Abstract: The present invention relates to an extract from bacterial strains, such as Staphylococcus, Moraxella, Klebsiella, Streptococcus, and Haemophilus. The extract is useful as a treatment for indications such as respiratory disorders, compositions comprising the extract, and processes of making the extract from media that do not pose a risk of prion diseases.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Staphylococcus epidermidis that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: Novel strains of isolated and purified bacteria have been identified which have the ability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons including a variety of PAHs. Several isolates also exhibit the ability to produce a biosurfactant. The combination of the biosurfactant-producing ability along with the ability to degrade PAHs enhances the efficiency with which PAHs may be degraded. Additionally, the biosurfactant also provides an additional ability to bind heavy metal ions for removal from a soil or aquatic environment.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Staphylococcus epidermidis that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Staphylococcus epidermidis that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: A diagnostic agent for colon cancer, which comprises a reagent for detecting a tannase high-producing bacterium or measuring an amount of tannase contained in an intracolonic microflora sample, and a test method for colon cancer, which comprises the step of detecting a tannase high-producing bacterium or measuring an amount of tannase contained in an intracolonic microflora sample.

Abstract: Novel proteins obtainable by mutagenesis of surface-exposed amino acids of domains of natural bacterial receptors, said proteins being obtained without substantial loss of basic structure and stability of said natural bacterial receptors; proteins which have been selected from a protein library embodying a repertoire of said novel proteins; and methods for the manufacture of artificial bacterial receptor structures.

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: A method for eliminating Staphylococcus aureus is disclosed, including inoculating a microorganism of the genus Brachybacterium to Staphylococcus aureus to eliminate Staphylococcus aureus. A care garment, a care sheet or care bedclothes, each being immobilized with a microorganism or genus Brachybacterium, is also disclosed. One of the microorganismns of the genus Brachybacterium useful in the invention is novel and is deposited as a bacterial strain AAA-a of the genus Brachybacterium (Accession No. FERM BP-6848) in the International Depositary Authority for the deposit of microorganism.

Abstract: An assay for compounds useful in the treatment of a bacterial induced coagulation disorder has the following steps: a) incubating a plasma sample with a strain of bacteria; b) adding a compound to be assayed to the plasma sample before, during or after step (a); c) conducting an activated partial thromboplastin time test; d) determining the clotting time.

Abstract: To reduce the effects of the contaminants in the measurement of microorganisms and the reduction of the time necessary for the measurement. Measurement is performed of the microorganism prior to and following culture, and the difference between the two is found. This prevents errors caused by the effect of contaminants contained in the specimens. Since the measurement of the microorganism is performed by means of a flow cytometer, the microorganisms can be measured even when the culture period is short. Moreover, the measurements are accurate, since the contaminants are not measured. Furthermore, the growth form of the microorganisms can be determined by measuring the changes in the intensity of the light emission over the duration of emission of the forward scattered light detected by means of a flow cytometer.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a Staphylococcus carnosus bacterium expressing at its membrane surface a recombinant polypeptide derived from RSV protein G, said polypeptide having a sequence which is a modification of SEQ ID No. 1 and SEQ ID No. 2 (sequence encompassed between residues 130 and 230 of RSV A and RSV B protein G respectively) wherein at least one of position 44 and 57 is serine is disclosed.

Abstract: An article for detecting thermostable nuclease positive, potentially enterotoxigenic, staphylococci, containing unhydrolyzed nucleotides, toluidine blue O, and a binder, wherein the article is adapted for placement against a sample suspected of containing enterotoxigenic staphylococci. A method of detecting thermostable nuclease positive staphylococci in a sample utilizing the article, and a kit for the detection of thermostable nuclease positive staphylococci containing the article, are also described.

Abstract: Tripartite recombinant DNA encoding fusion proteins which comprise three sequences, i.e., a signal peptide which is operable in a Gram positive bacterium, an immunogenic polypeptide linked thereto which is not normally expressed in a Gram positive bacterium, and a cell wall spanning and a membrane anchoring sequence, as well as their use in Gram positive bacteria to express the resultant fusion protein on their surface are described. The preferred cell wall spanning and anchoring polypeptides include Staphylococcus protein A and Streptococcus protein G.

Abstract: A microorganism belonging to the genus Staphylococcus or the genus Streptomyces which is capable of degrading a polylactic acid resin. A method of degrading a polylactic acid resin including a step of culturing a microorganism capable of degrading a polylactic acid resin in a medium containing a polylactic acid resin. In particular, the microorganisms Staphylococcus hominis FERM BP-6108 and Staphylococcus epidermidis FERM BP-6109.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal test systems and methods of use thereof for identifying a microorganism among at least two groups of widely divergent microorganisms. The universal test system comprises a predetermined combination of non-redundant biochemical tests comprising a substrate for at least one enzyme wherein the substrate, if acted on by the enzyme results in formation of a detectable product. Detectable products from the combination of biochemical tests are then used to identify the microorganism.

