Abstract: A purified pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) comprises a truncated form of the PspA protein which is immunoprotective and contains the protective epitopes of PspA. The PspA protein is soluble in physiologic solution and lacks at least the cell membrane anchor region of the whole protein. The protein is formed by insertion-duplication of mutagenesis of S. pneumoniae with pspA gene and expression of the truncated protein into the growth medium.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to the biological production of substantially isomerically pure (R)-baclofen and structurally related compounds, from the racemic mixture of (R)- and (S)-isomers thereof, and to the isolation of a Streptomyces microorganism from Nature which is capable of preferentially metabolizing one of the isomers while showing minimal metabolic activity on the other isomer. A fermentation or bioconversion process using this microorganism or the cell-free enzymes derived therefrom for the biological resolution of a racemic mixture of (R)- and (S)-baclofen and structurally related compounds is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of a bacterial adhesion associated protein, and the gene encoding such protein. More particularly, the invention relates to a pneumococcal peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase involved in bacterial adherence. The invention also relates to identification and development of agents to provide protection from bacterial infection based on this protein.The invention provides nucleic acids encoding the peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase, as well as methods for identifying antagonists of the methionine sulfoxide reductase. The present invention further demonstrates that peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase is an adhesion-associated protein in various Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and accordingly provides for interference with the peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase to inhibit bacterial adherence to host tissues.

Abstract: lep polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such lep and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such lep for the treatment of infection, particularly bacterial infections. Antagonists against such lep and their use as a therapeutic to treat infections, particularly bacterial infections are also disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to the presence of lep nucleic acid sequences and the polypeptides in a host. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting polynucleotides encoding leader peptidase and for detecting the polypeptide in a host.

Abstract: A purified pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) comprises a truncated form of the PspA protein which is immunoprotective and contains the protective epitopes of PspA. The PspA protein is soluble in physiologic solution and lacks at least the cell membrane anchor region of the whole protein. The protein is formed by insertion-duplication of mutagenesis of S. pneumoniae with pspA gene and expression of the truncated protein into the growth medium.

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 provides methods of making paper utilizing glucans, produced by the glucosyltransferase C enzyme of the species Streptococcus mutans, instead of modified starches. The present glucans are functionally similar to the hydroxethyl modified starch and are particularly useful in the coating step of paper manufacture. The present glucans also exhibit thermoplastic properties and impart gloss to the paper during the coating step.

Abstract: The invention relates to two new Streptococcus thermophilus bacteriocins having the amino acid sequences SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2, the signal peptides of these two bacteriocins, the nucleotide sequences encoding these bacteriocins especially an operon encoding the bacteriocins having the sequence SEQ ID NO: 3, the strains producing at least one of these bacteriocins especially the strain CNCM I-1351, a method for producing a supernatant extract comprising at least one of these two bacteriocins, and use of these bacteriocins in the preparation of food products, especially cheeses and acidified milks, and cosmetic products as active agent against pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for preventing pneumococcal infection. In particular, this invention relates to the identification of the minimum receptor targets of pneumococcal adherence to pulmonary and vascular endothelium, and to compositions and methods for preventing such adherence. In particular, the invention relates to the ability of one or more carbohydrate entities having the following motif or motifs: a disaccharide N-acetyl-D-galactosamine .beta.1-3Gal motif, a disaccharide N-acetyl-D-galactosamine .beta.1-4Gal motif, and an N-acetyl-D-glucosamine motif, effective to induce elution of adherent S. pneumoniae from host cells. In particular, a composition containing all three motifs can elute about 100% of pneumococcal bacteria from lung epithelial cells, and from venous endothelial cells. In a particular embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition of the invention can be used to treat pneumococcal infections in which the host cells are lung epithelial cells.

Abstract: Medium for growing Enterococci so that detection may be obtained within 24 hours.

Abstract: The invention provides DNA sequences which code for polypeptides which are characteristic for the virulence of the pathogenic bacterium Streptococcus suis and parts thereof, and polypeptides and antibodies derived therefrom. The sequences code for a polypeptide of 90,000-120,000 daltons or a polypeptide of higher molecular weight containing such a polypeptide, and for a polypeptide of 135,000-136,000 daltons (muramidase released protein), or parts thereof. The sequences themselves, and also the polypeptides and antibodies derived therefrom, are used for diagnosis of and protection against infection by S. suis in mammals, including man.

Abstract: A vaccine effective against S. zooepidemicus-caused infections is made by enzymatic digestion of S. zooepidemicus and subsequent detergent treatment of the product of this digestion. The antigenic material thus obtained is then combined with an appropriate adjuvant.

