abortion in mammals.

Abstract: A vaccine for in ovo vaccination against avian coccidiosis produced by a method including obtaining the coccidial oocysts from a fecal suspension, homogenizing the fecal suspension, separating the oocysts from the fecal debris by either salt flotation using sodium sulfate or gas flotation using air, sporulating the oocysts using hydrogen peroxide and air sparging, bleaching the sporulated oocysts, washing the bleached oocysts, concentrating the sterile washed oocysts and combining the concentrates of various species of coccidial oocysts, and producing a vaccine. The method in whole or in part can be applied to other kinds of encysted protozoa to produce vaccines for various types of animals.

Abstract: An immunovariant strain of Eimeria maxima was isolated. Vaccines incorporating the immunovariant strain are effective in eliciting immunological protection against coccidial infection.

Abstract: The invention features a biologically pure culture of a newly identified single-celled organism Spiky Rotating Cells (SPR), methods to diagnose an SPR infection in a human patient, an instrument for collecting and detecting an SPR infection, and methods for treating an SPR infection.

Abstract: A process to excystate protozoal sporocysts involves treatment of an infected tissue sample with a sodium hypochlorite solution to stimulate excystation of the sporocysts from the tissue. Thereafter, removal of the sodium hypochlorite solution and treatment of the sample with a cell culture media as the excystation fluid eliminates incubation and subsequent washing steps using expensive reagents. The excystation fluid contains substantially no chelating agents, proteins, enzymes or bile acids.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptide fragments derived from TgAMA-1, nucleic acids that encode the polypeptide fragments, and TgAMA-binding polypeptides such as antibodies. Methods for using the polypeptide and nucleic acid molecules to produce vaccines are also provided. In addition the invention provides methods involving use of the polypeptides, nucleic acids, and binding polypeptides, such as antibodies, for the prevention and treatment of Toxoplasmosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing the levels of Poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) by 0.5 to 5 times in protests thraustochytrid protests by storing the cells under cold conditions, said method comprising steps of inoculating the protests into a culture medium, growing the culture for 2 to 5 days at room temperature, harvesting the cells by centrifugation to obtain biomass, storing the biomass at about 10° C. for time duration ranging between 12 to 48 hours, and obtaining increased PUFA from the stored biomass.

Abstract: The intention relates to a method for the fermentative production of lipids/fatty acids having high concentrations of omega-6 fatty acids (PUFA, polyunsaturated fatty acids), especially &ggr;-linolenic acids (GLA) in ciliates. Said lipids/fatty acids can be used in human/animal food, and in the pharmaceutical field.

Abstract: A method of producing IgG1 subclass antibodies reactive to the surface of Crystosporidium oocysts, the method comprising: (a) separating at least a protion of the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall from the internal sporozoites to form an oocyst-wall preparation; (b) treating the separated oocyst-wall preparation so as to obtain an oocyst antigen preparation capable of eliciting a detectable IgG1 immune response in an animal to the surface of the oocyst; (c) immunizing an animal with the oocyst antigen preparation so as to elicit an IgG1 immune response in the animal; and (d) obtaining from the animal IgG1 antibodies reactive to the surface of Cryptosporidium oocysts. IgG1 antibodies reactive to the surface of Cryptosporidium oocysts.

Abstract: Recombinant polypeptides are disclosed that are useful for diagnosing American trypanosomiasis, or Chagas disease, a disease caused by the infectious agent Trypanosoma cruzi. Preferably, DNA sequences encoding the recombinant proteins are placed in plasmid vectors to be expressed in an organism.

Abstract: Methods for delivering potentially therapeutic or prophylactic protein and peptide agents to mammalian cells are provided. The agents are delivered by mutant trypanosomatid protozoa that have been genetically manipulated to code for such protein or peptide agents. The mutant protozoa additionally lack certain enzymes within the heme biosynthetic pathway, making the mutants susceptible to porphyria and eventual lysis.

Abstract: A method of efficiently expressing Plasmodium AMA-1 ectodomain or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof in a eukaryotic expression system. Preferably, the Plasmodium AMA-1 ectodomain is Pf AMA-1 ectodomain. This protein may be expressed in yeast, such as Pichia pastoris. Efficient expression is possible using a method for producing mRNA encoding said Plasmodium AMA-1 ectodomain in a yeast cell, comprising providing the yeast cell with a nucleic acid encoding Plasmodium AMA-1 ectodomain, the nucleic acid being modified to utilize the yeast's codon usage. Preferably, at least one putative yeast polyadenylation consensus sequence in the nucleic acid has been modified. More preferably, also at least one site in the protein that is generally glycosylated by eukaryotic expression systems, has been removed.

