Abstract: Disclosed are novel coumarin based fluorogenic compounds useful in assaying for biological activity. Specifically, these fluorogenic compounds exhibit fluorescence at particular wavelengths when cleaved by target enzymes. Preferred compounds include sugar and peptide derivatives of umbelliferone derivatives bearing a heterocyclic five membered ring at the 3-position. These compounds can be used for rapidly detecting food pathogens and for determining sterilization effectiveness. The compounds may also be used in a form bounded to a polymeric support or to a biomolecule or macromolecule.

Abstract: A rapid, simple, and inexpensive sandwich enzyme-linked receptor based immunodot assay detects pathogens or pathogenic products in test samples using receptors for a characteristic component of the pathogen. This assay is widely applicable because it is highly specific, it does not require special equipment, and the results can be obtained within a few hours with the naked eye. Since the lipid-based receptors have a long-shelf life, they can be easily stored and used for a long time.

Abstract: Staphylococcus aureus 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 S. aureus mutants useful in vaccines.

Abstract: Reagents and methods for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus are provided. The reagents contain an antibody that binds to a capsular polysaccharide of type 5 of Staphylococcus aureus, and can be used in methods for detection of oxacillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus that escapes detection by agglutination in the presence of fibrinogen and antibodies directed against protein A of Staphylococcus.

Abstract: A process of preparing a pharmaceutical composition includes the steps of: a) obtaining isolated immunoglobulins from an animal; b) contacting the isolated immunoglobulins with a bacterial Fc-binding protein; c) collecting the immunoglobulins not bound to the bacterial Fc-binding protein; and d) adding a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the immunoglobulins not bound to the bacterial Fc-binding protein.

Abstract: A method of measuring the amount of cyclosporin in a sample suspected of containing cyclosporin is disclosed. A method of inactivating interfering cross-reactive material in an assay for measuring the amount of cyclosporin in a sample suspected of containing cyclosporin is also disclosed. Compositions wherein cyclosporin is conjugated to an immunogenic carrier or a label, optionally through a linking group, at an alanine nitrogen atom of the cyclic backbone of cyclosporin are also disclosed. Compositions wherein atiocyclosporin is conjugated, optionally through a linking group, to an immunogenic carrier or a label are also disclosed. Where cyclosporin is conjugated to an immunogenic carrier, the conjugates may be used as immunogens for the preparation of antibodies which are capable of recognizing cyclosporin.

Abstract: A monoclonal or polyclonal antibody specific for an epitope common to Staphylococcus aureus strains of various capsular serotypes, particularly methicillin-resistant strains, the antibody being selected from immunoglobulins G, M, and A, and the use thereof in a reagent for detecting Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: Lysostaphin is demonstrated to be a powerful anti-staphylococcal agent suitable for parenteral administration to mammals including humans. Low dosages, on the order of 0.5 - 45 mg/kg/day are sufficient to eradicate most staphylococcal infections. Lysostaphin is also effective against bacteria of this type which have developed resistance to conventional antibiotics such as penicillins and vancomycin. Lysostaphin analogues, such as variants and related enzymes, show similar activity.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of immunologic serological in vitro diagnostics. The invention is an ELISA-based diagnostic testing system and method that provides the capability to “look within” and measure an immune complexes specific antigen and antibody using typical ELISA microplates and procedures. One aspect of the invention is a method for detecting antigen and antibody in immune complexes. A second aspect of the invention is for a well design that may be used in the method of the invention. A third aspect of the invention is for a kit for detecting antigen, antibody, or both antigen and antibody in immune complexes.

Abstract: The invention provides thdF polynucleotides encoding thdF polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing thdF polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay for an analyte in a fluid test sample such as urine which involves combining the fluid test sample with a reagent system comprising an apo-peroxidase, a redox dye, a peroxide and a metal porphyrin which is bound to an analyte/analyte specific binding partner which complex has a combined molecular weight of at least about 180 K Daltons. When this conjugate interacts with analyte in the fluid test sample, a portion of the specific binding partner is dissociated from the complex thereby enabling the metal porphyrin to reconstitute with the apo-peroxidase. The reconstituted peroxidase can interact with the peroxide and redox dye to provide a colored response to analyte in the fluid test sample.