Abstract: A novel urease having an optimal pH for activity in the acidic region is produced by a microorganism belonging to the genus Lactobacillus or Streptococcus. The urease is superior to the conventional urease in pH stability, temperature stability and alcohol stability.

Abstract: Novel Fc receptors, denoted type VI, are disclosed as reacting with rat immunoglobulins with a reasonable affinity. These receptors, or the microorganisms which produce them, are useful in immunoassays.

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: A method for fermenting diacetyl and acetoin with a lactic acid bacterium by adding one or more additives selected from ferroporphyrin, heme protein, an animal tissue containing ferroporphyrin and blood and metal salts to a culture substrate containing a sugar source which a lactic acid bacterium can use, inoculating the lactic acid bacterium into the substrate and then aerobically culturing the bacterium with shaking or under aeration. A culture solution containing high concentrations of diacetyl and acetoin obtained by the present invention or its diacetyl concentrate is used to increase or improve the flavor of foods such as oils and fats, e.g., butter, margarine, cheeses, shortening, etc., confectionery, creams and the like.

Abstract: A purified oligosaccharide consisting of a hexasaccharide with a native molecular weight of 959 which can be isolated from the cell walls of Streptococcus sanguis. The oligosaccharide is able to significantly block the interaction between the human oral plaque bacteria Streptococcus sanguis H1 and Capnocytophaga ochracea ATCC 33596. This purified oligosaccharide contains saccharide components found to inhibit many known interactions between plaque bacteria and may be effective in prevention, inhibition and reversal of dental plaque deposits. The oligosaccharide may be applied effectively when incorporated in toothpastes, mouth wash, etc.

Abstract: Mutant strains of Streptococcus thermophilus having defective lactose transport systems having a phenotype gluS.sup.31, lacS.sup.-, sucS.sup.+ and .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: A lactose-fermenting (Lac.sup.+), mucoid (Muc.sup.+) Streptococcus lactis transconjugant designated ML-3/2.230 was obtained by conjugative co-transfer of Lac.sup.+ Muc.sup.+ phenotypes from Lac.sup.+ Muc.sup.+ Streptococcus cremoris MS to lactose-negative (Lac.sup.+), non-mucoid S. lactis ML-3/2.2. Curing studies on the transconjugant ML-3/2.230 showed that Muc.sup.+ phenotype in the strain was encoded on two plasmids, pSRQ2203 and pSRQ2204. DNA hydridization experiments also indicated the involvement of two plasmids in the expression of the mucoid phenotype. Plasmid pSRQ2203 also contained genetic information for lactose utilization (Lac.sup.+).

Abstract: A recombinant vector adapted for transformation of a suitable microorganism host to produce and secrete streptokinase. The recombinant vector comprises a plasmid into which a polydeoxyribonucleotide fragment from Streptococcus equisimilis H46A which codes for streptokinase synthesis and secretion has been inserted. The transformant microorganism including this recombinant plasmid vector produces streptokinase suitable for clinical fibrinolytic usage after purification.

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid can be produced efficiently and economically by culturing a strain belonging to a Streptococcus, which has hyaluronic acid producing ability, is hyaluronidase-nonproductive and shows anhemolytic property, and then collecting the hyaluronic acid from the resultant culture. The strain may preferably be Streptococcus zooepidemicus, especially, Streptococcus zooepidemicus YIT 2030 (FERM BP-1305). The hyaluronic acid has a high molecular weight and is useful in providing a cosmetic composition having excellent moisturizing effects and superb feeling of application.

Abstract: Disclosed are DNA segments encoding hyaluronic acid synthase which are employed to construct recombinant cells useful in the production of hyaluronate synthase or hyaluronic acid (HA). In preferred aspects, chromosomal DNA from Streptococcus equisimilis is partially digested with EcoRI and the resultant fragments are ligated to form recombinant vectors. These vectors are useful in the transformation of host cells such as E. coli or Streptococcal hosts. Resultant transformants are screened by novel screening assays to identify colonies which have incorporated HA synthase DNA in a form that is being actively transcribed into the corresponding HA synthase enzyme. These colonies may be selected and employed in the production of the enzyme itself or its product, HA.

