Abstract: Compounds and methods are provided for diagnosing Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The disclosed compounds are polypeptides, or antibodies thereto, that contain one or more epitopes of T. cruzi antigens. The compounds are useful in a variety of immunoassays for detecting T. cruzi infection. The polypeptide compounds are further useful in vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for inducing protective immunity against Chagas' disease in individuals exposed to T. cruzi.

Abstract: Polypeptides are disclosed that are useful for diagnosing American trypanosomiasis, or Chagas disease, a disease caused by the infectious agent Trypanosoma cruzi. The polypeptides have a sequence that corresponds to the amino acid sequence of at least one of the C-terminal and N-terminal nonrepetitive regions of TCR27 protein. The polypeptide additionally may comprise an amino acid sequence of one or more repeats from the central region of TCR27 protein. In a preferred embodiment, the polypeptide corresponds to the N-terminal nonrepetitive region of TCR27 protein and at least one repeat from the central region of TCR27 protein, and does not correspond to the C-terminal nonrepetitive region. The polypeptides may further comprise a linker sequence at either the N-terminus or the C-terminus to facilitate attachment or conjugation to a carrier molecule in a liquid or solid support system for use in a sensitive assay for detecting T. cruzi infection.

Abstract: This is invention is directed to methods of identifying analytes that are differentially present between two samples. The methods involve determining retention data by desorption spectrometry for analytes in different samples using the same selectivity conditions, comparing the data, and identifying analytes that are differentially retained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to combinations or mixtures of antigens which may be used in the detection of IgM and/or IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii as well as to the P35 antigen which may be used to distinguish acute from chronic toxoplasmosis. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to methods of using these combinations of antigens, antibodies raised against these combinations of antigens or against the novel P29 antigen thereof, as well as kits and vaccines containing the antigens present in the combinations.

Abstract: The invention provides vaccines and methods for preventing or treating intestinal protozoal infections in an animal. In particular, vaccines and methods for prevention or treatment of giardiasis are provided. The invention also encompasses methods of preparing and methods of use of novel toxins, antibodies, vaccine strains and compositions that result from or are used in these methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a testing device and methods for the identification of an analyte of interest in a sample. In a preferred embodiment, the testing device includes a front panel having at least one sample application aperture; a rear panel having at least one solvent application aperture; a sample collection matrix disposed between the rear panel and the front panel, the sample collection matrix being in communication with the sample and solvent application apertures of the front and rear panels; and at least one insertable test strip containing a reagent enabling detection of the analyte of interest.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, reagents, and kits that are useful for diagnosing infection by E. histolytica. The methods are based on the discovery of binding agents, including recombinant polyclonal antibodies, that bind to the 29 kDa antigen of E. histolytica.

Abstract: A method for analyzing blood enables one to isolate, detect, enumerate and confirm under magnification the presence or absence of target cancer cells and/or hematologic progenitor cells which are known to circulate in blood. The analysis is performed in a sample of centrifuged anticoagulated whole blood. The analysis involves both morphometric and epitopic examination of the blood sample while the blood sample is disposed in a centrifuged blood sampling tube. The epitopic analysis of the presence or absence of cancer cells relies on the detection of epitopes which are known to present only on cancer cells; and the epitopic analysis of the presence or absence of hematologic progenitor cells relies on the detection of epitopes which are known to present only on hematologic progenitor cells.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for monitoring at least one condition in a patient comprising the steps of (a) obtaining samples from the patient over a period of time; (b) flowing the samples, or gases associated with or produced by the samples, over at least one gas sensor; c) measuring the response or responses of the at least one gas sensor; and (d) correlating the response or responses with the occurrence or state of the at least one condition. A method for identifying a micro-organism comprising the steps of (a) providing at least one gas sensor; (b) compiling a database of responses to at least one known micro-organism under a variety of culturing conditions; c) abstracting gas or vapor from a detection region and flowing the same over the at least one gas sensor and observing the response of the sensor or sensors; and (d) comparing the response to the database.

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: The present invention relates to isolated and pure Toxoplasma gondii antigenic fragments, recombinant polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding them, primers and probes derived from the same, as well as the use of these polypeptides, nucleic acids, primers and probes in methods and kits for the diagnosis and prevention of T. gondii infection in mammals (humans and animals).