Abstract: Chlamydia pneumoniae polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding them are disclosed. Said polypeptides are antigenic and therefore useful components for the prophylaxis, diagnosis or therapy of Chlamydial infection in animals. Also disclosed are recombinant methods of producing the protein antigens as well as diagnostic assays for detecting Chlamydia bacterial infection, particularly C. pneumoniae.

Abstract: A method and agent for antibodies against Treponema pallidum are provided. The method involves gene-amplifying and cloning a selection of recombinant antigens. The selection of recombinant antigens consists of 17 kD antigen, 47 kD antigen and TmpA. The antigens are expressed in host vector systems, followed by purification. The purified antigens are then bound to a solid phase individually or in combination, and subjected to a reaction with a clinical specimen. The antibodies bound from the clinical specimen by means of an antigen/antibody reaction are determined by means of a detection system wherein the selection of the recombinant antigens for detecting antibodies to Treponema pallidum consists of 17 kD antigen, 47 kD antigen and TmpA.

Abstract: A microbe-specific medium for detection of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci in a test sample within 24 hours and preferably within 18 hours. The testing medium provides a selective growth medium for vancomycin-resistant Enterococci and includes specific nutrient indicators which only the target microbe can significantly metabolize and use for growth. The nutrient indicator contain a nutrient moiety and a detectable moiety linked together by a covalent bond. The nutrient indicators produce detectable signals only if the nutrient indicators are hydrolyzed by the Enterococci specific enzymes including &bgr;-glucosidase and pyrrolidonyl arylamidase.

Abstract: A microbe-specific medium for detection of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci in a test sample within 24 hours and preferably within 18 hours. The testing medium provides a selective growth medium for vancomycin-resistant Enterococci and includes specific nutrient indicators which only the target microbe can significantly metabolize and use for growth. The nutrient indicator contain a nutrient moiety and a detectable moiety linked together by a covalent bond. The nutrient indicators produce detectable signals only if the nutrient indicators are hydrolyzed by the Enterococci specific enzymes including &bgr;-glucosidase and pyrrolidonyl arylamidase.

Abstract: A liposome or microsphere containing guaiac or other reagent is used in an immunoassay to detect an antigen or antibody. The guaiac or other reagent reacts with hemoglobin or other blood constituent to produce color indicating a positive result.

Abstract: The present invention features the use of PorB polypeptide as a therapeutic agent. In specific embodiment the invention features a chlamydial vaccine based on a PorB polypeptide, as well as methods for induction of a protective immune response against infection by Chlamydia and Chlamydiophila. The invention further features methods for identifying agents that offset PorB function (e.g., in transport of &agr;-ketoglutarate and which are effective as anti-chlamydial chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: A slide having a portion thereof provided with transparent adhesive which adheres to a test sample. The slide and adhesive may be transparent. Specific types of infection and particularly fungal infections can be detected in the test sample using immunotest-methods. In a special embodiment the adhesive slide is fashioned with a peripheral lip or well to contain a test sample and a reagent.

Abstract: The invention provides cysS polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding cysS polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing cysS polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: Methods for determining the susceptibility of intracellular pathogens, particularly Chlamydia, to single or combination of test agents are described. The methods can be used for in vitro or in vivo evaluation of agents that can be used as therapeutic agents in the treatment/eradication of pathogen infection in general or to target a specific infected organ. Assays which utilize nucleic amplification techniques (e.g., PCR) to determine effectiveness of the agent(s) evaluated are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides ratA polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding ratA polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing ratA polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.