Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant strains of Vibrio spp, which are unable to utilize the amino sugar N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) as a sole carbon source. This inability to utilize GlcNAc severely impairs the colonization property of the recombinants. The present invention also provides compositions comprising these recombinant strains for use in pharmaceuticals and in providing immunity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reaction medium for cholerae-group Vibrio (cholerae/vulnificus and mimicus) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria, comprising a substrate for detecting a ?-galactosidase enzymatic activity, a sugar, a coloured indicator. The invention also relates to the use of this medium for isolating and identifying cholerae-group Vibrio (cholerae/vulnificus and mimicus) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Finally, the invention relates to a method for identifying Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria, according to which beta-galactosidase activity is detected for identifying Vibrio cholerae and the acidification of a sugar is detected for revealing Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Abstract: Cell-based reagents and methods of using the reagents for detecting analytes are provided. The adsorbing of cells with signal-generating metabolic activity to solid supports has been found to improve the sensitivity of known cell based assays. