Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing or detecting cardiomyopathies or myocarditis in a patient following an infection. The method comprises obtaining a sample of a biological fluid from the patient, and determining the level of a brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) or a fragment thereof, atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) or a fragment thereof, or both, within the sample of body fluid. The current invention also relates to the monitoring of treatment of cardiomyopathies or myocarditis as a result of an infection, by determining the levels of BNP or a fragment thereof, ANF or a fragment thereof, or both, at one or more than period prior to and optionally subsequent to, treatment. The step of determining the concentration of BNP or ANF involves an assay comprising at least one antibody exhibiting affinity for the BNP or a fragment thereof, ANF or a fragment thereof, and the biological fluid comprises plasma, urine or cerebrospinal fluid.

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: Compositions and methods for the detection of adult Taenia solium and the diagnosis and treatment of T. solium infection are described. The compositions contain one or more adult T. solium polypeptides. The polypeptides are useful as diagnostic agents for the detection of adult tapeworm infection. More preferably, the polypeptides are T. solium glycoprotein antigens referred to herein as T. solium excretory/secretory (TS/ES) polypeptides. The most preferred TS/ES polypeptide has a molecular weight of approximately 33 kDa, 38 kDa, or 42 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for detecting the presence of a micro-organism in a fluid, gaseous and solid samples, together with apparatus for use in same. The invention comprises the use of a plurality of hollow fibres to filter the fluid and the cpture of the micro-organisms on the membrane by means of an specific binding pair.

Abstract: This invention relates uses of Toxoplasma gondii chorismate synthase, a component components of plant-like metabolic pathways not including psbA or PPi phosphofructokinase and not generally operative in animals or encoded by the plastid DNA, in assays 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 T. gondii chorismate synthase and its inhibitors.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for conferring passive or active immunity to the parasite, C. parvum. A high molecular weight glycoprotein antigen isolated from C. parvum, capable of binding the mAb 3E2, was shown to harbor an epitope critical for triggering the neutralizing CSP-like reaction in the parasite. Antibodies targeted against the critical epitope were shown to possess neutralizing activity, and could be combined with other anti-C. parvum monoclonal antibodies and administered to an animal to confer passive immunity. Immunogenic compositions including the purified antigen are disclosed for use in stimulating an active immune response against C. parvum.

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: A method for the solubilization and recovery of plasmodial parasite protective antigenic factors from associated starting plasmodial parasite material, comprising forming an aqueous suspension of the starting parasite material and associated insoluble protective antigenic factors, adding a detergent to disperse the insoluble antigenic factors, and recovering the solubilized plasmodial parasite protective antigenic factors. A immunorganic composition made by the inventive method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of Lyme disease. Novel B. burgdorferi polypeptides, serotypic variants thereof, fragments thereof and derivatives thereof. Fusion proteins and multimeric proteins comprising same. Multicomponent vaccines comprising novel B. burgdorferi polypeptides in addition to other immunogenic B. burgdorferi polypeptides. DNA sequences, recombinant DNA molecules and transformed host cells useful in the compositions and methods. Antibodies directed against the novel B. burgdorferi polypeptides, and diagnostic kits comprising the polypeptides or antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a var gene and corresponding protein that modulates adhesion of parasitized red blood cells to chondroitin sulfate A. Novel biological tools, prophylactics, therapeutics, diagnostics, and methods of use of the foregoing are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for screening a test compound for the ability of the test compound to induce a response from human naive T-cells. The method comprises admixing human naive T cells, macrophages/monocytes, immortalized B cells lacking class I and class II major histocompatibility antigens, and a test compound; and determining whether the test compound induces a response from the human naive T cells. The invention further provides a method for primary in vitro sensitization of human naive T-cells. The method comprises admixing human naive T cells, macrophages/monocytes, immortalized B cells lacking class I and class II major histocompatibility antigens, and an antigen.

Abstract: Recombinant proteins have been developed for the immunization of animals against cryptosporidiosis. The proteins are effective for the immunization of a variety of animals against Cryptosporidium parvum, particularly for the production of hyperimmune colostrum that may be used to confer passive immunity against the parasite. Isolated DNA sequences which encode these proteins have also been developed. The DNA sequences may be inserted into recombinant DNA molecules such as cloning vectors or expression vectors for the transformation of cells and the production of the proteins.

Abstract: A predictive test for rheumatoid arthritis comprises the detection of antibodies to collagen in a biological sample from a patient by contacting the biological sample with an antigen comprising the CB10 peptide of mammalian type II collagen, or an antibody-binding fragment or variant thereof, for a time and under conditions for an antibody-antigen complex to form, and detecting the antibody-antigen complex, for example by immunoassay. A diagnostic test kit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A recombinant, refolded non-fusion polypeptide expressed from a truncated r56 gene of the causative agent of scrub typhus, Orientia tsutsugamushi. The invention is useful for detecting prior exposure to scrub typhus and as a component in vaccine formulations.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the detection of Taenia solium and the diagnosis of T. solium infection are described. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the antigenic T. solium polypeptides gp50a, gp50b and gp50c are provided. The compositions contain synthetic antigenic polypeptides of larval origin prepared using the sequences described herein. Probes and primers for the detection or amplification of T. solium nucleic acid molecules are also described. The polypeptides can be administered to a human or animal to protect against T. solium infection. In addition, the polypeptides are useful as research tools for studying T. solium and as reagents in assays for the detection of T. solium antibodies in a biological sample. The methods are sensitive and specific assays that utilize the stable recombinant or synthetic antigenic polypeptides or nucleic acid molecules encoding the larval polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides the RSP-1 and RSP-2 proteins which are involved in the cytoadheion of P. falciparum during ring-stage infection of erythrocytes, antibodies which bind to the proteins, methods of screening for a P. falciparum infection, methods of determining the infective stage of P. falciparum and vaccines for protecting individuals from Plasmodium sp. infections.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent (CL)-ELISA method with purified and complex antigens of Trypanosoma cruzi is proposed for the specific and sensitive diagnosis of Chagas' disease in patients and blood bank samples. A trypomastigote specific antigen (A&T) together with an epimastigote extract (EpEx), used as a control of sensitivity, are the preparations used. The high sensitivity of the CL-ELISA method permits the use of extremely small amounts of antigen and allows a serum dilution in routine tests as high as 1:2000, thus reducing the nonspecific or false-positive reactions to a minimum. The use of the A&T purified antigen eliminates cross-reactivities with other infectious agents, detects active infection, and serves to monitor chemotherapy in chronic patients. The use of the EpEx antigenic preparation not only confirms the positive results with A&T but also, in case of discrepancy, suggests other infections such as leishmaniasis.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for conferring passive or active immunity to the parasite, C. parvum. A high molecular weight glycoprotein antigen isolated from C. parvum, capable of binding the mAb 3E2, was shown to harbor an epitope critical for triggering the neutralizing CSP-like reaction in the parasite. Antibodies targeted against the critical epitope were shown to possess neutralizing activity, and could be combined with other anti-C. parvum monoclonal antibodies and administered to an animal to confer passive immunity. Immunogenic compositions including the purified antigen are disclosed for use in stimulating an active immune response against C. parvum.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies that specifically bind RSP-2 proteins which are involved in the cytoadhesion of P. falciparum during ring-stage infection of erythrocytes as well as methods of using these antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the identification of specific target cells in whole blood. The present invention discloses methods for detecting and optionally quantifying a target cell in untreated or substantially untreated whole blood. The present invention further discloses kits for detecting and optionally quantifying a target cell in untreated or substantially untreated whole blood.

Abstract: This method for analyzing blood enables one to isolate, detect, enumerate and confirm under magnification the presence or absence of fragments of target analyte cancer cells which are circulating in blood. The analysis is performed in a sample of centrifuged anticoagulated whole blood. The analysis of the presence or absence of fragments of cancer cells relies on the detection of external or internal binding sites which are known to be present only in or on tumorous cancer cells. Fluorophors with distinct wavelength emissions are coupled with antibodies, or other binding moieties such as complementary nucleotide sequences, which antibodies are directed against the epithelial cell fragment membrane binding sites, such as internal or external surface epitopes on the cell fragments, or internal binding sites on cell organelles; and which nucleotide sequences are complementary to portions of cell fragment RNA and/or DNA. The labled binding agents are humoric or soluble in the blood sample.

Abstract: An agent for combating an intracellular microbial infection comprises a phage component and, associated therewith, a targeting moiety which directs the agent to a target cell and initiates delivery of the phage into the target cell. Once inside the target cell, the phage causes lysis of a microorganism residing within the target cell. A mycobacteriophage is combined with a targeting moiety of transferrin. Compositions comprising the agent, methods of preparing said agent, and use of said agent for combating intracellular infections are also provided.

Abstract: An assay to determine the specific expression and suppression of proteins in response to a stressor is disclosed. An organism exposed to a stressor, including disease caused by exposure to, e.g., a parasite, or a substance suspected of causing an adverse effect, is assayed to determine a first set of proteins expressed and a second set of proteins suppressed in response to the stressor. The amount of each protein expressed and the amount of each protein suppressed can be statistically analyzed to determine which proteins are most useful in diagnosing the stressor. A protein profile for a first stressor can be compared to protein profiles for a second stressor, a third stressor, etc. A distinct protein expression signature (PES) for the first stressor can be identified by determining subsets fo proteins expressed and/or suppressed only in response to the first stressor.

Abstract: Protozoal cyclic GMP dependent protein kinases have been isolated and cloned. These enzymes may be used in screening assays to identify potential antiprotozoal agents.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an identification and/or quantification method of a large number of biological organisms groups at different levels (family, genus, species) or part of those (possibly present in a biological sample) by a detection of their nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides neuropeptide ligands, G protein-coupled receptors and methods of screening for modulators of receptor activity. Identified modulators, including neuropeptide ligand mimetics, are useful as biostatic and biocidal agents of varying scope, ranging from lethal activity restricted to particular invertebrate parasites to broad spectrum invertebrate parasiticides active on a wide range of invertebrates, including helminths and insects.

Abstract: A method and system for predicting the resistance of a disease to a therapeutic agent is provided. Further provided is a method and system for designing a therapeutic treatment agent for a patient afflicted with a disease. Specifically, the methods use a trained neural network to interpret genotypic information obtained from the disease. The trained neural network is trained using a database of known or determined genotypic mutations that are correlated with phenotypic therapeutic agent resistance. The present invention also provides methods and systems for predicting the probability of a patient developing a genetic disease. A trained neural network for making such predictions is also provided. Also provided is a method and system for determining the genetic basis of therapeutic agent resistance.

Abstract: A pretreatment method for enhancing relativity and reaction specificity prior to the detection or determination of an ingredient, especially a microorganism ingredient, contained in a biosample; and a pretreating fluid therefor or a reagent for determination containing the pretreating fluid. The pretreating fluid(or reactive fluid), which is for the determination of an ingredient contained in a sample to be tested, comprises at least an organic acid or a salt thereof. If preferably comprises: at least one member selected among surfactants and substances capable of reduction; and an organic acid or salt thereof. Treatments with the pretreating fluid were found to eliminate problems and the invention has thus been completed.

Abstract: Processes for preparing controlled samples of particles, including microorganisms and cells are described. A sample of particles is provided and separated into a predetermined number of desired particles by particle separation means. The predetermined number of particles is dispensed into a receptacle or onto a surface in accordance with a sorting instruction, with the receptacle or surface being positioned by collecting means so as to receive the dispensed particles. A sorting instruction from the particle dispensing means activates the collecting means such that when a sorting instruction has been actuated, so as to deliver a predetermined number of particles into a receptacle or onto a surface which is positioned accurately for sufficient time to collect all sorted particles, the collecting means advances and positions a subsequent surface or receptacle for receipt of particles, the collector means thereafter signalling the particle separation means to commence the next sorting instruction.

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: Isolated DNA encoding a nematode guanylyl cyclase chemoreceptor is disclosed. Preferably, the encoded nematode guanylyl cyclase chemoreceptor is selected from the group consisting of order Tylenchida and order Aphelenchida chemoreceptors. Also disclosed are vectors and cells containing the DNA, the encoded proteins, oligonucleotides that bind thereto, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method to detect D. immitis infection in a host animal using a D. immitis Di33 protein to detect anti-D. immitis Di33 antibodies in a bodily fluid of the animal. Also included is a method to detect D. immitis infection in a host animal using a D. immitis anti-Di33 protein to detect Di33 proteins in a bodily fluid of the animal. The present invention also relates to D. immitis detection kits that include either a Di33 protein or an anti-Di33 antibody; such kits also include a composition to detect an immunocomplex between the anti-Di33 antibody and D. immitis Di33 protein. The present invention also includes Di33 proteins, nucleic acid molecules encoding such proteins, as well as recombinant molecules and recombinant cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules, and anti-Di33 antibodies. Also included are methods to produce such proteins, nucleic acid molecules and antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to quinone reductase 2 (QR2) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), and, in particular, to methods of screening compounds for their ability to modulate the activity of QR2 and/or ALDH and thereby to function as anti-malarial, anti-arthritic and/or anti-lupus agents. The invention further relates to the use of compounds that inhibit ALDH in the production of stem cells en masse.

Abstract: A method for producing biochemical analysis data includes the steps of selectively binding a substance derived from a living organism and labeled with a labeling substance which generates chemiluminescence emission when it contacts a chemiluminescent substrate with specific binding substances contained in a plurality of absorptive regions formed in a biochemical analysis unit, bringing the labeling substance into contact with a chemiluminescent substrate, thereby causing it to release chemiluminescence emission, producing a first digital signal for each of the plurality of absorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit based on an analog data obtained by detecting the chemiluminescence emission for a first exposure time using a solid state area sensor, storing the first digital signals in a memory, producing a second digital signal for each of the plurality of absorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit based on an analog data obtained by detecting the chemiluminescence emission for a second expo

Abstract: A rapid, non-invasive, semi-quantitative immunoassay of saliva has been developed to aid in the diagnosis of diseases, e.g., using saliva to detect subjects actively or previously infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a causative organism of tuberculosis. The semi-quantitative assay comprises spotting disease-related antigens on the surface of a solid substrate; contacting the solid substrate with a saliva sample which, in positive subjects, contains primary antibodies to the disease-related antigens; contacting the primary antibodies with a label capable of being detected; and detecting and reading the label whereby exposure to the antigens is determined. The device for conducting these assays is a frame or support which holds a solid substrate capable of immobilizing the antigens of interest while permitting drainage of other materials or fluids away from the immobilized antigens.

Abstract: The invention concerns a home kit and a method for detection of the presence of a fecal parasite in a stool.

Abstract: An analytical system for rapid detection and identification of different analytes directly from a test sample by mixing test material with a germinogenic source and enzyme-free spores, allowing the mixture to stand for a time to allow analyte-induced spore germination and subsequent de novo activity of an enzyme capable of producing a germinant in the presence of the germinogenic source and detecting the presence of a germination-derived product. The germinant which is formed promotes further spore germination with concomitant additional de novo enzyme synthesis or activation which results in a propagating cascade of analyte-independent germination after which a germination-derived product can be easily detected. The technique is particularly efficient to conduct thousands of parallel assays in an array of microscopic wells.

Abstract: An improved method of performing immunohistochemical staining on a tissue sample to determine the presence of cytoplasmic tumor marker Metallopanstimulin in cells in the tissue sample. The method consists of generally of collecting the tissue sample; fixing the tissue sample in a manner that preserves the Metallopanstimulin in the cytoplasm of the tissue cells; embedding the sample in paraffin; deparaffinizing the tissue; heating the sample to expose antigenic sites; incubating the slide with a stain blocking agent; incubating the tissue with a primary anti-Peptide A antibody having an affinity for the N-terminal portion of the Metallopanstimulin; incubating the sample with chromogen stain; rinsing the sample; dipping the slide in a counterstain; mounting the slide for reading. Materials for performing the above steps are provided in a convenient, reasonably priced kit.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an isolated DNA sequence encoding an antigen of Taenia solium metacestodes. A 10 kDa antigen of Taenia solium metacestodes (TSM) has been shown to be specific for immunodiagnosis of Neurocysticercosis (NCC), which is an important cause of neurological disease worldwide. This invention discloses a method of cloning a cDNA library encoding a 10 kDa protein from Taenia solium metacestodes. The cloned cDNA contained a 258 bp complete open reading frame, encoding an 86 amino acid protein with a calculated molecular weight of 9,582 Da. It showed 73% homology with a 10 kDa antigen of T. crassiceps. The recombinant protein was expressed bacterially as a fusion protein at a high level. A recombinant TSM antigen prepared according: to this invention is useful in detecting neurocysticerocosis disease. In immunoblot with purified recombinant protein, 97% of sera from active NCC showed strong reactivity while 14% of sera from chronic calcified NCC were weekly positive.

