Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding a 22.5 kD Streptococcus uberis protein and to parts of such nucleic acid sequences that encode an immunogenic fragment of such proteins, and to DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules, live recombinant carriers and host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences or such parts thereof. The invention also relates to a 22.5 kD Streptococcus uberis protein and immunogenic parts thereof encoded by such sequences. Furthermore, the present invention relates to vaccines comprising such nucleic acid sequences and parts thereof, DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules, live recombinant carriers and host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences or such parts thereof, proteins or immunogenic parts thereof and antibodies against such proteins or immunogenic parts thereof. Also, the invention relates to the use of said proteins in vaccines and for the manufacture of vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of Streptococcus. More specifically, the present invention relates to the identification of polypeptides and polynucleotide sequences encoding the same which are involved in the pathogenic mechanism of S. suis. The present invention also relates to the use of such polypeptides in compositions and methods for the prevention, the treatment and diagnosis of S. suis-associated diseases and infections caused by S. suis.

Abstract: The invention enables efficient, rapid, and sensitive enumeration of living cells by detecting microscopic colonies derived from in situ cell division using large area imaging. Microbial enumeration tests based on the invention address an important problem in clinical and industrial microbiology—the long time needed for detection in traditional tests—while retaining key advantages of the traditional methods based on microbial culture. Embodiments of the invention include non-destructive aseptic methods for detecting cellular microcolonies without labeling reagents. These methods allow for the generation of pure cultures which can be used for microbial identification and determination of antimicrobial resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell-surface-located polypeptides of Streptococcus pneumoniae and their use in immunisation against Streptococcal infection, in diagnosis of Streptococcus and in identification of compounds with anti-Streptococcus activity. In a further aspect, the invention relates to antibodies capable of recognising cell surface-located polypeptides of Streptococcus pneumoniae and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigens, more particularly antigens of Streptococcus pyogenes (also called group A streptococcus (GAS)) bacterial pathogen which are useful as vaccine component for prophylaxis, therapy and/or diagnostic.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to chimeric peptides comprising one or more protective epitopes in a conformation enabling immunological interactivity and to vaccine compositions comprising same. The present invention is particularly directed to a chimeric peptide capable of inducing protecting antibodies against Group A streptococci.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides enabling the rapid, simple and specific detection of Group B Streptococcus highly-virulent ST-17 clones. The present invention also relates to the polypeptides encoded by said polynucleotides, as well as to antibodies directed or raised against said polypeptides. The present invention also relates to kits and methods for the specific detection of Group B Streptococcus highly-virulent ST-17 clones, using the polynucleotides, the polypeptides or the antibodies according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a biosensor comprising a microbe-binding aptamer(s) in the substrate recognition element. It is possible to obtain a stabilized biosensor wherein the detection sensitivity for target microbe (target bacterium) is not impaired depending on the storage condition or measuring sample, and target bacterium in a body fluid can be directly measured by insertion of the substrate recognition element of the biosensor.

Abstract: A method for the detection of a microorganism in a liquid sample, and in particular a method for the quantitative or semi-quantitative detection of a cariogenic microorganism such as a certain bacterium, for example in a saliva sample is described. Moreover, a test strip and test system with at least two test strips is described which are suitable for use in the described detection methods. Also, kits for carrying out detection methods according to the invention are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides superantigens SMEZ-2, SPE-G, SPE-H and SPE-J, as well as polynucleotides which encode them. Such superantigens have, inter alia, diagnostic and therapeutic application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigens, more particularly antigens of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) (S. agalactiae) which may be useful to prevent, diagnose and/or treat streptococcal infections.

Abstract: The present invention is related to nucleic acids coding for adhesion factors of group B streptococcus, adhesion factors of group B streptococcus and uses thereof. More particularly, the present invention is related to a polypeptide being such adhesion factors and comprising an amino acid sequence, whereby the amino acid sequence is selected from the group comprising SEQ ID NO 11 to SEQ ID NO 20, and the use of such polypeptide for the manufacture of a vaccine.

Abstract: Provided is a P4 peptide, which contains functional epitopes of the PsaA protein of Streptococcus pneumoniae, and related methods and compositions. A peptide that comprises the amino acid sequence defined in SEQ ID NO:1 (an example of the P4 peptide) is provided. Also provided is a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence defined as VPSLFVDSSVDDRPMKTVSQDTNIPIYAQIFTDS (SEQ ID NO:2). P4 peptide mimetics having a conformational structure identical or similar to the conformation of P4 (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO:2) are provided. An antibody that specifically binds to the epitope defined by the disclosed peptides is provided. For example, the antibody can specifically bind to a peptide comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 and having the conformation defined by the peptide consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1. An antibody that specifically binds to a peptide comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 and having the conformation defined by the peptide consisting of SEQ ID NO:2 is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the early diagnosis of cancer in a subject, which is based on determination of the relative fraction of microorganisms derived from the feces of the subject, as compared to the total count of microorganisms in the same of corresponding sample. This relation has been found to be indicative of the presence or absence of cancer in said subject. After isolating at least one of the microorganisms from the fecal sample to form a so-called diagnostic sample, and incubating, for a sufficient time, the diagnostic sample with cancer cells. The microorganism being in an amount corresponding to its relative fraction in the original fecal sample, the cancerolytic activity of the microorganism/s is indicative to the presence or absence of cancer cells in the subject. The cancerolytic activity is expressed by terms of a tumor cell necrosis index (TCNI).