Abstract: A process for the production of hyaluronic acid by continuous fermentation of Streptococcus in a chemostat culture gives high yields of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid uncontaminated by toxic impurities. The process is advantageous in that it solves the problem of traditional batch cultures in which degradation enzymes can begin to break down the cell walls of Streptococcus releasing cells contents into the fermenter broth complicating the purification of high molecular hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: A biologically active, stable protein with a molecular weight of 20,000 to 30,000 and an isoelectric point of 8.0-10.0 is produced from the culture fluid of Streptococcus pyogenes and purified. The purified biologically active protein produces lymphocyte proliferation, provides protection against bacterial and viral infection and restricts minor metastasis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antihyperlipidemic and antiobesity agent which has levan and/or a partial hydrolysate of levan as its active ingredient in order to provide an agent which can suppress increases in lipids in the blood serum and increases in body fat even when high-calorie foods such as carbohydrates are eaten; and at the same time, it is easy to take in effective quantities and there are no adverse side effects or toxicity.

Abstract: A method of processing waste is disclosed wherein the municipal solid waste is segregated and processed to recover reusable rubber, metal, plastic, glass and the remaining organic portion of the waste stream is used to make lactic acid and other chemicals. One process utilizes a pretreatment step with dilute sulfuric acid to reduce the heavy metal content of the cellulosic component of the municipal solid waste which may contaminate the produced lactic acid or inhibit the fermentation of the sugars obtained from such waste. In another, the heavy metal content of the cellulosic component of municipal solid waste is removed via an ionic exchange process, after hydrolysis with sulfuric acid. A process for an economical, energy efficient production of lactic acid from municipal solid waste is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a strain of Streptococcus zooepidemicus which produces high molecular weight hyaluronic acid; to a process for preparing said hyaluronic acid by employing the strain; and to a medium suitable for the culture of a microorganism producing hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation of newly discovered hemin/hemoglobin-binding proteins of Streptococcus pneumoniae with approximate molecular weights of 18, 43, 55, 66 and 76 kDa, respectively, thereby providing bacterial-derived antigens and active derivatives and parts thereof, useful in the diagnostic assays, vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions relative to these bacteria. In addition, the present invention is directed to polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies directed to the hemin/hemoglobin-binding proteins of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The present invention further relates to methods of diagnosing and treating human pneumococcal infections including kits therefor.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions such as foods and pharmaceuticals, and methods of their production, comprising at least one lactic acid bacterium capable of assisting in intestinal regulation and preventing dental caries. The bacterium is an isolated living Streptococcus salivarius strain identified as FERM BP-3885 and is further capable of producing dextranase while persisting in the oral cavity.

Abstract: A novel process for producing lactic acid using the rumen contents collected from slaughtered cattle or sheep is disclosed. The rumen contents are initially incubated for a period of time and under sufficiently low pH conditions effective to kill and/or inactivate non-lactic acid producing bacteria therein. Prior to or following this inactivation, the rumen contents are combined with a supplemental culture medium to form a fermentation broth and provide additional sources of carbohydrate and organic N for enhanced growth of lactic acid bacteria. In the second stage of the process, the fermentation broth is fermented under conditions promoting growth of the lactic acid bacteria to increase their cell mass to high densities. Optimal growth is attained by adjusting the pH of the fermentation broth to between about 6.6 to 7.2 and then incubating under anaerobic conditions for a sufficient time to lower its pH to between about 4.7 and 5.2.

Abstract: Cell-associated glucosyltransferase of S. mutans serotypes c, e or f producing dental caries was isolated and purified and its characteristics as an enzyme were revealed. Furthermore, an antibody against said enzyme was prepared from eggs of the hens immunized with said enzyme. Since this antibody effectively prevents adherence of the aforementioned S. mutans to tooth surfaces, it is useful as an effective component for a dental caries prophylactic composition.

Abstract: Optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid can be obtained by treating 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid with an optionally treated microorganism capable of asymmetrically reducing the 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid to thereby asymmetrically reduce the same into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (s) -2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid.

Abstract: An extract based on modified bacterial proteins includes a mixture of acid bacterial polyanions having a molecular weight in the range from 10,000 to 1,000,000 and an isoelectric point in the range from 2.5 to 5.5, and in which the added weights of the constituent amino acids amount to at least 50% of the extract. The preparation or this protein extract includes a cultivation of bacteria in an aqueous medium and then the alkaline extraction of this bacterial suspension and the purification of the protein extract. The alkaline extraction is carried out in the presence of a dilute aqueous source of OH.sup.- ions and at a stable pH in the range from 11 to 13, the decrease of this pH during the acid extraction not exceeding 0.4. The protein extract thus obtained can be used as an active ingredient in a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of .alpha.-acetolactate and/or diacetyl, wherein a recombinant micro-organism containing an .alpha.-acetolactate synthase-encoding sequence is incubated in a medium containing an .alpha.-acetolactate precursor. The invention also provides a recombinant vector comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for an enzyme, which vector upon transfer into a host micro-organism enables expression of the nucleotide sequence in the host micro-organism, wherein the enzyme has .alpha.-acetolactate synthase activity.

