Abstract: Described herein are methods of detecting a wound infection and for detecting the presence or absence of microorganisms, for example, wound pathogens in a sample, by contacting a sample with an enzyme produced and/or secreted by the bacteria, and detecting modification or the absence of modification of the substrate, as an indicator of the presence or absence of the enzyme in the sample. The present invention also features a biosensor for detecting the presence or absence of bacteria in a sample.

Abstract: The invention provides vesicles that may be used in diagnosing infection, especially with infection by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The vesicles can be used in wound dressings.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for packaging reporter nucleic acid molecules into non-replicative transduction particles for use as reporter molecules. The non-replicative transduction particles can be constructed from viruses and use viral transduction and replication systems. The reporter nucleic acid molecules include a reporter gene, such as a reporter molecule or selectable marker, for detecting target genes or cells. Methods and systems are provided for detection of cells and target nucleic acid molecules using the non-replicative transduction particles as reporter molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bacterial cell with texturizing property, starter cultures comprising the cell, and dairy products fermented with the starter culture.

Abstract: The present invention, in part, relates to an apparatus having a single-use, normally-closed fluidic valve that is initially maintained in the closed position by a valve element bonded to an adhesive coating. The valve is opened using a magnetic force. The valve element includes a magnetic material or metal. In some examples, the valve is opened by bringing a magnet in proximity to the valve element to provide a magnetic force that delaminates the valve element from the adhesive coating. In particular, the apparatus can be useful for on-chip amplification and/or detection of various targets, including biological targets and any amplifiable targets. Such apparatuses and methods are useful for in-field or real-time detection of targets, especially in limited resource settings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for studying a sample containing a bacterial population of Staphylococcus aureus with a specific mass spectrometry technique allowing specific detection on the obtained mass spectrum of the presence or of the absence of a peak at an m/z value of 3005±5 Th Thomson or at 3035±5 Th Thomson, and accordingly, to the issuance of a decision conditioned by this result.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for detecting the presence, quantity and identity of one or more microorganisms in a sample and a method for using the same. The apparatus is composed of one or more chambers and a sensing element for sensing microorganisms. In particular embodiments, the sensing element is an array of chemoresponsive dyes deposited on a substrate in a predetermined pattern combination, wherein the combination of the dyes have a distinct and direct spectroscopic, transmission, or reflectance response to distinct analytes produced by the microorganism which is indicative of the presence, quantity and identity of the microorganism.

Abstract: A method and medium for detecting the presence or absence of a targeted strain of antibiotic resistant pathogenic staphylococci in a test sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a test medium having at least one hydrolysable substrate, which substrate is operable to promote the growth of the targeted strain of antibiotic resistant pathogenic staphylococci and to produce a detectable signal when the hydrolyzable substrate is metabolized by the targeted strain of antibiotic resistant pathogenic staphylococci; b) forming a mixture of the test sample and hydrated test medium in the test tube; c) incubating the mixture at temperatures in the range of about 20° C. to about 35° C.; and d) detecting the presence or absence of the targeted strain of antibiotic resistant pathogenic staphylococci in the test sample by the presence or absence of the detectable signal in the mixture in the tube.

Abstract: The disclosure provides articles and methods useful for detecting a discrete source of DNase activity. DNase-producing microorganisms can be detected. The device can further include selective agents and/or indicators to differentiate groups or species microorganisms. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating DNase-producing microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the semi-quantitative determination of cariogenic bacteria in a sample of saliva and/or plaque, in which the microorganisms contained in a sample of plaque or saliva are brought into contact with a carbon source that is fermented to acid by the cariogenic bacteria. The microorganisms are then incubated under conditions which make possible selective acid formation by the cariogenic bacteria. The acid formation is then detected by determining the pH at least once within a period of 12 hours after adding the carbon source, wherein the cariogenic bacteria are determined semi-quantitatively in the sample by comparison of the pH with at least one reference value. In addition, the invention provides kits for carrying out such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing an existing or developing acute pneumonia induced by a microorganism by detecting one or more volatile organic compound(s) in a subject's sample and the use of one or more volatile organic compound(s) for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenza and optionally opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans.

