Abstract: The present invention is directed to reagents useful for generating immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for diagnosing infection and disease in a subject that has been exposed to M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reagents useful for generating immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for diagnosing infection and disease in a subject that has been exposed to M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: This invention relates to the protein, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis acylase (mpa) and the gene encoding mpa, which we have identified in the pathogen Mycobacterium paratuberculosis Mptb (also designated Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis MAP), and to their use in the diagnosis of Mptb/MAP infections in animals and humans, as well as their use as components of vaccines for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by Mptb/MAP. The importance of an intact uninterrupted mpa gene as a determinant of pathogenicity in Mptb/MAP is recognized and the invention also provides attenuated strains of normally pathogenic Mptb/MAP and other mycobacteria in which mpa has been inactivated, for use as vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reagents useful for generating immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for diagnosing infection and disease in a subject that has been exposed to M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides encoded by open reading frames present in the genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis but absent from the genome of BCG and diagnostic and prophylactic methodologies using these polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides encoded by open reading frames present in the genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis but absent from the genome of BCG and diagnostic and prophylactic methodologies using these polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides mycobacterium tuberculosis polypeptides and genes encoding them for use in diagnostic and prophylactic methodologies.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides encoded by open reading frames present in the genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis but absent from the genome of BCG and diagnostic and prophylactic methodologies using these polypeptides.

Abstract: A process for producing a 2-alkylcysteinamide, which comprises hydrolysis of a 4-alkylthiazolidine-4-carboxamide represented by the general formula (2) or a salt thereof: wherein R represents a lower alkyl group having 1–4 carbon atoms; and each of R1 and R2 independently represents hydrogen or a lower alkyl group having 1–4 carbon atoms, or R1 and R2 are linked together to form an alicyclic, structure having 4–7 carbon atoms, excluding the case where both R1 and R2 are hydrogen, to give a 2-alkylcysteinamide represented by the general formula (1) or a salt thereof wherein R represents a lower alkyl group having 1–4 carbon atoms. Cells of a microorganism or treated products thereof having activity of stereoselective hydrolysis of a 2-alkyl-L-cysteinamide are allowed to act on the compound represented by the general formula (1) to yield a 2-alkyl-L-cysteine.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of aqueous effluents containing at least one of the following ethers is described: ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) and/or methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and/or tert-amyl methyl ether (TAME) in order to reduce the concentration of these ethers. A bacterium Gordonia terrae CIP I-2194 is innoculated under aerobic conditions. In particular, a bacterium Burkholderia cepacia CIP I-2052 or a bacterium Alcaligenes sp. CIP I-2561 or a bacterium Mycobacterium sp. CIP I-2562 is added in the presence of a growth substrate and, optionally, of a cobalt salt, and the ether contained in the effluents is degraded by the bacteria thus innoculated until its mineralization. The process is useable in the ether-contaminated water treatment industry.

Abstract: The invention relates to Mycobacterium tuberculosis superoxide dismutase antibodies, methods of using them for detection of M. tuberculosis, methods of testing for an inhibitor of an M. tuberculosis superoxide dismutase, and methods of detecting tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: Recombinant nucleic acid molecules are described. The molecules have a sequence or sequences encoding at least two M. tuberculosis antigens. Vectors and compositions containing these molecules are also described. In addition, compositions containing a cocktail of recombinant nucleic acid molecules having a sequence or sequences encoding one or more M. tuberculosis antigens are described. Methods of eliciting an immune response using these molecules and compositions are also described.

Abstract: The methods of the invention can be used to treat mycobacterial infections, or any disease or disorder that is caused by (or aggravated by) an intracellular pathogen. Accordingly, the invention features methods for treating a subject who has a disorder that is associated with an intracellular pathogen by administering, to a subject, a molecular conjugate that includes a photosensitizer (a term used herein to refer to a light activatable compound) and a targeting moiety, the targeting moiety being capable of targeting the conjugate to the intracellular pathogen.

Abstract: Antigenic and/or immunogenic material derived from Mycobacterium vaccae is used to down-regulate Th2 activity of the immune system without up-regulation of Th1 activity. Disorders such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Gulf War Syndrome and Total Allergy Syndrome are treated. The material preferably comprises dead M. vaccae cells in a composition which does not include a non-M. vaccae antigen, immunogen or allergen.