Abstract: Protein antigens from Streptococcus pneumoniae are disclosed, together with nucleic acid sequences encoding them. Their use in vaccines and in screening methods is also described.

Abstract: Group B Streptococcus polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding them are disclosed. Said polypeptides may be useful for the prophylaxis, diagnostic and/or therapy of streptococcal infection in mammals. Also disclosed are recombinant methods of producing the polypeptide antigens as well as diagnostic assays for detecting streptococcal infections, particularly GBS.

Abstract: Protein antigens from Streptococcus pneumoniae are disclosed, together with nucleic acid sequences encoding them. Their use in vaccines and in screening methods is also described.

Abstract: Method of diagnosing and/or prognosticating HIV infection in a subject comprising the steps of: (a) performing in vitro a measurement of the level of a marker in the form of (i) urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), (ii) soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), (iii) urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), (iv) one or more degradation products of (i), (ii) or (iii), and/or (v) an mRNA for (i), (ii) or (iii), in a biological fluid sample from a subject, and (b) using the measurement value obtained to evaluate the state of the subject.

Abstract: In an immunoassay method using an antibody sensitization particle, the occurrence of false positives is prevented. The immunoassay method of the present invention is an immunoassay method for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a specimen by mixing an antibody sensitization particle obtained by sensitizing a particle with an antibody that reacts with the analyte in the specimen with the specimen, and measuring agglutination of the antibody sensitization particle by an antigen-antibody reaction, and the method includes pre-treating the specimen by using a cation exchange material in advance of the mixing step. As the cation exchange material, for example, a cation exchange material having a sulfonic acid group or a carboxyl group as a functional group can be used, and a form thereof is not limited particularly, and may be, for example, a cation exchange filter, a cation exchange column or the like.

Abstract: An antimicrobial peptide produced by Bacillus subtilis 168 was isolated and characterized and named sublancin 168. The invention includes DNA encoding for the sublancin 168 peptides and peptides which are at least 80% identical to the sublancin 168 peptide. The peptides may be administered as anti-bacterials, or may be used in food preservation. The peptides may also be co-administered with other lantibiotics (such as nisin and subtilin), or with known antibiotics.

Abstract: A reagent for the detection of an extracellular enzymatically active protein produced by a beta-hemolytic streptococcus bacteria found in a host biological fluid includes a proteinaceous substrate or a cholesterol-containing membrane substrate for the extracellular protein. The substrate is nonspecific within the groups of beta-hemolytic streptococcus bacterium and is in contact with an inert solid matrix. Upon reaction between the streptococcus enzymatically activate protein and the substrate, a color change discernable by an unaided human eye results. Extracellular streptococcus protein found in saliva represents a less invasive source of biological fluid for the determination as to whether a host suffers acute pharyngitis.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for producing nucleic acid fragment libraries that express highly diverse peptides or protein domains and, in particular, methods for producing nucleic acid fragment libraries wherein the nucleic acid fragments of the libraries are derived from two or more diverse characterized genomes.

Abstract: The recombinant production of Gap4, a chimeric GapC plasmin binding protein comprising the entire amino acid sequence of the Streptococcus dysgalactiae GapC protein in addition to unique amino acid sequences from the Streptococcus parauberis and Streptococcus agalactiae GapC proteins, is described. Also described is the use of Gap4 chimeric GapC protein in vaccine compositions to prevent or treat streptococcal infections in general and mastitis in particular.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a layer of receptive material disposed thereon. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and deactivated areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a receptive material layer of radiation-absorbing member (RAM)-tagged biomolecules disposed thereon. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and deactivated areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process wherein areas are exposed through a mask with a light source to induce deactivation.