Abstract: Provided is a method for measuring a color change of an oxidation-reduction indicator, which method is applicable to measurement of the cariogenic bacterial count and the like. A color change of an oxidation-reduction indicator is measured by a method for measuring a color change of an oxidation-reduction indicator, the method comprising reacting a test reagent with a test sample and measuring a color change, wherein the test reagent contains an oxidation-reduction indicator, an oxidation-reduction promoter, and a halogen salt.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method to determine the chance of a successful pregnancy based on the ratio of said ratio indicated as a formula that uses the presence of Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus bacteria in relation to the total amount of bacteria in a sample of a subject, preferably a urine sample. Also comprised in the invention is a kit, preferably a qPCR kit, for performing the method of the invention and outputting the result. Such a method and kit are particularly advantageous for predicting the chance of a successful pregnancy in subjects undergoing or eligible for an artificial insemination method such as IVF or ICSI.

Abstract: A method of and test mixture for detecting the presence or absence of a target microbe in a sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a test mixture that includes micro particles, a substrate in an amount that is sufficient to support log phase growth of the target microbe until a detectable characteristic signal is produced in the test mixture and sample admixture, and an amount of vitamin, amino acid, element and salt ingredients; b) combining the powdered test mixture and sample to form the admixture; and c) detecting the presence or absence of target microbes in the sample based on the presence or absence of the detectable characteristic.

Abstract: An evaluation kit for a microorganism detecting device includes an immobilized microorganism. A manufacturing method for an evaluation kit for a microorganism detecting device includes immobilizing a microorganism. An evaluating method for the microorganism detecting device includes detecting an immobilized microorganism by the microorganism detecting device. The immobilized microorganisms may be dispersed in a solvent. The solvent may be water. The immobilized microorganisms may be immobilized with an aldehyde. The aldehyde may be formaldehyde. The immobilized microorganisms emit, for example, fluorescent light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bacteria-targeted contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In particular, the present invention relates to bacteria targeted MRI contrast agents that can be used to detect bacteria in vivo or in vitro. In certain embodiments, the contrast agents comprise a metal chelate conjugated to at least two Zn-dipicolylamine groups.

Abstract: Provided herein is a composition for detection of a microbial product in a sample comprising a polydiacetylene (PDA) and a packaging polymer, wherein the sample contacts the PDA and a change of PDA color indicates detection. Also provided herein are methods of making a packaging material comprising a PDA and methods of using the composition for detection of a microbial product in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the semi-quantitative determination of cariogenic bacteria in a sample of saliva and/or plaque, in which the microorganisms contained in a sample of plaque or saliva are brought into contact with a carbon source that is fermented to acid by the cariogenic bacteria. The microorganisms are then incubated under conditions which make possible selective acid formation by the cariogenic bacteria. The acid formation is then detected by determining the pH at least once within a period of 12 hours after adding the carbon source, wherein the cariogenic bacteria are determined semi-quantitatively in the sample by comparison of the pH with at least one reference value. In addition, the invention provides kits for carrying out such methods.

Abstract: A reaction medium for detecting and/or identifying Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, comprising a combination of two enzymatic substrates for alpha-glucosidase.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and compositions for treating an animal to inhibit the incidence and growth of E. coli O157:H7 and other pathogenic bacteria. The treatment method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of Lactobacillus acidophilus or one or a combination of a number of other probiotic bacteria to an animal. An alternative treatment method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a lactic acid producing bacterium such as Lactobacillus acidophilus in combination with a lactate utilizing bacterium such as Propionibacterium freudenreichii.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of detecting a wound infection and for detecting the presence or absence of microorganisms, for example, wound pathogens in a sample, by contacting a sample with an enzyme produced and/or secreted by the bacteria, and detecting modification or the absence of modification of the substrate, as an indicator of the presence or absence of the enzyme in the sample. The present invention also features a biosensor for detecting the presence or absence of bacteria in a sample.