Abstract: A process for treatment of aqueous effluents, for example, an aquifer, that contains at least methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) or methyl-tert-amyl ether (TAME) so as to reduce the concentration of said ether is described, characterized in that a Mycobacterium austroafricanum I-2562 bacterium is grown under aerobic conditions in the presence of a growth substrate that contains said ether, and said ether is degraded by said bacterium down to the final degradation products, carbon dioxide and water. The results are improved in the presence of yeast extract.

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification, cloning, sequencing and characterization of the iniB, iniA and iniC genes of mycobacteria which are induced by a broad class of antibiotics that act by inhibiting cell wall biosynthesis, including the first line antituberculosis agents, isoniazid and ethambutol. The present invention provides purified and isolated iniB, iniA, iniC and iniB promoter nucleic acids which may comprise the iniBAC operon, as well as mutated forms of these nucleic acids. The present invention also provides one or more single-stranded nucleic acid probes which specifically hybridize to the iniB, iniA, iniC and iniB promoter nucleic acids, and mixtures thereof, which may be formulated in kits, and used in the diagnosis of drug-resistant mycobacterial strain. The present invention also provides methods for the screening and identification of drugs effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis using induction of the iniB promoter.

Abstract: A mutated mycobacterium selected from the class consisting of mutated M. bovis-BCG, mutated M. tuberculosis, and mutated M. leprae. The mutation of M. bovis-BCG, M. tuberculosis, or M. leprae is preferably effected through an insertional mutation of a mycobacterial gene. The insertional mutagenesis may be effected, for example, through illegitimate recombination or by a mycobacterial transposon. Such mutated mycobacteria may then be transformed with an expression vector(s) containing a complement gene to the gene which is mutated, and preferably also including a heterologous gene.

Abstract: Media for growth enhancement and resuscitation of mycobacteria (such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, and Mycobacterium leprae) are provided. The media comprise isolated cell extract, early-stationary-phase or stationary phase supernatant, or a substantially purified component thereof such as a protein, a peptide fragment of the protein, or a phospholipid. The protein is Rv1147c and the phospholipid or a component of a phospholipid. Diagnostic methods and kits utilizing the media are also provided, as well as treatment methods utilizing spent culture supernatant and cell extracts, or components thereof.

Abstract: A rapid, non-invasive, semi-quantitative immunoassay of saliva has been developed to aid in the diagnosis of diseases, e.g., using saliva to detect subjects actively or previously infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a causative organism of tuberculosis. The semi-quantitative assay comprises spotting disease-related antigens on the surface of a solid substrate; contacting the solid substrate with a saliva sample which, in positive subjects, contains primary antibodies to the disease-related antigens; contacting the primary antibodies with a label capable of being detected; and detecting and reading the label whereby exposure to the antigens is determined. The device for conducting these assays is a frame or support which holds a solid substrate capable of immobilizing the antigens of interest while permitting drainage of other materials or fluids away from the immobilized antigens.

Abstract: Two genes for proteins of M. tuberculosis have been sequenced. The DNAs and their encoded polypeptides can be used for immunoassays and vaccines. Cocktails of at least three purified recombinant antigens, and cocktails of at least three DNAs encoding them can be used for improved assays and vaccines for bacterial pathogens and parasites.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of preventing or reducing the severity of asthma or the risk of development of same in an individual. The method relies on administration to the airways of the individual of an immunologically effective dose of a mycobacterium based vaccine. The mycobacteria are effective in inducing a Thl type immune response in the individual.