Abstract: A bacterial host is described which is transformed by a plasmid coding for a polypeptide precursor wherein the host comprises a multi-enzyme complex capable of reacting with the expressed polypeptide precursor to produce a polypeptide comprising at least one dehydroamino acid and/or at least one lanthione bridge. A process for producing a polypeptide comprising at least one dehydroamino acid and/or at least one lanthione bridge, such as gallidermin, is also described. A plasmid capable of transforming a bacterial host is additionally described.Also disclosed are recombinant DNA molecules which specify Epi B, Epi C, Epi D, Epi P and Epi Q, enzymes which are involved in the biosynthesis of lantibiotic epidermin.

Abstract: A medium for detecting staphylococci is described. The medium contains components selective for growing staphylococci, and a glucopyranoside indicator substance in sufficient quantity to distinguish colonies containing Bacillus and other microorganisms from colonies containing staphylococci. Methods of detecting staphylococci utilizing such medium are also described.

Abstract: Novel proteins obtainable by mutagenesis of surface-exposed amino acids of domains of natural bacterial receptors, said proteins being obtained without substantial loss of basic structure and stability of said natural bacterial receptors; proteins which have been selected from a protein library embodying a repertoire of said novel proteins; and methods for the manufacture of artificial bacterial receptor structures.

Abstract: The invention provides a cosmetic or dermatological method for detecting and/or selectively quantifying individual microorganisms, and/or whole groups of microorganisms, which are present on human or animal skin, comprising the steps ofremoving a sample of the microflora of the human or animal skin,treating the sample with a deinhibiting medium, adding the treated sample to a culture medium which exhibits favorable growth conditions for a defined group of microorganisms but unfavorable growth conditions for other microorganisms, to produce a selective culture, and incubating the selective culture over a sufficiently long period of time, to allow only the group of microorganisms for which the culture medium exhibits favorable growth conditions the opportunity to multiply, in association with metabolic products, in particular CO.sub.

Abstract: An incubation limit marker for revealing the growth of contaminants present in a sample includes at least one strain or category of classically contaminant bacteria in dehydrated form which, once regenerated, will be present at a maximum concentration of 10.sup.3 CFU/ml. The incubation limit marker also includes a medium used for the dehydration of the contaminant bacterium or bacteria which includes a substrate capable of being degraded by the bacterium or bacteria. The incubation limit marker further includes an indicator of the growth of the bacterium or bacteria, for example, constituted by a colored indicator of changes in pH. A process for the "in vitro" detection of the susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria to various antibiotics present in MIC (i.e., Minimal Inhibitory Concentration) in culture or antibiogram media is carried out directly from the sample of the infected medium, in the presence of the above marker, used as a signal which limits the reading time of the antibiogram.

Abstract: A method for determining the sensitivity of at least one nonparaffinophilic microorganism from a specimen obtained from a patient to an antimicrobial agent. The method includes providing at least one receptacle containing an aqueous solution that does not contain a carbon source and inoculating the solution with the specimen. The method further includes placing into the receptacle (i) a slide having bound thereto a carbon source and (ii) a predetermined quantity of an antimicrobial agent to be tested. By observing the nonparaffinophilic microorganism growth or lack thereof on the slide, it can be determined whether the predetermined quantity of the antimicrobial agent is effective in inhibiting growth of the nonparaffinophilic microorganism on the slide. An associated apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides specific binding solid phase assay methods and kits for the detection of the presence or absence of a microorganism by directly staining the microorganism and specifically capturing the stained microorganism on a solid support. The methods find particular utility in the detection of Candida. The methods may simultaneously detect the presence or absence of multiple microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention exploits the herein first reported, empirical observation that even though staphylococci produce the enzyme, beta-glucosidase, this genus of bacteria is not able to produce a metabolite that will enzymatically react with 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, a substrate commonly used to detect the presence of beta-glucosidase produced by other bacteria. In view of this unexpected observation, one embodiment of the present invention includes a selective medium containing inhibitors to enhance staphylococci growth as well as a first glucopyranoside substrate, such as 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and a second phosphatase substrate, Such as 6-chloro-3-indolylphosphate or 5-bromo-6-chloro-3-indolylphosphate.