Abstract: Transfusion of contaminated blood has become the major route of transmission for Chagas' disease. Current screening tests are insensitive and yield conflicting results, while confirmatory assays do not exist. The present invention relates to antigens and their use for serological diagnosis of Chagas' disease. More specifically, the present invention concerns assays which are able to reliably and accurately detect the presence of antibodies to various specific antigens of Trypanosoma cruzi in a highly sensitive and specific manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (a) variable regions of heavy and light chains of an antibody specific to a surface antigen in sporozoite of Eimeria spp.; (b) a recombinant scFV (single chain variable fragment) antibody prepared using the variable regions; (c) a method for preparing a recombinant scFv antibody; and (d) an expression vector for expressing a recombinant scFv antibody.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of PfKinI-1, antibodies to PfKinI-1, methods of screening for PfKinI-1 modulators using biologically active PfKinI-1, and kits for screening for PfKinI-1 modulators.

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: A method for diagnosing the exposure to infectious agents in a patient is disclosed. The method determines the levels of antibodies against infectious agents, including bacterial, parasitic, and viral agents. It then compares the results to normal levels to determine the exposure to infectious agents.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of B. microti infection are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one antigenic portion of a B. microti antigen and DNA sequences encoding such polypeptides. Antigenic epitopes of such antigens are also provided, together with pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising such polypeptides, DNA sequences or antigenic epitopes. Diagnostic kits containing such polypeptides, DNA sequences or antigenic epitopes and a suitable detection reagent may be used for the detection of B. microti infection in patients and biological samples. Antibodies directed against such polypeptides and antigenic epitopes are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are microfluidized lysate preparations of Leishmania parasites and methods of making thereof. Also disclosed are methods of using the microfluidized lysate preparations in skin test antigen assays as well as kits comprising the microfluidized lysate preparations. The microfluidized lysate preparations are made under current good manufacturing practice and may therefore be standardized and such preparations may be produced with consistently.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, reagents, and kits that are useful for diagnosing infection by Giardia lamblia. The methods are based on the discovery of binding agents, including recombinant polyclonal antibodies, that bind to the &agr;-1-giardin antigen of G. lamblia.

Abstract: The process of the invention comprises the implementation of axenic conditions, with use of a liquid single-phase culture medium. For obtaining the 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, and in particular 400 to 550 milliosmoles/kg of liquid. For obtaining promastigote forms, this medium is buffered at a pH of 7 to 7.5 and has an osmolarity of at least 300 milliosmoles/kg of liquid. This process allows the adaptation and culture in vitro of different stages of tissular parasites, such as leishmanias and T. cruzi or also hematoprotozoa.

Abstract: A test strip adapted to receive a sample and detect an analyte therein is provided. The test strip comprises a sample addition zone to which a sample may be added; an absorbent zone proximal to the sample addition zone; one or more test zones distal to the sample addition zone, at least one of the test zones including a first analyte binding agent immobilized therein which is capable of binding to the analyte to be detected; and a terminal sample flow zone distal to the one or more test zones, the absorbent zone being positioned relative to the sample addition zone and having an absorption capacity relative to the other zones of the test strip such that a distal diffusion front of a sample added to the sample addition zone diffuses from the sample addition zone to a distal diffusion point within the terminal sample flow zone and then reverses direction and diffuses proximal relative to the one or more test zones.

Abstract: Recombinant proteins have been developed for the immunization of animals against cryptosporidiosis. The proteins are effective for the immunization of a variety of animals against Cryptosporidium parvum, particularly for the production of hyperimmune colostrum that may be used to confer passive immunity against the parasite. Isolated DNA sequences which encode these proteins have also been developed. The DNA sequences may be inserted into recombinant DNA molecules such as cloning vectors or expression vectors for the transformation of cells and the production of the proteins.