Abstract: A mutated mycobacterium selected from the class consisting of mutated M.bovis-BCG, mutated M.tuberculosis, and mutated M. leprae. The mutation of M.bovis-BCG, M.tuberculosis, or M. leprae is preferably effected through an insertional mutation of a mycobacterial gene. The insertional mutagenesis may be effected, for example, through illegitimate recombination or by a mycobacterial transposon. Such mutated mycobacteria may then be transformed with an expression vector(s) containing a complement gene to the gene which is mutated, and preferably also including a heterologous gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to the nucleic acid sequence and amino acid sequence of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) from mycobacteria and to expression of recombinant DHFR protein. Utilizing the recombinant protein, novel therapies and diagnostic strategies can be developed and selective antimycobacterial compositions can be designed and utilized to treat mycobacterial infections in patients. This invention includes all or portions of novel recombinant nucleic acids encoding DHFR for mycobacteria such as M. avium, to novel recombinant DHFR peptides produced by such sequences, and to vaccines, diagnostic kits, cells and therapies utilizing these peptides and nucleic acid sequences. The present invention relates to methods for using the sequences of the present invention to develop drugs specific to M. avium and other mycobacteria, to identify and sequence corresponding sequences in species other than M. avium, as well as diagnostic and treatment methods incorporating the disclosed sequences and peptides.

Abstract: A process for treatment of aqueous effluents that contain at least methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) or methyl-tert-amyl ether (TAME) so as to reduce the concentration of said ether is described, characterized in that a Mycobacterium austroafricanum I-2562 bacterium is grown under aerobic conditions in the presence of a growth substrate that contains said ether, and said ether is degraded by said bacterium down to the final degradation products, carbon dioxide and water. The results are improved in the presence of yeast extract.

Abstract: The invention features fusion agents such as fusion proteins that are useful for the treatment of and prevention from diseases that are susceptible to the effects of cellular (Th1 type) immune responses. Also encompassed by the invention are nucleic acids encoding the fusion proteins of the invention, vectors containing the nucleic acids, and cells containing the vectors. The invention includes methods of making and using the fusion agents of the invention.

Abstract: A method for degrading an undesirable ether-based environmental contaminant by contacting the ether with a hydrogen-oxidizing microorganism to convert the ether to innocuous compounds which are environmentally acceptable, including treating the ether-based contaminants in situ or removing them from the contaminated site for treatment in a bioreactor, examples of the ether-based contaminants being tertiary butyl ethers of the type utilized as gasoline oxygenates, for example, methyl tert-butyl ether, ethyl tert-butyl ether, and methyl tert-amyl ether, and also ether solvents, for example, tetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: The invention relates to Mycobacterium tuberculosis superoxide dismutase antibodies, methods of using them for detection of M. tuberculosis, methods of testing for an inhibitor of an M. tuberculosis superoxide dismutase, and methods of detecting tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for detection of bacteria based on recognition and infection of one or more selected strains of bacteria with bacteriophage genetically modified to cause production of an inducer molecule in the bacterium following phage infection. The inducer molecule is released from the infected bacterium and is detected by genetically modified bacterial bioreporter cells designed to emit bioluminescence upon stimulation by the inducer. Autoamplification of the bioluminescent signal permits detection of low levels of bacteria without sample enrichment. Also disclosed are methods of detection for select bacteria, and kits for detection of select bacteria based on the described technology.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polynucleotide carrying an open reading frame coding for an antigenic polypeptide from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, named lhp, which is placed under the control of its own regulation signals which are functional in mycobacteria, specially in mycobacteria belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and also in fast growing mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium smegmatis. The invention is also directed to the polypeptide LHP encoded by lhp and most preferably to suitable antigenic portions of LHP as well as to oligomeric polypeptides containing more than one unit of LHP or an antigenic portion of LHP. The invention concerns also immunogenic and vaccine compositions containing a polypeptide or an oligomeric polypeptide such as defined above, as well as antibodies directed specifically against such polypeptides that are useful as diagnostic reagents.

Abstract: Antigenic and/or immunoregulatory material derived from Mycobacterium vaccae is useful in the prophylaxis or therapy of AIDS with or without associated tuberculosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic portion of a M. vaccae soluble protein and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides, together with methods for their use in the diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial infection. Methods for enhancing the immune response to an antigen including administration of M. vaccae culture filtrate or delipidated M. vaccae cells are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for monitoring the degradation of methyl tert-butyl ether in a contaminated media which contains methyl tert-butyl ether and/or which is treated under conditions which cause the degradation of methyl tert-butyl ether into 2-hydroxy isobutyric acid comprising: (A) evaluating the treated contaminated media to determine the absence or presence therein of 2-hydroxy isobutyric acid; (B) based on such evaluation, determining whether the conditions should be modified; and (C) modifying such conditions as may be necessary. Disclosed also is a method for degrading an ether comprising contacting the ether with a microorganism that is effective in oxidizing propane or isopropanol and 2-hydroxy-isobutyric acid.