Abstract: In a pretreatment instrument and a pretreatment method of saliva, used for identification and quantitation of Streptococcus mutans in saliva by the immunochromatographic method utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction, the instrument includes a swab and a mixing container for saliva and a treatment liquid, the swab having a stick and a soft synthetic resin-made sponge capable of absorbing a predetermined amount or more of saliva, and the mixing container being made of a transparent or translucent soft synthetic resin and comprising a bag-like portion formed integrally with and continuously to a constricted portion as the end of a tapering introduction portion having an opening thoroughly larger than the sponge, wherein the constricted portion and the bag-like portion have elasticity such that the sponge can be squashed by a finger pressure in a state that the sponge is inserted therein; the constricted portion has a width such that a pressure can be applied by fingers and has a shape such that when the sponge i

Abstract: A vaccine composition is disclosed that comprises polypeptides and fragments of polypeptides containing histidine triad residues or coiled-coil regions, some of which polypeptides or fragments lie between 80 and 680 residues in length. Also disclosed are processes for preventing infection caused by S. pneumoniae comprising administering of vaccine compositions.

Abstract: An enhanced diffraction based biosensor system and method are provided for detecting an analyte of interest in a test medium. The system incorporates at least one additional detection tag substance with the analyte of interest, the tag emitting a measurable parameter that is different from optical diffraction characteristics of the analyte. The biosensor may be a “fluoroptical” system wherein the detection tag is a fluorescence emitting substance, including fluorescent-labeled diffraction enhancing elements. The enhanced diffraction biosensor system may determine the presence of analytes in biological fluids both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for extracting markers from biological samples, and to systems, devices, kits and reagents for use in such methods. The invention is also to methods, kits, reagents and compositions for measuring a plurality of different organism types in a sample. One of the specific advantages of the present invention is the ability to simultaneously extract more than one microorganism or viral particle marker in one volume from a single sample containing a complex biological matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel vaccines for the prevention or attenuation of infection by Streptococcus pneunoniae. The invention further relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding antigenic polypeptides of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Antigenic polypeptides are also provided, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention additionally relates to diagnostic methods for detecting Streptococcus nucleic acids, polypeptides and antibodies in a biological sample.

Abstract: A method to determine the presence or absence of Streptococcus Group A antigen in a sample, comprising the following steps: extracting the antigen from the sample in an assay chamber with two or less extraction reagents, wherein the two reagents may be added to the assay chamber in no particular sequence; introducing a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay device into the extraction reagents containing the extracted antigen without further addition of reagents or manipulation of the sample; forming an antigen-indicator labeling reagent complex; and determining the presence or absence of the antigen in the sample by the presence or absence of a signal formed by the binding of the antigen-indicator labeling reagent complex to an indicator capture reagent specific for said antigen-indicator labeling reagent complex.

Abstract: A kit and method of predicting a refractory response in a subject diagnosed as having periodontal disease by measuring serum concentrations of actinomyces antibodies, streptococcal antibodies and lysine decarboxylase antibodies and using the measurement along with other subject information in a set of derived equations.

Abstract: The CAMP factor gene of Streptococcus uberis (S. uberis) is described, as well as the recombinant production of CAMP factor therefrom. Also disclosed are chimeric CAMP factor constructs, including CAMP factor epitopes from more than one bacterial species. The CAMP factors and chimeras including the same can be used in immunogenic compositions for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to polynucleotides derived from staphylococcal genes encoding resistance to streptogramin A or to streptogramin B and chemically related compounds. This invention also relates to the use of the polynucleotides as oligonucleotide primers or probes for detecting Staphylococcal strains that are resistant to streptogramin A or to streptogramin B and related compounds in a biological sample. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to the full length coding sequences of the staphylococcal genes encoding for resistance to streptogramin A or to streptogramin B from Staphylococcus and to the polypeptide expressed by these full length coding sequences. Further, this invention relates to the use of the expressed polypeptides to produce specific monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies that serve as detection means in order to characterize any staphylococcal strain carrying genes encoding resistance to streptogramin A or to streptogramin B.

Abstract: The CAMP factor gene of Streptococcus uberis (S. uberis) is described, as well as the recombinant production of CAMP factor therefrom. CAMP factors can be used in vaccine compositions for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that separation of components of a sample facilitate, and are often necessary for, sample analysis. Dielectrophoretic separation provides an efficient, reliable, nondisruptive, and automatable method for the separation of moieties in a sample based on their dielectric properties. The present invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing the dielectrophoretic separation of one or more moieties in a sample. A first aspect of the present invention is a solution that when mixed with a sample, modifies at least one dielectric property of one or more components of the sample and has a conductivity such that one or more moieties of the sample can be separated using dielectrophoresis. Such solutions can be used in the analysis of samples on chips, and can be used in methods that use binding partners, including microparticles that can be translocated by dielectrophoretic forces, traveling-wave dielectrophoretic forces or magnetic forces.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence of food allergy or food intolerance and their cross-reactive tissue antigens is disclosed. The method includes determining a level of antibodies against a dietary antigen in a mucosal sample from the patient and comparing the level with normal levels of the antibodies. Dietary antigens that were tested include milk and milk products; eggs and egg products; meat and meat products; fish, mollusks, and crustaceans and their products; oils, fats, and their products; grains and grain products; pulses, seed, kernels, nuts, and their products; vegetable and vegetable products; fruit and fruit products; sugar, sugar product, chocolate products, and confectionary; and spices.