Abstract: Novel Fc receptors, denoted type VI, are disclosed as reacting with rat immunoglobulins with a reasonable affinity. The type VI receptors are isolated from Streptococcus zooepidemicus strain s212 (ATCC 53698) and Streptococcus zooepidemicus strain RSS-212 (ATCC 53697) culture supernatants. These receptors, or the microorganisms which produce them, are useful in immunoassays.

Abstract: A cloned gene encoding Protein G, or functionally active portions thereof, vectors containing the cloned gene, and microorganisms transformed by those vectors are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of growing a mixture of two or more species of lactic acid producing bacteria whose growth rates are differently affected by the pH of the nutrient growth medium. The method involves maintaining the pH of the medium at a low level which actively selects for the growth of one species until that species has reached the desired concentration. The pH is then raised to a level that actively selects for the growth of another species and maintained at this level until that species has reached the desired concentration. The method is especially useful for preparing a starter culture for Italian type cheese containing a mixture of coccus and rod bacteria because the ratio of these bacteria, one to the other, can be closely controlled.

Abstract: Novel Fc receptors, denoted type VI, are disclosed as reacting with rat immunoglobulins with a reasonable affinity. These receptors, or the microorganisms which produce them, are useful in immunoassays.

Abstract: A method for producing sodium hyaluronate by a fermentation method comprises culturing a mutant strain FM 100 derived from Streptococcus equi and partially free from auxotrophy to thereby stably produce sodium hyaluronate and accumulating the hyaluronate. A method for producing sodium hyaluronate by a fermentation method comprises culturing a mutant strain FM 300 derived from Streptococcus equi and partially free from auxotophy to thereby stably produce sodium hyaluronate and accumulating the hyaluronate.

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 for imparting phage resistance to phage sensitive strands of Streptococcus group N is described. The method involves transferring plasmid encoding for production of a mucoid substance (Muc.sup.+) into the phage sensitive strain. Even if the Muc.sup.+ plasmid is removed by curing at elevated temperatures the strains remain resistant to phage. The resulting resistant strains are novel and are used for fermentations, particularly milk fermentations.

Abstract: Proteinaceous, antigenic factor derived from a group C Streptococcus which is receptor for the Fc region of IgG, a method for its preparation and immunoassay and antigen detection methods employing the receptor.

Abstract: Improved overall yields of hyaluronic acid are obtained by controlling the oxygen available for metabolism by a hyaluronic acid producing microorganism. Relatively high oxygen concentrations are made available during the initial exponential growth phase of the cultivated microorganism, until a predetermined growth has been reached. At this time, the available oxygen is limited to stimulate a disproportionately larger production of the desired hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the plasmid pTN1060 and derivatives thereof which confer phage restriction and modification activity to group N streptococci. The invention further relates to microorganisms containing pTN1060 or a derivative thereof and to starter cultures containing the microorganisms.

Abstract: A biodeodorizer and a process to prepare the biodeodorizer which comprises (a) at least one strain selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus deodorans, Lactobacillus clearans and a mixed strain of Lactobacillus sulfurica and Lactobacillus nitrosus, and (b) Streptococcus faecalis having the ability to produce antibiotics.

Abstract: A method for producing a lysin-free phage inoculum, which comprises:(a) inoculating a growing Streptococcal culture with phage,(b) incubating the culture for a plurality of lytic cycles of phage until the cells are completely lysed to obtain a lysate, and(c) removing cell debris and free lysin from the lysate to form a lysin-free phage suitable for use as an inoculum.A method for producing lysin is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vessel containing a polymeric acid is used in a method and test kit for extracting a bacterial (e.g., streptococcal) antigen from a test sample, for example, preliminary to an immunoassay. To extract the antigen from bacteria in the sample, a precursor reagent is applied to the vessel acid and incubated with the sample. The kit includes a vial containing the acid and another vial containing the precursor. The kit is produced by including the acid polymer in the vial or vessel, e.g., as a pellet or coating.