Abstract: A composition and method for detecting Crohn's disease include the use of serological testing as a rapid and simple way to diagnose Crohn's disease. The serological tests were based on the use of the two recombinant clones isolated from an M. paratuberculosis genomic library that expressed 35K and 36K MW antigens. Antigen p35 was isolated from Johne's disease sera (acid-fast bacilli form) and p36, from human CD sera (spheroplast form). The combined use of p35 and p36 recombinant antigens provides a highly specific and sensitive test to demonstrate the humoral immune response of CD patients to M. paratuberculosis. A serologic kit is disclosed including the composition including the combined p35 and p36 antigens. A treatment methodology utilizes antimycobacterial drugs, preferably upon patients prescreened for the presence of M para.

Abstract: A process for biodegradation of a xenobiotic. A process for biodegradation of a xenobiotic comprising the steps of: contacting an organic phase comprising the xenobiotic and at least one substantially water-immiscible organic solvent with an aqueous phase comprising water and a microorganism capable of metabolizing the xenobiotic; partitioning a portion of the xenobiotic from the organic phase to the aqueous phase such that the concentration of the xenobiotic in the aqueous phase is substantially non-toxic to the microorganism; and causing the microorganism to metabolize the xenobiotic in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic portion of a M. vaccae soluble protein and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides, together with methods for their use in the diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial infection. Methods for enhancing the immune response to an antigen including administration of M. vaccae culture filtrate or delipidated M. vaccae cells are also provided.

Abstract: A carbohydrate complex, which is a mixture of low molecular-weight polysaccharides of an arabinomannan structure extracted from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is highly effective in treating various cancer patients without incurring any adverse side effects.

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification, cloning, sequencing and characterization of the iniB, iniA and iniC genes of mycobacteria which are induced by a broad class of antibiotics that act by inhibiting cell wall biosynthesis, including the first line antituberculosis agents, isoniazid and ethambutol. The present invention provides purified and isolated iniB, iniA, iniC and iniB promoter nucleic acids which may comprise the iniBAC operon, as well as mutated forms of these nucleic acids. The present invention also provides one or more single-stranded nucleic acid probes which specifically hybridize to the iniB, iniA, iniC and iniB promoter nucleic acids, and mixtures thereof, which may be formulated in kits, and used in the diagnosis of drug-resistant mycobacterial strain. The present invention also provides methods for the screening and identification of drugs effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis using induction of the iniB promoter.

Abstract: A process for treating aqueous effluents that contain at least one ether, preferably ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) and/or methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and/or tert-amylmethylether (TAME) to reduce the concentration of said ether is described, characterized in that in the presence of a growth substrate, at least one bacterium that is selected from the group that is formed by Gordona terrae CIP I-1889 and Rhodococcus equi CIP I-2053 is grown in aerobic conditions, and the ether that is contained in the effluents is degraded in the presence of the substrate by the biomass of the bacteria that are thus produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to the nucleic acid sequence and amino acid sequence of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) from mycobacteria and to expression of recombinant DHFR protein. Utilizing the recombinant protein, novel therapies and diagnostic strategies can be developed and selective antimycobacterial compositions can be designed and utilized to treat mycobacterial infections in patients. This invention includes all or portions of novel recombinant nucleic acids encoding DHFR for mycobacteria such as M. avium, to novel recombinant DHFR peptides produced by such sequences, and to vaccines, diagnostic kits, cells and therapies utilizing these peptides and nucleic acid sequences. The present invention relates to methods for using the sequences of the present invention to develop drugs specific to M. avium and other mycobacteria, to identify and sequence corresponding sequences in species other than M. avium, as well as diagnostic and treatment methods incorporating the disclosed sequences and peptides.