Abstract: Crypthecodinium cohnii, or microorganisms derived from Crypthecodinium cohnii, are grown in a culture medium including propionic acid. The propionic acid increases the production of one or more of dry cell weight, total lipid and docosahexaenoic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a genetically engineered P30 antigen and a combination or mixture of antigens (e.g., the genetically engineered P30 antigen and P35) that may be used in the detection of IgM and/or IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to methods of using this genetically engineered P30 antigen and combination of antigens, antibodies raised against this genetically engineered P30 antigen and combination of antigens, as well as kits and vaccines containing the genetically engineered P30 antigen and antigens present in the combination.

Abstract: In the fermentation process according to the invention with continuous mass cultivation of ciliates (protozoa), the ciliate cells are cultivated in a complex axenic medium—free from living feed or prey organisms—and the biomass containing the desired biogenous valuable substances is obtained by continuous (permanent) cell extraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing a bacterium binding component suitable for use in the preparation of a product for use in combating a target bacterium (including the inactivation of said bacterium and/or the treatment or diagnosis of an infection by said bacterium). The method comprises the steps of: contacting bacterium binding components of an eukaryotic micro-organism with the target bacterium for binding of the target bacterium with a bacterium binding component, and lysing the eukaryotic micro-organism; separating out the bacterium; treating the separated out bacterium so as to release thes bacterium binding component form said bacterium; and recovering the bacterium binding components. The invention also provides therapeutic and diagnostic products incorporating bacterial binding components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of screening clones having DNA from an uncultivated microorganism for a specified protein, e.g. enzyme, activity by screening for a specified protein, e.g. enzyme, activity in a library of clones prepared by (i) recovering DNA from a DNA population derived from at least one uncultivated microorganism; and (ii) transforming a host with recovered DNA to produce a library of clones which is screened for the specified protein, e.g. enzyme, activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of excysting and growing protozoal oocysts by in vitro tissue culture resulting in production of a continuous culture of merozoites. The invention also provides an economical and reliable supply of cultured Eimeria sp. for vaccine production, assays and research. Domesticated avians that have been vaccinated using the provied Eimeria sp. are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of screening clones having DNA from an uncultivated microorganism for a specified protein, e.g. enzyme, activity by screening for a specified protein, e.g. enzyme, activity in a library of clones prepared by (i) recovering DNA from a DNA population derived from at least one uncultivated microorganism; and (ii) transforming a host with recovered DNA to produce a library of clones which is screened for the specified protein, e.g. enzyme, activity.

Abstract: The present invention related to Parvilucifera infectans, a new parasitic organism described by Noren and Moestrup (in prep. “Parvilucifera infectans, gen. et. spec.nov. A parasitic dinoflagellate infecting thecate dinoflagellates.”) capable of infecting and killing several toxic or potentially harmful dinoflagellates, method for infecting toxin producing dinoflagellates, and method for propagating P. infectans.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of propagating Cryptosporidium in cell culture. The methods supports the complete life cycle or Cryptosporidium and produces all known forms of the parasite in addition to two novel forms. Cryptosporidium parasites propagated in vitro can be used to produce a vaccine composition for immunizing animals against Cryptosporidium infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of use of urea amidohydrolase (Ure) antigens and polynucleotides encoding the Ure antigens for generating an immunological response in an individual and in therapeutic and diagnostic applications of infections due to pathogenic Coccidioides spp. fungi, such as C. immitis or C. posadasii.

Abstract: The present invention provides attenuated live cultures of the pathogenic protozoan parasite, Neospora, and live vaccines against neosporosis prepared therefrom which are useful in the prevention of clinical disease and abortion in mammals.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for production of recombinant human proteins, in which Tetrahymena cells are transformed with recombinant DNA containing at least one functional gene that codes for a human protein, the recombinant Tetrahymena cells are cultured, in which the gene that codes for a human protein is expressed and the proteins are then isolated. The present invention also concerns a corresponding method, in which the gene that codes for a human protein contains a human leader sequence that leads to secretion of the expressed protein.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for production of genetically modified (recombinant) protists without using negative selection markers, in which an auxotrophic mutant of the protist is produced, this mutant is then transformed with recombinant DNA containing at least one gene for complementation of the corresponding auxotrophy, and the resulting recombinant protist is finally selected on a minimal medium that makes possible growth of only the correspondingly complemented protist. The present invention also concerns an efficient method for production of proteins by protists so modified, in which the gene for the protein being produced is coupled to the marker gene.