Abstract: Hypocholesterolemically active RNA fractions having the following characteristics:(a) Molecular weight by gel filtration: 11,000.+-.9,000(b) Base composition ratio of nucleic acid: uracil:guanine:cytosine:adenine=1:1:2:1(c) Infrared absorption spectrum: shown in FIG. 2(d) Physiological characteristics: having a hypocholesterolemic activity in mammals.These hypocholesterolemically active RNA fractions can be prepared by cultivating a microorganism belonging to the genus Streptococcus in an adequate culture medium therefor; and collecting the hypocholesterolemically active RNA fractions from the cultured cells of the microorganism. These hypocholesterolemically active RNA fractions can be used as an active ingredient of a hypocholesterolemic or antiatherosclerotic pharmaceutical composition together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor to form a hypocholesterolemic or antiatherosclerotic pharmaceutical compositions, which is suitable for oral administration to mammals.

Abstract: A hypocholesterolemically active protein capable of reducing the blood cholesterol in mammals having the following characteristics:(a) Molecular weight by gel filtration: 30,000.+-.7,000(b) Isoelectric point: 7.9.+-.0.2(c) Amino acid composition (mole %):______________________________________ Glycine 25.23 Alanine 10.98 Glutamate 10.34 Asparaginate 8.20 Lysine 6.39 Leucine 5.58 Valine 5.41 Isoleucine 5.18 Threonine 4.23 Tyrosine 4.19 Serine 3.46 Proline 2.62 Arginine 2.60 Phenylalanine 2.51 Methionine 1.56 Histidine 1.30 Cysteine 0.16 ______________________________________(d) Pattern of electrophoresis: a sharp band on the anode side on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This hypocholesterolemically active protein is derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Streptococcus.

Abstract: The inventor has separated lactobacillus of new kind from soybean processed food, Streptococcus sojalactus. The lactobacillus falls under streptococcus, lactobacillaceae, eubacteriales. This bacterium well grows within the bean soup to make yogurt like food free from smell peculiar to bean soup having good taste without additive.

Abstract: Streptolysin-free hyaluronic acid is produced by cultivating a microorganism belonging to a genus Steptococcus which is anhemolytic and is capable of producing hyaluronic acid (e.g., Streptococcus zooepidemicus FERM BP-784) in a culture medium.

Abstract: A bacterial cell product orally administered to lower serum cholesterol and/or triglyceride level in mammals obtained by cultivating a microorganism belonging to the genus Streptococcus and having a N-acetyl-.beta.-D-glucosaminidase activity in an adequate culture medium therefor, and collecting the cultivated microorganism from the resultant culture.

Abstract: A simultaneous sequential anaerobic fermentation process for the in vitro production of propionic and acetic acids is disclosed. The process comprises employing an obligatory two-component co-culture which maintains a relatively constant ratio of species populations over multiple passages. A first co-culture component is a Lactobacillus or Streptococcus which homofermentatively converts the hexose to lactic acid. A second microorganism in the co-culture is a Veillonella which is metabolically incapable of assimillating the hexose and converts the lactic acid product to propionic and acetic acids. The co-culture is inoculated into a nutrient growth feedstock such as whole whey or a clarified dairy whey lactose permeate which contains a metabolizable source of a hexose such as glucose, lactose or sucrose.

Abstract: A vaccine for immunizing equines against strangles and a method of using the vaccine. The vaccine is made by isolating the causative organism Streptococcus equi (S. equi) from an abscess on a horse showing typical symptoms of strangles, and confirming the identity of the organism through standard biochemical techniques. The isolated S. equi is passed through a suitable growth medium (Todd-Hewitt broth) and two parts per million acriflavine hydrochloride is added. The acriflavine level is increased over a period of approximately eleven weeks to a concentration of about sixteen parts per million to yield an avirulent S. equi while retaining its antigenicity. The method of administering the vaccine consists of inoculating the horse intranasally with the attenuated S. equi.