Abstract: A solid shale, multi-use electrochemical sensor having an electrically nonconductive substrate, a working electrode, and a semi-permeable membrane covering the working electrode. The working electrode includes an electrically conductive material adhered to a portion of the substrate. A first portion of the conductive material is covered with an electrically insulating dielectric coating, and a second portion of the conductive material is covered with an active layer. The active layer includes a catalytically active quantity of an enzyme carried by platinized carbon powder particles, which are distributed throughout the active layer. A sensor package for incorporating a sensor is provided.

Abstract: Hybridization assay probes specific for Staphylococcus aureus and no other Staphylococcus species.

Abstract: The present invention exploits the herein first reported, empirical observation that even though staphylococci produce the enzyme, beta-glucosidase, this genus of bacteria is not able to produce a metabolite that will enzymatically react with 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, a substrate commonly used to detect the presence of beta-glucosidase produced by other bacteria. In view of this unexpected observation, one embodiment of the present invention includes a selective medium containing inhibitors to enhance staphylococci growth as well as a first glucopyranoside substrate, such as 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and a second phosphatase substrate, such as 6-chloro-3-indolylphosphate or 5-bromo-6-chloro-3-indolylphosphate.

Abstract: Pathogenic microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus are differentiated and identified by observing the selective inhibition of the microorganism which occurs when it is contacted with Alphazurine A dye.

Abstract: Bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus or Acinetobacter are used in effective disinfectant amounts to regulate the growth of the microbial/bacterial flora existing in aqueous papermaking circuits/process streams, notably bacteria of the species Staphylococcus carnosus.

Abstract: Hybridization assay probes specific for Staphylococcus aureus and no other Staphylococcus species.

Abstract: A new polycyclic peptide antibiotic termed gallidermin is disclosed and described, together with a process for producing such antibiotic by fermination of a new microorganism, Staphylococcus gallinarum (DSM 4616).

Abstract: The invention is a carbohydrate receptor for pathogenic bacteria. The receptor is a purified carbohydrate compound that is a member selected from the group consisting of fucosyl-asialo GM1, asialo GM1, and asialo GM2. The invented receptor can be included in a composition having a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention includes methods for purifying, detecting, or removing bacteria from diseased tissue. The applicants have discovered a carbohydrate receptor for a variety of different species of disease-producing bacteria. The structure of the receptor is N-acetylgalactosamine-beta-1-4-galactose-beta-1-4-glucose, abreviated GalNAc.beta.1-4Gal.beta.1-4Glc. The receptor is present in human and animal tissues as complex molecules and can serve as the attachment site for bacterial infection. For example, fucosyl-asialo GM1, asialo GM1, and asialo GM2 are three biological molecules which occur in cell membranes and contain the carbohydrate receptor.

Abstract: A method for prophylactic treatments of the colonization of a Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strain having the ability to bind to fibronectin in a mammal. The method comprises administering a prophylactic therapeutically active amount of a protein having fibronectin binding properties to a mammal in need of such treatment. The generation of infections, such as mastitis, caused by a Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strain are thereby prevented. The administration may be via vaccination to induce immunization.

Abstract: A fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase with obtained from Staphylococcus carnosus is disclosed. The aldolase has considerably improved stability as compared to aldolase from rabbit muscle, having an inactivation rate of 0.77%/d at 25.degree. C. as compared with 59.3%/d for rabbit muscle aldolase. The aldolase is obtained by culturing Staphylococcus carnosus cells, mechanically disrupting the cell mass, and then working up the product by fractional ammonium sulfate precipitation, pH fractionation and ion exchange chromatography to provide F-1,6-BP aldolase with a specific activity of 25 U/mg in 21% yield. Particularly high yields are obtained by the aqueous 2-phase extraction and obtaining the enzyme from the upper phase by anion exchange chromatography. The aldolase is suitable for synthesis of carbohydrates and derivatives thereof by enzymatic reaction of aldehydes with DHAP.

Abstract: The novel type II restriction endonuclease SwaI has the following recognition sequence: ##STR1## and preferably cleaves at the cleavage site indicated by the line. It is preferably obtainable from microorganisms of the genus Staphylococcus.

Abstract: Novel 6-deoxyerythromycin derivatives are disclosed, as are methods for their preparation and use as antiinfective agents. The compounds of the invention include 6-deoxyerythromycins and 6-deoxy-15-norerythromycins which are represented by the structural formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is selected from OH and H, and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently selected from H and CH.sub.3, as well as the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters of the above compounds. Additionally disclosed are genetically modified microorganisms which produce the compounds of the invention and means for the preparation of those microorganisms.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of ibuprofen enriched in R isomer, which comprises subjecting an ester of ibuprofen, to the action of a micro-organism or substances derived thereof, that will stereoselectively hydrolyse the ester to form ibuprofen predominantly having R configuration.