Abstract: A process for the production of hyaluronic acid by continuous fermentation of Streptococcus equi in a chemostat culture gives high yields of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid uncontaminated by toxic impurities. The process is advantageous in that it solves the problem of traditional batch culture in which degradation enzymes can begin to break down the cell walls of Streptococcus releasing cell contents into the fermenter broth, leading to purification difficulties.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation in the prophylaxis against and/or the treatment of .beta.-streptococcal tonsillitis is described. The preparation includes at least one viable microorganism strain selected from the group consisting of Streptococcus sanguis II strains with the deposit numbers NCIB 40104, NCIB 40105 and NCIB 40106, the Streptococcus mitis strain with the deposit number NCIB 40107 and streptococci strains with essentially the same capacity to inhibit .beta.-streptococci as the deposited strains, in a pharmaceutically acceptable medium wherein the microorganisms retain their viability. Use of the preparation in the prophylaxis against and/or the treatment of .beta.-streptococcal tonsillitis is also described.

Abstract: In a method for early diagnosis of human cancer, a human fecal sample of bacteria (Escherichia coli and/or Streptococcus faecalis), is incubated in vitro with a standard culture of a known number of cancer cells, for a period of time sufficient to enable the extent of interaction between the bacteria and the standard culture of cancer cells to be determined; the number of the interacted and/or non-interacted cancer cells present at the end of the period is determined and is utilized for the diagnosis based on the calculation of a tumor cell necrosis index (TCNI). The extent of interaction referred to may be calibrated against analogous interaction using a control preparation of bacteria, e.g. Escherichia coli A.T.C.C. 55373, 55374 and/or 55375, and/or Streptococcus faecalis A.T.C.C. 55376.

Abstract: A process for the separation of streptokinase from contaminating proteins in a streptokinase-containing mixture, which comprises treating the mixture with a reducing agent to reduce disulphide bridges in the contaminating proteins to free thiol groups, contacting the mixture with a reagent R-X wherein R is a group capable of reacting with a free thiol group and X is a group R.sup.1 capable of reacting with a free thiol group or is a thiol-containing matrix, and thereafter separating the resulting chemically modified contaminating proteins from the mixture to provide streptokinase in a form substantially free of contaminating proteins.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation for controlling pathogenic microorganisms causing diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal troubles in man and in animals contains Streptococcus lactis strain LIa in at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier medium in which the microorganism retains its viability. The use of the preparation for controlling pathogenic microorganisms causing diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal infections in man and in animals is also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a monoclonal antibody (MAb) directed against a surface protein of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a hybridoma cell line producing said antibody, and the use of such an antibody to detect the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, or to detect antigens of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with the production of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid suitable for medicinal administration to mammals without provoking an immune response from microbiological fermentation. The cultures may be prepared from specially developed strains of hyaluronic acid generating bacteria obtained by passaging in serologically negative host animal blood. The cultures are kept in log phase growth for an extended period by appropriate temperature, pH and glucose content adjustments. If the cultured strain is not hyaluronidase negative the hyaluronidase activity is inhibited. The hyaluronic acid is precipitated from the culture by the sequential addition of an anionic surfactant and then a cationic surfactant and extended from the precipitate with a high molarity aqueous calcium ion solution. The isolated aqueous hyaluronic acid solution may then be purified by passage through a nitrocellulose filter.

Abstract: Optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid can be obtained by treating 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid with an optionally treated microorganism capable of asymmetrically reducing the 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid to thereby asymmetrically reduce the same into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid.

Abstract: Cell-associated glycosyltranferase of S. mutans serotypes c, e or f producing dental caries was isolated and purified and its characteristics as an enzyme were revealed. Furthermore, an antibody against the enzyme was prepared from eggs of the hens immunized with the enzyme. Since this antibody effectively prevents adherence of the aforementioned S. mutans to tooth surfaces, it is useful as an effective component for a dental caries prophylactic composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the purification of streptolysin O (SLO) by means of chromatography and to the use of streptolysin.

Abstract: 2-Oxo-4-phenylbutyric acid is treated with a microorganism, which has been optionally treated, capable of asymmetrically reducing 2-oxo-4-phenylbutyric acid into either (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid, and the (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid thus produced is recovered to thereby give optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid.The optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid is an important intermediate in the synthesis of various drugs such as a remedy for hypertension.