Abstract: A method of and test mixture for detecting the presence or absence of a target microbe in a sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a test mixture that includes micro particles, a substrate in an amount that is sufficient to support log phase growth of the target microbe until a detectable characteristic signal is produced in the test mixture and sample admixture, and an amount of vitamin, amino acid, element and salt ingredients; b) combining the powdered test mixture and sample to form the admixture; and c) detecting the presence or absence of target microbes in the sample based on the presence or absence of the detectable characteristic.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biophotonic sensors. An example of a biophotonic sensor may be an apparatus for analyzing a sample. The apparatus may include a substrate, aperiodic nanostructured protrusions disposed on the substrate, and a silk material deposited between the protrusions.

Abstract: The invention provides a family of agents that target bacterial infection, which can be used as imaging agents or therapeutic agents. The agents can be used to image sites of bacterial infection as well as other physiological processes in a subject.

Abstract: The invention mainly relates to the mass spectrometric identification of pathogens in blood cultures from blood-stream infections (septicemia). The invention provides a method with which microbial pathogens can be separated in purified form from blood after a relatively brief cultivation in a blood culture flask, without any interfering human proteins or any residual fractions of blood particles such as erythrocytes and leukocytes, and can be directly identified by mass spectrometric measurement of their protein profiles. The method is based on the use of relatively strong tensides to destroy the blood particles by dissolving the weak cell membranes and most of the internal structures of the blood particles; in spite of the fact that tensides are regarded as strong ionization inhibitors in MALDI and other ionization processes required for mass spectrometric measurements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of an overproducing Staphylococcus aureus strain comprising: (a) culturing a Staphylococcus aureus strain on a culture medium M1, M2 or M3, (b) optionally, recovering the strains thus produced from the culture medium, and also to the use of said strains for the production of polysaccharides.

Abstract: A presence/absence test for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) involves placing a first generation test sample in a solution that will clot in the presence of S. aureus. The solution contains components that will selectively grow S. aureus and also contains clotting factors that will react with S. aureus, if S. aureus is present in the sample, to clot the solution. Examples of specimen samples that can be tested include nasal swabs and lesion swabs, among others. The test can also be modified to detect the presence or absence of methicillin resistant S. Aureus (MRSA). The addition of micro particles having a size in the range of about 0.1 micron to about 1.0 mm provides localities where the bacteria agglomerate, thereby significantly decreasing the clotting time, and providing a significantly stronger clot. The micro particles can be used in other bacteria tests to accelerate the production of an end result.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and emerging serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae designated serotype 6D, and assays and monoclonal antibodies useful in identifying same. Also disclosed is a novel pneumococcal polysaccharide with the repeating unit?2) glucose 1 (1?3) glucose 2 (1?3) rhamnose (1?4) ribitol (5?phosphate. This new serotype may be included in pneumococcal vaccines.

Abstract: A reaction medium for detecting and/or identifying methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria includes a chromogenic substrate, a first antibiotic that belongs to the cephalosporin family and a second antibiotic that belongs to the aminoglycoside family.

Abstract: Extracorporeal systems and methods for treating blood-borne diseases in a subject or for developing drugs to treat blood-borne diseases include various environmental and treatment modules that can be tailored to a specific disease or infection. In certain embodiments of the systems and methods, a blood sample is treated with cold plasma and optionally with hydrostatic pressure, a pulsed electrical field, a pharmaceutical agent, microwave, centrifugation, sonification, radiation, or a combination thereof, under environmental conditions that are effective for the treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that drug resistance in microorganisms can be rapidly and accurately determined using mass spectrometry. A mass spectrum of an intact microorganism or one or more isolated biomarkers from the microorganism grown in drug containing, isotopically-labeled media is compared with a mass spectrum of the intact microorganism or one or more isolated biomarkers from the microorganism grown in non-labeled media without the drug present. Drug resistance is determined by predicting and detecting a characteristic mass shift of one or more biomarkers using algorithms. The characteristic mass shift is indicative that the microorganism is growing in the presence of the drug and incorporating the isotopic label into the one or more biomarkers, resulting in change in mass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for testing the sterility of a plant by checking for the presence and identifying at least one microorganism.

