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: Disclosed is a gene, termed “S-yneS,” found in Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is essential for survival for a wide range of bacteria. This gene and the S-yneS polypeptide that it encodes, as well as homologs and orthologs thereof (collectively referred to as “yneS” genes and polypeptides) can be used to identify antibacterial agents for treating a broad spectrum of bacterial infections.

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: The present invention provides an inexpensive and sensitive system and method for detecting analytes present in a medium. The system comprises a diffraction enhancing element, such as functionalized microspheres, which are modified such that they are capable of binding with a target analyte. Additionally, the system comprises a polymer film, which may include a metal coating, upon which is printed a specific, predetermined pattern of a analyte-specific receptors. Finally, the system includes a wicking agent which permits the system to be a single step system which avoids the necessity of any additional rinsing steps. Upon attachment of a target analyte to select areas of the polymer film, either directly or with the diffraction enhancing element, diffraction of transmitted and/or reflected light occurs via the physical dimensions and defined, precise placement of the analyte. A diffraction image, such as a hologram, is produced which can be easily seen with the eye or, optionally, with a sensing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel vaccines for the prevention or attenuation of infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae. 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: Novel vaccines for use against &bgr;-hemolytic Streptococcus colonization or infection are disclosed. The vaccines contain an immunogenic amount of a variant of strepococcal C5a peptidase (SCP). Also disclosed is a method of protecting a susceptible mammal against &bgr;-hemolytic Streptococcus colonization or infection by administering such a vaccine. Enzymatically inactive SCP, and polynucleotides encoding these SCP proteins are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel antibiotic peptides, including naturally occurring peptides. The present invention also includes the nucleic acid sequences encoding such peptides and the corresponding amino acid sequences. Methods of identifying, making, and using the antibiotic peptides are also disclosed. The present invention further provides novel proteins involved in the regulation of bacterial autolysis.

Abstract: The present invention features gram-positive bacteria resistant to 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR). Such bacteria will preferably be commensal, and will not be resistant to antibiotics. Bacteria according to the present invention may also be transformed with DNA encoding an antigenic protein. Such transformed bacteria may be used to formulate a vaccine, in order to stimulate an immune response to the antigenic protein in a patient. The present invention further provides a method for isolating gram-positive bacteria resistant to FUdR.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing Crohn's disease is described. The method assays for the presence of an immune response to S. mutans antigens in a sample from a patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay device with an increased range of sensitivity without an increase in the clearance time or the occurrence of false positive results. The indicator reagent for the analyte is located in both a separate labeling reagent region and a discrete zone of the analyte detection region.