Abstract: Nucleic acid probes capable of specifically hybridizing to rRNA of E. coli and Shigella species and not to rRNA of non-E. coli/Shigella are described along with methods utilizing such probes for the specific detection of E. coli and/or Shigella in food and other samples.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of sulphur-containing hydrocarbon chains, which consists in producing a fermentative action of two types of bacteria, lactic bacteria and bacteria of the genus Desulfovibrio, in a medium of soluble carbohydrates, to which culture medium sulphur is added in the form of salts or as elemental sulphur, the fermentation process being stopped at the point at which the proportion of sulphur-containing carbohydrate reaches its maximum, by means of alkalinization of the medium and subjecting the latter to a thermal shock at between 80.degree. and 90.degree. C., the medium finally being acidified or neutralized.As a variant, sulphur is bound directly to carbohydrate molecules with a reaction time inversely proportional to the working pressures and temperatures.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process for the preparation of capsular polysaccharides characteristic of Staphylococcus aureus, comprising the use of coagulase-negative strains of staphylococci for the preparation of these polysaccharides.The capsular polysaccharides obtained can be used for the preparation of vaccines against Staphylococcus aureus and diagnostic agents.

Abstract: A composition for therapeutic or diagnostic use in regard to pathogenic microorganisms, containing as an active constituent a structural element having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are same or different and are hydrogen or an organic residue, for example lower alkyl, lower acyl, or a carbohydrate residue or an inorganic residue, such as sulphate or phosphate, and wherein OR.sub.1 is in .alpha.- or .beta.-configuration; a process for therapeutic treatment; a process for identification or quantification of the said structural element in native biological material; a process for purifying acceptor structures of bacteria; and a process for performing disinfection on surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparation of a novel lipase. The process is characterized by culturing a microorganism belonging to Staphylococcus capitis and capable of producing lipase in a culture medium to accumulate lipase in the cultured broth and recovering the lipase from the broth. Since the pH of this lipase is in a slightly alkali region and the lipase substantially completely converts glyceride to fatty acids and glycerin, it is useful for the economic preparation of fatty acids by the hydrolysis of fats or oils.

Abstract: An enzyme which acts on a reducing terminal of a monosaccharide or oligosaccharide without requiring NAD or NADP and which catalyzes the reaction ##STR1## wherein R is a saccharide chain residue or hydrogen, A is a hydrogen acceptor other than NAD or NADP, AH or AHn is a reduced form acceptor and n is 1 or 2. This maltose dehydrogenase is produced by culturing a microorganism belonging to genus Staphylococcus, specifically, sp. B-0875 FERM BP-385, and isolating the thus-produced maltose dehydrogenase from the culture medium. An assay method for the determination of saccharide or the activity of a saccharide liberating enzyme, comprises reacting this enzyme with a substrate in the presence of a hydrogen acceptor, and measuring the amount of a detectable change.

Abstract: A hair tonic composition containing, as an effective ingredient, a product obtained from the interaction of a vegetable or animal fat or oil with a microorganism belonging to Staphylococcus capitis. This hair tonic composition can effectively prevent the generation of dandruff and itching and can also effectively accelerate the growth of hair.

Abstract: A method to determine the Gram sign of microorganisms includes staining the microorganisms with a plurality of fluorescent dyes, applying excitation energy to the stained microorganisms, and observing the color of the fluorescence emission of the stained microorganisms. Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms stain different colors, and assignment of the Gram sign may be made on the basis of the color of the stained microorganisms.

Abstract: Inactivated staphylococcal alpha toxin which is in a detoxified immunogenically active form prepared as a vaccine and administered parenterally to patients having multiple sclerosis or other disease involving demyelination of nerve sheath myelin. The amount of the inactivated alpha toxin administered is sufficient to effectively immunize the patient against active staphylococcal alpha toxin. The patient becomes subsequently infected with staphylococcus, the alpha toxin resulting from the infection is neutralized by the alpha toxin binding antibodies. This prevents exacerbation of the demyelination of the nerve sheaths, which otherwise can be promoted by the alpha toxin resulting from the staphylococcus infection.

Abstract: A process is disclosed in which an optically active monoalkyl ester of .beta.-(S)-aminoglutaric acid is prepared by subjecting a dialkyl ester of .beta.-protected aminoglutaric acid to the action of a culture broth, cells, or treated cells of a microorganism capable of stereoselectively hydrolyzing only one of the ester groups in the above-mentioned dialkyl ester to produce an optically active monoalkyl ester of .beta.-protected (S)-aminoglutaric acid, and then removing the amino-protecting group from the product. An optically active monoalkyl ester of .beta.-(S)-aminoglutaric acid is useful as a starting material for synthesizing .beta.-lactam antibiotics of carbapenem type such as thienamycin.