Abstract: A novel mutant microorganism Streptococcus zooepidemicus HA-116 ATCC 39920, has been produced. The microorganism produces large amounts of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. The invention provides a method of obtaining such microorganisms.The invention also concerns a method of obtaining sodium hyaluronate which comprises growing with vigorous agitation a microorganism of the genus Streptococcus under appropriate conditions in a suitable nutrient medium containing a sugar component as a carbon source. The sugar component is present in a substantially constant concentration between 0.2 and 10 grams per liter. The medium has a substantially constant pH between about 6.0 and 7.5 and includes a substantially constant magnesium ion concentration above 0.05 grams per liter. The sodium hyaluronate excreted into the medium by the organism is purified using methods involving precipitation, redissolving and reprecipitating the hyaluronate.

Abstract: A novel mutant microorganism Streptococcus zooepidemicus HA-116 ATCC 39920, has been produced. The microorganism produces large amounts of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. The invention provides a method of obtaining such microorganisms.The invention also concerns a method of obtaining sodium hyaluronate which comprises growing with vigorous agitation a microorganism of the genus Streptococcus under appropriate conditions in a suitable nutrient medium containing a sugar component as a carbon source. The sugar component is present in a substantially constant concentration between 0.2 and 10 grams per liter. The medium has a substantially constant pH between about 6.0 and 7.5 and includes a substantially constant magnesium ion concentration above 0.05 grams per liter. The sodium hyaluronate excreted into the medium by the organism is purified using methods involving precipation, redissolving and reprecipating the hyaluronate.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method for producing lactic acid from carbohydrate-containing media by continuous fermentation utilizing particular methods of media pretreatment, cell-recycle fermentation, fermentation broth acidification, and lactic acid separation.

Abstract: The invention comprises a novel starter medium for the commercial propagation of acid producing bacteria, such as those used in food fermentation processes. The compositions are unique in that they contain a highly effective buffering ingredient which is a sodium, potassium, or ammonium salt or double salt of a linear aliphatic dibasic acid having from three to seven carbon atoms. The salts are present in an amount sufficient to maintain the growth medium at pH levels of about 5.0 or above during the time in which the bacteria are multiplying in the culture medium. Disodium or diammonium succinate, glutarate, or adipate are materials which have been found to be particularly effective. These may be used in combination with nutrients such as whey, whey permeate, nonfat dried milk, yeast extract, and diammonium phosphate. The addition of trace quantities of certain metals promotes the growth and activity of the acid producing bacteria.

Abstract: Describes IgA binding protein isolatable from Group B streptococci, methods of isolation and use in immunological testing procedures.

Abstract: Derived microorganisms containing foreign DNA encoding for nisin production and a method for producing the derived microorganisms by transferring DNA to a recipient microorganism are described. The recipient microorganisms are preferably bacteria lacking in the ability to produce nisin. Nisin inhibits the growth of spoilage bacteria and is used in various materials for preservation, including foods and particularly at refrigeration temperatures. Nisin is also used in animals for improving the health of the animal. The foreign DNA is obtained from a donor microorganism and encodes for nisin production when transferred to the recipient microorganism.

Abstract: A vaccine, comprising as antigen, at least a part of the cell of strains of Streptococcus sanguis having a high pathogenic potential and capable of decomposing raffinose and mellibiose, in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. Preferably, the antigen is derived from the pili-like structures on the surface layer of the cells. Antibodies produced by immunizing a mammal with said antigen to produce the corresponding antibodies in the body of said mammal and recovering the resultant antibodies from the mammal. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising as active ingredient said antibodies, in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. Said vaccine, antibodies and antibody-containing composition may be used for treating human and animal diseases caused or aggravated by said microorganisms such as MCLS.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting mold and psychrotrophic bacteria in creamed Cottage cheese using a mixture of Streptococcus lactis subspecies diacetylacis and Propionibacterium shermanii in the cream dressing or creamed Cottage cheese at refrigeration temperatures is described. The method does allow small volumes of the bacteria causing the inhibition to be used in the Cottage cheese.

Abstract: Derived microorganisms containing foreign DNA encoding for nisin production and a method for producing the derived microorganisms by transferring DNA to a recipient microorganism are described. The recipient microorganisms are preferably bacteria lacking in the ability to produce nisin. Nisin inhibits the growth of spoilage bacteria and is used in various materials for preservation, including foods and particularly at refrigeration temperatures. Nisin is also used in animals for improving the health of the animal. The foreign DNA is obtained from a donor microorganism and encodes for nisin production when transferred to the recipient microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new pyruvate oxidase which decarboxylates pyruvate with the formation of hydrogen peroxide, characterized in that it is active without the addition of FAD, TPP and divalent metal ions.The present invention also provides a process for preparing this new enzyme and a reagent containing it.