Abstract: This invention is directed to mutant SPE-C toxins or fragments thereof, vaccine and pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using the vaccine and pharmaceutical compositions. The preferred SPE-C toxin has at least one amino acid change and is substantially non-lethal compared with the wild type SPE-C toxin. The mutant SPE-C toxins can form vaccine compositions useful to protect animals against the biological activities of wild type SPE-C toxin.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for obtaining a C-polysaccharide cell wall antigen containing not more than about 10% protein from Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The antigen thus obtained is conjugated to a spacer molecule, and the free end of the latter is then conjugated to a chromatographic affinity column. The column is then utilized to purify raw antibodies to S. pneumonia bacteria, thereby producing antigen-specific antibodies. A portion of such antibodies is conjugated to a labeling agent which displays a visible color change upon reaction of the antibodies with their antigenic binding partner and embedded in a first zone of an immunochromatographic assay device. Another portion of such antibodies is bound to the reaction zone of the device which has a view window.

Abstract: Methods and compositions comprising immunoassays for the detection of functional antibodies and the analysis of vaccine efficacy are described. In particular, the present invention provides opsonophagocytic assays. The assays are useful for the rapid and simultaneous detection of multiple different functional antibodies. In preferred embodiments, the assays include fluorescent labels of multiple colors and/or intensities.

Abstract: This invention is directed to mutant SPE-C toxins or fragments thereof, vaccine and pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using the vaccine and pharmaceutical compositions. The preferred SPE-C toxin has at least one amino acid change and is substantially non-lethal compared with the wild type SPE-C toxin. The mutant SPE-C toxins can form vaccine compositions useful to protect animals against the biological activities of wild type SPE-C toxin.

Abstract: A majority of E. faecalis and E. faecium clinical isolates fall into two groups and three groups, respectively. Distinct antigens are associate with each of the five groups. The Enterococcus antigens are readily obtained from strains of E. faecalis and E. faecium, and can elicit production of protective antibodies. Accordingly, the antigens are useful for vaccines which protect against infection by clinically significant (pathogenic) Enterococcus isolates. The antigens and antibodies generated to the antigens are also useful in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and an immuno-analytical device for the rapid and simultaneous detection of multiple micro-organisms in the biological fluids from milk-producing animals suffering from mastitis. This method is based on a lateral flow immuno-assay technique performed to detect antigens specific for multiple infectious agents which are known to cause and/or be encountered in cases of mastitis. Mastitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the udders of milk-producing animals as a result of microbial infections.

Abstract: A method for determining a cause for digestive and immune disorders is disclosed. The method determines the levels of antibodies against normal intestinal microflora and food antigens. It then compares the results to normal levels to determine the cause. The test can be used to diagnose food allergy or intolerance, microflora imbalance, gut barrier dysfunction, bacterial translocation, immunodeficiencies, candidiasis and autoimmunities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved immunoassay device for confirming the validity of a test result showing either the presence or absence of an analyte in a patient sample. In the improved device, control reagents are provided in the device which directly mimic the reaction of the sample analyte with the test reagents of the device. The device thus allows the user to verify the efficacy of the test reagents at all stages of interaction with the sample analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for diagnosing and/or quantifying antibodies present in a biological fluid from a patient and which are specific for a reaction associated with an infection with a microorganism, specific for an autoimmune reaction or specific for an allergy. This device includes as a standard a biological sample selected from a pool of blood plasmas from more than 200 healthy patients.

Abstract: The gene for Streptococcus pyogenes DNase B has been cloned and vectors incorporating the cloned DNA have been used to transform Escherichia coli, allowing efficient and rapid production of the DNase in E. coli without the necessity of growing large quantities of S. pyogenes. The enzyme can be produced with a leader peptide at its amino terminus. An improved method for the purification of naturally occurring S. pyogenes DNase B enzyme is also provided. The DNase B enzyme produced, either by purification of naturally occurring enzyme or by recombinant DNA techniques, can be used to generate antibodies and can also be used in immunochemical assays to detect the presence of anti-DNase B antibodies in serum as a marker of infection by S. pyogenes.

Abstract: A magnetic focusing immunosensor for the detection of pathogens comprising a laser, an exciting fiber and a collecting fiber, a fiber optic magnetic probe in communication with the collecting and exciting fibers and means for detecting, collecting and measuring fluorescent signals in communication with the collecting fiber. The probe and the collecting and exciting fibers are configured to focus paramagnetic microspheres attached to antigen/antibody/optically labeled complexes in a predetermined pattern in the field of view of the collecting fiber while blocking background interference.

Abstract: PspAs, portions thereof, DNA therefor, and immunological compositions, primers and probes based thereon are disclosed claimed.

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.