Abstract: A test mixture for detecting the presence or absence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (“MRSA”) directly in a first generation biological specimen, the test mixture including: a) an amount of amino acids; b) an amount of nitrogen sources; c) an amount of salts; d) an amount of vitamins; e) an amount of calcium; f) an amount of coagulase substrates which will clot the test mixture in the presence of S. aureus in the first generation biological specimen; and g) an amount of a MecA gene inducer effective to kill any Methicillin Susceptible Staphylococcus Aureus (“MSSA”) in the first generation biological specimen.

Abstract: A reaction medium for detecting and/or identifying Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, comprising a predetermined combination of two antibiotics, a first antibiotic which belongs to the cephalosporin family and a second antibiotic, said first and second antibiotics each being at a sub-inhibitory concentration.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting bacteria in fluids, including blood, platelets and other blood products for transfusion, and urine. The methods are based on lysing the bacteria to release ATP and detecting the ATP. Eukaryotic cell contamination is a problem to be overcome, because eukaryotic cell contain large amounts of ATP. Thus, some of the methods involve separating intact eukaryotic cells (e.g., platelets) from intact bacterial cells before lysing the bacterial cells to release ATP, contacting the ATP with an ATP-consuming enzyme that catalyzes a reaction, and monitoring the enzyme-catalyzed reaction. Typically, the enzyme is luciferin, and the reaction is monitored by detecting light produced by the luciferin. Other methods of the invention involve contacting a fluid sample with a support surface that binds bacterial cells, lysing the bacterial cells to release ATP, contacting the ATP with an ATP-consuming enzyme, and monitoring the enzyme-catalyzed reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is the construction of a system capable of quickly and easily identifying patients having a risk for worsening inflammatory digestive tract disease by identifying a causal factor for the worsening of the inflammatory digestive tract disease. Specifically disclosed is a method for detecting oral bacteria that cause worsening of inflammatory digestive tract disease and/or a screening that targets high risk for worsening of inflammatory digestive tract disease and/or determining the risk for worsening of the inflammatory digestive tract disease by PA not being detected and/or CBP being detected, inclusive of the detection of PA, which is an oral bacteria protein antigen, and/or CBP, which is collagen binding protein, in samples. Also disclosed are a detection reagent and kit used for this method.

Abstract: Provided are methods for sampling, testing and validating test lots, comprising: assembling a plurality of product portions from each of a plurality of test lots and combining the portions to provide a corresponding set of test lot samples; enriching the test lot samples; removing portions of each enriched sample, and combining the removed portions to provide a modular composite sample; and testing of the modular composite sample, and individual testing of the enriched test lot samples, using at least one suitable detection assay for a target microbe or organism, wherein when such testing is negative all test lots are validated, and wherein when such testing is positive with respect to the modular composite sample, or with respect to an individual enriched test lot sample, individual test lots may nonetheless yet be validated by further testing of a portion of respective initially-negative enriched test lot samples and obtaining negative results.

Abstract: A monitoring assembly (201) with an intake (213) has at least one pump (210) featuring at least one pump channel mounted in the monitoring assembly (201). A plurality of fluid lines are coupled to the at least one pump (210). At least one filter cartridge (315) is also mounted in the assembly. Each filter cartridge (315) is separately coupled by one of the plurality of fluid lines to one of the pump channels, where each filter cartridge (315) contains material for extracting an analyte, and where the at least one pump operates to separately push fluid through the at least one filter cartridge (315). The filter cartridge (315) operates to separate fluid into constituent parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to culture medium for screening or enrichment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which medium comprises a combination of at least two cephalosporins.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing among a first group of microorganisms, belonging to a first taxon of bacteria that is vancomycin resistant; a second group of microorganisms, belonging to a second taxon of vancomycin resistant bacteria that is different than said first taxon; and a third group of microorganisms that is not resistant or has a natural resistance to vancomycin.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against S. epidermidis and other related staphylococci are provided. The immunogenic compositions can include immunogenic conjugates of poly-?-glutamic acid (such as ?DLPGA) polypeptides of S. epidermidis, or related staphylococci that express a ?PGA polypeptide. The ?PGA conjugates elicit an effective immune response against S. epidermidis, or other staphylococci, in subjects to which the conjugates are administered. A method of treating an infection caused by a Staphylococcus organism that expresses cap genes is also disclosed. The method can include selecting a subject who is at risk of or has been diagnosed with the infection by the Staphylococcus organism which expresses ?PGA from the cap genes. Further, the expression of a ?PGA polypeptide by the organism can then be altered.