Abstract: A hormone or growth factor mimetic second messenger is derived from a microorganism of the genus Mycobacterium, suitably M. vaccae. The mimetic second messenger may mimic the action of insulin, ACTH, NGF, EGF, FGF, TGF.beta. or HGF. Further, methods of treating type I or type II diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovary syndrome, central nervous system damage, hepatic damage, alcohol abuse, drug sensitivity, tissue damage, adrenal atrophy, etc., are also disclosed. The methods are carried out by administering the mimetic second messenger to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: A process for treating aqueous effluents that contain ethyl-tert-butyl ether (ETBE) to reduce the ETBE concentration is described, characterized in that in the presence of effluents, at least one bacterium that is selected from the group that is formed by Gordona terrae CIP I-1889 and Rhodococcus equi CIP I-2053 and in the presence of at least one bacterium that is selected from the group that is formed by Pseudomonas cepacia CIP 1-2052, Arthrobacter globiformis ATCC 53596, Bacillus coagulans ATCC 53595, Pseudomonas stutzerii ATCC 53602 and Mycobacterium vaccae JOB5 are grown to degrade essentially all of the ETBE. The concentration of ETBE in the effluent is equal to at most 1500 mg/L. Application for the water treatment industry.

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification, cloning, sequencing and characterization of the embCAB operon which determines mycobacterial resistance to the antimycobacterial drug ethambutol. The embCAB operon encodes the proteins which are the target of action of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium smegmatis, and Mycobacterium leprae for ethambutol. The present invention provides purified and isolated embC, embA, and embB nucleic acids which comprise the embCAB operon, as well as mutated forms of these nucleic acids. The present invention also provides one or more single-stranded nucleic acid probes which specifically hybridize to the wild type embCAB operon or the mutated embCAB operon, and mixtures thereof, which may be formulated in kits, and used in the diagnosis of drug-resistant mycobacterial strain. The present invention also provides methods for the treatment and prevention of mycobacterial infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA molecule conferring on Mycobacterium tuberculosis an ability to enter mammalian cells and to survive within macrophages. The protein encoded by this gene fragment is useful in vaccines to prevent infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while the antibodies raised against this protein can be employed in passively immunizing those already infected by the organism. Both these proteins and antibodies may be utilized in diagnostic assays to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis in tissue or bodily fluids. The protein of the present invention can be associated with various other therapeutic materials, for administration to mammals, particularly humans, to achieve uptake of those materials by such cells.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of Mycobacteria from any liquid, semi solid or exotic source is described. The extracted Mycobacterial sample is suitable for detection by culture and amplification.

Abstract: Exochelins can be used to prevent damage to organs for transplant from the formation or presence of the .circle-solid.OH radical. In particular, the invention is directed to the administration of exochelins to the organ prior to or coincidental with removal from a donor, storage, implantation in a recipient or in conjunction with reestablishment of flow of body fluids to the organ.

Abstract: The method of the invention involves providing a first receptacle and a second receptacle. The first receptacle contains a sterile aqueous broth and the second receptacle contains an aqueous broth including a carbon source. The method then includes placing into the first receptacle a first support surface having a paraffin wax coating thereon and placing into the second receptacle a second support surface having a hydrophobic material coating thereon. A body specimen, such as sputum, is then introduced into each of the first and second receptacles. The presence of a nonparaffinophilic hydrophobic microorganism in the body specimen is determined by observing (i) a lack of microorganism growth on the paraffin coated material of the first support surface and (ii) a presence of microorganism growth on the hydrophobic material coating of the second support surface. The presence of the nonparaffinophilic hydrophobic microorganism can be further confirmed by performing a DNA extraction.

Abstract: A method for selectively detecting M. tuberculosis is provided employing restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of an enzymatic digest of the M. tuberculosis katG gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a cholesterol-reduced substance obtained by converting cholesterol in a substance to epicholesterol, as well as to a novel cholesterol oxidase and a novel epicholesterol dehydrogenase which are used in the process, a process for production of these enzymes and a method for the production of epicholesterol with the use of the above mentioned epicholesterol dehydrogenase.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward the use of desferri-Exochelins to destroy cancer cells or retard or eliminate the growth of those cancer cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to InhA enzyme crystals and to methods of growing said crystals. This invention is further directed to the utilization of said crystals to determine the three dimensional structure of InhA enzyme utilizing heavy atom derivatives of said crystals, and to the identification and development of compounds which inhibit the biochemical activity of InhA enzyme in bacteria and plants.