Abstract: A bacteriocin or polypeptide (LL-2 SEQ ID NO:2) derived from Lactococcus lactis subspecies lactis NRRL-B-18809 is described. Sequenced DNA and polypeptide precursor encoded thereby (SEQ ID NO: 1) are described. Methods of use and production of the polypeptide LL-2 are described.

Abstract: A bacteriocin or polypeptide (LL-2 SEQ ID NO:2) derived from Lactococcus lactis subspecies lactis NRRL-B-18809 is described. Sequenced DNA and polypeptide precursor encoded thereby (SEQ ID NO: 1) are described Methods of use and production of the polypeptide LL-2 are described.

Abstract: Non-cariogenic composition, which comprises as active ingredient the living cells of a Human type strain of Streptococcus mutans capable of inhibiting the growth of cariogenic strains of S. mutans and incapable of inducing dental caries, in association with a carrier or excipient suitable for oral administration, said strains of S. mutans being isolated from the oral cavity of humans as naturally-occuring strains. The non-cariogenic composition may be administered orally in the form of liquid, semi-solid or solid compositions, preferably in the form of yogurts containing edible lactic acid-producing bacilli or in the form of a freeze-dried composition containing such edible lactic acid-producing bacilli. The non-cariogenic composition may prevent or at least inhibit human dental caries induced by cariogenic S. mutans and moreover effective against other cariogenic oral bacilli such as edible lactic acid-producing bacilli known per se.

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 new strain Lactobacillus sp. KPB-176, which does not possess strict selectivity for specific media and which involves no reduction in the productivity of polysaccharides even during subculture, was isolated from kefir grains. When this new strain is cultured on a medium containing milk whey and casamino acid or when on a medium containing carbohydrate and yeast extract, capsular polysaccharides are produced in high yields.

Abstract: Mutant strains of Streptococcus thermophilus having defective lactose transport systems having a phenotype, sucS.sup.+ and gluS.sup.-, lacS.sup.- .beta.gal.sup.+ are effective for use in processes where the hydrolysis of lactose is sought. Thermostability of these strains as well as the .beta.-galactosidase produced allows lactose hydrolysis prior to and during pasteurization. These organisms provide the food industry with improved methods of making reduced lactose dairy products.

Abstract: Optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid can be obtained by treating 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid with an optionally treated microorganism capable of asymmetrically reducing the 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid to thereby asymmetrically reduce the same into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid.

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 new bacterial vaccine to protect susceptible equine against S. equi which causes strangles. The vaccine stimulates a nasopharyngeal immune response in a susceptible equine through the presence of antibody activity in the nasopharyngeal mucus. The vaccine is a S. equi strain which contains an M protein fragment of 41,000 mw and is adapted for administration to equine either intranasally or orally as a vaccine. There is described a new strain of S. equi (709-27), a method of making and isolating useful vaccine strain of S. equi bacteria which stimulates an antibody response in the nasopharyngeal mucosa of the susceptible equine.

Abstract: Non-virulent aro-Salmonella typhimurium bacterium is disclosed into which has been cloned a heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding for the expression of Streptococcal M protein antigen from S. pyogenes seratype 5, which is effective to elicit opsonic antibodies against Streptococcal infections. The bacterium is useful for vaccination against Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria.

Abstract: A mixture of three kinds of bacteria is disclosed which is useful for humans and animals. The symbiotic mixture contains as effective ingredients lactic acid producing bacteria, saccarificating bacteria, and butyric acid producing bacteria which are useful for human and animals. A method is disclosed for effectively cultivating a symbiotic mixture of these three kinds of bacteria by a cooperative action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the plasmid pTR2030 and derivatives thereof which confer phage resistance to group N streptococci. The invention further relates to microorganisms containing pTR2030 or a derivative thereof and to starter cultures containing the microorganisms.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for growth acid-producing bacterial cultures, such as diary cultures, wherein the culture is selected to contain a urease-producing strain of bacteria and the medium used for the culturing contains added urea. During culturing the urease hydrolyzes the urea to acid-neutralizing ammonia which limits the pH drop of the medium, thereby producing cultures of higher bacterial activity. The urea-containing culture media can also be employed with bacterial cultures which do not produce urease, providing urease is added to the culture medium during growth of the bacteria.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel in vitro process for identifying and quantifying native antigens on potentially pathogenic group B streptococci bacteria present in a clinical specimen. The invention process is made possible by the discovery of novel bacterial markers denoted .gamma. and .delta. epitopes which are expressed by a variety of group B streptococcal strains.