Abstract: The invention discloses the use of a protein with an amino acid sequence according to SEQ. ID. NO. 1 or a naturally occurring fragment or variant thereof for identifying infections with S. aureus in a human sample. More specifically, IgE molecules specific for SEQ. ID. NO. 1 are detected in the sample of the patient. Many atopic dermatitis patients have IgE specific for SEQ. ID. NO. 1.

Abstract: The disclosure provides articles and methods useful for detecting a discrete source of DNase activity. DNase-producing microorganisms can be detected. The device can further include selective agents and/or indicators to differentiate groups or species microorganisms. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating DNase-producing microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the semi-quantitative determination of cariogenic bacteria in a sample of saliva and/or plaque, in which the microorganisms contained in a sample of plaque or saliva are brought into contact with a carbon source that is fermented to acid by the cariogenic bacteria. The microorganisms are then incubated under conditions which make possible selective acid formation by the cariogenic bacteria. The acid formation is then detected by determining the pH at least once within a period of 12 hours after adding the carbon source, wherein the cariogenic bacteria are determined semi-quantitatively in the sample by comparison of the pH with at least one reference value. In addition, the invention provides kits for carrying out such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for the permeabilization of the walls of microorganisms comprising the combination of octyl-?-D-glucopyranoside (NOG), sodium polyphosphates (HMP), and a salt chosen from lithium chloride or rubidium chloride, and a method for the enumeration and identification of cells on a membrane using said composition.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that drug resistance in microorganisms can be rapidly and accurately determined using mass spectrometry. A mass spectrum of an intact microorganism or one or more isolated biomarkers from the microorganism grown in drug containing, isotopically-labeled media is compared with a mass spectrum of the intact microorganism or one or more isolated biomarkers from the microorganism grown in non-labeled media without the drug present. Drug resistance is determined by predicting and detecting a characteristic mass shift of one or more biomarkers using algorithms. The characteristic mass shift is indicative that the microorganism is growing in the presence of the drug and incorporating the isotopic label into the one or more biomarkers, resulting in change in mass.

Abstract: A dry sample analyzing mixture, a liquid sample analyzing medium, and a sample analyzing method, are described for use in detecting the presence or absence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (“MRSA”) in an incubated first generation biological or environmental specimen sample. First generation specimen samples that can be analyzed include nasal swabs, lesion swabs, skin swabs, throat swabs, food swabs, tanning salon swabs, gym swabs, restaurant swabs, and the like. The medium and method include an anti-ribosomal antibiotic component that will selectively prevent Methicillin Susceptible Staphylococcus Aureus (“MSSA”) from growing in the medium, while allowing MRSA to grow in the medium. The medium also includes components which will stimulate growth of MRSA. The medium also includes components which will produce a detectable signal, which signal indicates the presence of MRSA in the incubated sample.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against S. epidermidis and other related staphylococci are provided. The immunogenic compositions can include immunogenic conjugates of poly-?-glutamic acid (such as ?DLPGA) polypeptides of S. epidermidis, or related staphylococci that express a ?PGA polypeptide. The ?PGA conjugates elicit an effective immune response against S. epidermidis, or other staphylococci, in subjects to which the conjugates are administered. A method of treating an infection caused by a Staphylococcus organism that expresses cap genes is also disclosed. The method can include selecting a subject who is at risk of or has been diagnosed with the infection by the Staphylococcus organism which expresses ?PGA from the cap genes. Further, the expression of a ?PGA polypeptide by the organism can then be altered.

Abstract: A thin film culture device for detection of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms is provided. The device can include indicators to differentiate staphylococcal from non-staphylococcal microorganisms. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The methods further include obtaining a differential count of staphylococcal and non-staphylococcal microorganisms.

Abstract: A reaction medium for detecting and/or identifying Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, comprising a combination of two enzymatic substrates for alpha-glucosidase.