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: The inventor has separated lactobacillus of new kind from soybean processed food. The lactic acid bacteria falls under Streptococcus, Lactobacillaceae, Eubacteriales. This bacterium well grows within the soy milk to make yogurt like food free from smell peculiar to soy milk having good taste without additive.

Abstract: A vaccine for curative and prophylactic treatment of urinary tract infections in humans. The vaccine contains inactivated bacteria which originate from the cultures of 8 to 14 uropathogenic bacteria strains isolated from the urine of a person suffering from a urinary tract infection and aluminum phosphate in an amount of 1.5-10 mg of AlPO.sub.4 per ml of solution. Such bacteria are of the species E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus morganii and Streptococcus faecolis.

Abstract: A protein effective in stimulating cell growth activity. The protein has a molecular weight of from 5,000 to about 160,000, is composed predominantly of neutral and acidic amino acids, contains a significant amount of glutamic acid and aspartic acid, and is substantially free of nucleoside phosphotransferase. The protein is useful as wound treatment agent and as promoting agent in the synthesis of DNA. A method of producing the protein and compositions containing the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new microorganism belonging to Streptococcus thermophilus having an oxygen uptake ability of at least 30 nano moles per milligram of dried cell of said microorganism per minute which is defined by the quantity of oxygen consumption as determined by Warburg's manometric method, and to a microbial composition which comprises as main ingredients viable cell mass of (a) said microorganism and (b) bifidobacteria.

Abstract: A method for using selected strains of Streptococcus lactis subspecies diacetilactis, which have been modified to be non-lactose fermenting, for the preservation of foods containing lactose is described. The subspecies is more generally known as Streptococcus diacetilactis. The selected Streptococcus diacetilactis strains have been modified by curing to remove at least one natural plasmid which controls the fermentation of lactose to lactic acid while retaining the ability of this subspecies to inhibit bacterial spoilage in foods. The plasmid removed by curing is about 41 megadaltons (Mdal) in mass. The method using the modified strains of Streptococcus diacetilactis is particularly adapted for the preservation of milk products.

Abstract: An antigenic material having a molecular weight of 3800-4500, and useful in the preparation of an anticaries vaccine is produced from a known antigenic material, antigen I/II of molecular weight 185,000 daltons obtained from the culture supernatant of Streptococcus mutans. The smaller molecular weight fraction of the invention contains the same antigenic determinants as the known 185,000 dalton material but the lower molecular weight material can be used with less side effects. The antigenic material can be used for the production of vaccine preparations that could be administered parenterally or by topical application to the gums.

Abstract: A culture containing a viable mass of Bifodobacteria and lactic acid bacteria is obtained by incubating separately or together microorganisms of the genus Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and the species Streptococcus thermophilus in a medium containing milk as the main ingredient. The Streptococcus thermophilus is a strain having high oxygen uptake. When incubated separately, the microorganisms are mixed together after incubating. In the presence of the high oxygen uptake Streptococcus thermophilus, a high survival fraction of the Bifidobacteria is obtained when the culture is stored under aerobic conditions. The culture is useful in preparing food, medicine or feed.

Abstract: A bacterial cell product having hypocholesterolemic and/or hypotriglyceridemic activity in mammals obtained by cultivating a microorganism belonging to the genus Streptococcus and having a N-acetyl-.beta.-D-glucosaminidase activity in an adequate culture medium therefor, and collecting the cultivated microorganism from the resultant culture.

Abstract: A lactic acid fermented sunflower seed milk and imitation acidic dairy desserts and drinks made from vegetable seed milk and the product thereof. Lactic acid fermented sunflower seed milk and imitation acidic dairy desserts and drinks made from vegetable seed milk are obtained by inoculating sunflower seed milk with lactic acid bacteria to carry out fermentation, and subsequently adding acid drinks and/or organic acids to obtain the desired flavor.