Abstract: An animal model for CNS infection by Apicomplexan parasites was produced by inoculating a homologous cell or other type of cell with the merozoite stage of the Apicomplexan parasite and inoculating the infected homologous cell or a cell line prepared therefrom back into the host from which it came. Such a model was used to develop drugs for treatment or prophylaxis, vaccines for protection from Apicomplexan diseases and diagnostic tests for determination active infection with Apicomplexan parasites.

Abstract: Attenuated strains of Leishmania are provided in which at least one gene contributing to virulence of the strain and expressed in both the promastigote and amastigote forms of the strain is functionally disabled, such as, by deleting at least a portion of the gene or by mutagenesis of the gene. The attenuated strain may be used for administration to a host to confer protection against disease caused by a virulent Leishmania strain or as a diagnostic reagent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids isolated from Tetrahymena which code for a ciliate-specific triterpenoid cyclase. The inventive nucleotide sequences and the polypeptide sequences derived therefrom demonstrate a surprisingly minimal sequence identity to known isoprenoid cyclases. The invention also relates to the use of nucleic acids for the regulation of triterpenoid cyclase expression in a host organism, as well as the targeted knockout or repriming of the triterpenoid cyclase gene. As a result of the altered expression of the triterpenoid cyclase, it is possible to modify and enrich the levels of multiple unsaturated fatty acids in the host organism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids isolated from Tetrahymena which code for a ciliate-specific triterpenoid cyclase. The inventive nucleotide sequences and the polypeptide sequences derived therefrom demonstrate a surprisingly minimal sequence identity to known isoprenoid cyclases. The invention also relates to the use of nucleic acids for the regulation of triterpenoid cyclase expression in a host organism, as well as the targeted knockout or repriming of the triterpenoid cyclase gene. As a result of the altered expression of the triterpenoid cyclase, it is possible to modify and enrich the levels of multiple unsaturated fatty acids in the host organism.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and isolation of polynucleotide molecules encoding a new class of protein insecticidal toxins which are produced by bacteria from the genera Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus. The polynucleotide molecules may be incorporated into, for example, insect-specific viruses (including entomopox and nuclear polyhedrosis viruses), bacteria (including Gracilicutes, Firmicutes, Tenericutes and Mendosicutes), protozoa, yeast and plants for control of pest insects.

Abstract: A transcriptional activator of T. gondii is provided which comprises the tetracycline repressor (TetR) operatively linked to a transacting factor of T. gondii. Strains of T. gondii transformed with a vector containing such a transactivator may be used to prepare vaccine compositions or to identify essential genes in the parasite. The system provided may be useful in other Apicomplexan species such as Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium berghei, Plasmodium yoelii, Plasmodium knowlesi, Trypanosoma brucei, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lambia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Neospora caninum isolate from Nowra and extracts thereof. The strain is useful in the development of diagnostic assays for the detection of parasites in animals. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions, using live or killed organisms or extracts thereof, for the treatment and prevention of parasitic infections in animals.

Abstract: This invention relates uses of components of plant-like metabolic pathways not including psbA or PPi phosphofructokinase and not generally operative in animals or encoded by the plastid DNA, to develop compositions that interfere with Apicomplexan growth and survival. Components of the pathways include enzymes, transit peptides and nucleotide sequences encoding the enzymes and peptides, or promoters of these nucleotide sequences to which antibodies, antisense molecules and other inhibitors are directed. Diagnostic and therapeutic reagents and vaccines are developed based on the components and their inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding novel Babesia canis associated proteins and to cDNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules and live recombinant carriers comprising these sequences. Furthermore, the invention relates to host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences, cDNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules and live recombinant carriers. Also, the invention relates to proteins encoded by these nucleotide sequences, to vaccines for combating Babesia canis infections comprising these proteins or genetic material encoding these proteins and methods for the preparation of vaccines. Another embodiment of the invention relates to these Babesia canis associated proteins for use in vaccines and to the use of the Babesia canis associated proteins in the manufacture of vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and compositions for producing oocysts. The oocysts produced according to the invention find use in the manufacture of vaccines. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods and compositions for the production of Eimeria oocysts. Vaccines containing Eimeria oocysts, sporocysts and/or sporozoites produced according to the present invention may be used to immunize birds against coccidiosis either in ovo or post hatch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for culturing ciliates comprising the steps of placing ciliates and medium therefor in a culture flask; providing said culture flask with a stirrer having a magnetic core, wherein said stirrer is suspended in the top part of the culture flask such that the stirrer does not touch the flask bottom, and wherein the motion of said stirrer is driven by means of a magnetic field; and stirring said ciliates in said culture medium.

Abstract: A process to excystate protozoal sporocysts involves treatment of an infected tissue sample with a sodium hypochlorite solution to stimulate excystation of the sporocysts from the tissue. Thereafter, removal of the sodium hypochlorite solution and treatment of the sample with a cell culture media as the excystation fluid eliminates incubation and subsequent washing steps using expensive reagents. The excystation fluid contains substantially no chelating agents, proteins, enzymes or bile acids.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of Babesia sp. WA1 infection are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one immunogenic portion of a Babesia sp. WA1 antigen and polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides. Pharmaceutical compositions and immunogenic compositions comprising such polypeptides or polynucleotides are also provided. Diagnostic kits containing such polypeptides or polynucleotides and a suitable detection reagent may be used for the detection of Babesia sp. WA1 infection in patients and biological samples. Antibodies directed against such polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel enzymes, tryparedoxins, their isolation from Crithidia fasciculata, a method for the production thereof in genetically transformed bacteria, and their use as molecular targets for the discovery of trypanocidal drugs

Abstract: A process for producing carotenoids, which involves cultivating a microorganism obtained by treating a parent microorganism that produces carotenoids under conditions that induce a reduction in alternative oxidase activity and selecting a microorganism with enhanced carotenoid productivity, a method for obtaining the microorganism with enhanced carotenoid productivity, and the microorganism itself.

Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation of the prepro form of cathepsin L, of its leader sequence, of cathepsin L and of the affiliated propeptide from ciliates, in particular Paramecium, to the use of these peptides and to a process for preparing cathepsin L from ciliates.

Abstract: The present invention provides eukaryotic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) expression vectors containing two promoters directed head-to-head with a designated intervening sequence of interest that is effective in eukaryotic cells containing the dsRNA expression vector, and a vaccine using an attenuated eukaryotic pathogenic cell. The present invention also provides methods of vaccinating against colonization or infection of a eukaryotic pathogen. The present invention further provides methods of generating double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and screening designated nucleic acids capable of inhibiting expression of an essential eukaryotic gene.

Abstract: Inhibition of protein elongation factor 2 provides a target for identifying potential antifungal and antiparasitic compounds. EF2 inhibitors are useful as therapeutic agents against fungal and parasitic infections.

Abstract: The present invention describes an enzyme showing glutathionylspermidine synthetase-activity and being distinct from known enzymes with similar activities in several physicochemical parameters, a novel process to isolate said enzyme from Crithidia fasciculata, tools for the production thereof in genetically transformed organisms, and its use as a molecular target for the discovery of trypanocidal drugs.

Abstract: A Neospora caninum vaccine comprising tissue culture grown Neospora and methods of making and using said vaccines. Neospora caninum vaccines described include those containing whole Neospora tachyzoites, extracts of Neospora tachyzoites and protective antigen subunits of Neospora tachyzoites. The vaccines of this invention may be inactivated or modified live and contain adjuvants and/or stabilizers. The vaccines of this invention may be in a liquid or lyophilized form.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for carrying out in vitro the complete developmental sequence culture of tissular parasites, which includes culturing the parasites in a totally defined culture medium which is an axenic monophasic liquid culture medium, free of serum and free of serum-derived or cell-derived macromolecules, proteins and peptides. For obtaining amastigote forms, this medium is buffered at a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 and has an osmolarity of at least 400 milliosmoles/kg of liquid. For obtaining promastigote forms, the medium is buffered at a pH of 7 to 7.5 and has an osmolarity of at least 300 milliosmoles/kg liquid. Application to the in vitro culture of different stages of tissular parasites such as Leishmania, T. cruzi, and hamatoprotozoa is also provided.

Abstract: A stabilized, granular, biocontrol agent formulation for agricultural pests relies upon a combination of a water absorbent material, a membrane stabilization agent, and a granulating agent to achieve the desired stability and free-flowing properties. The granular product is easily prepared by simple mixing and can be readily rehydrated into a sprayable composition.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells have been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength for a period of time sufficient to substantially increase the capability of said plurality of yeast cells to suppress the growth of pathogenic microbes. Also included are methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of &ggr;-linolenic acid (GLA) from Colpidium and its use in foodstuffs, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Colpidium can be fermentatively cultured up to a high absolute yield of GLA in an optimized medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunogenically active component comprising inactivated Sarcocystis neurona cells and/or inactivated Neospora hughesi cells; antigens derived therefrom; DNA derived therefrom; or a mixture; or in combination with other vaccine components thereof.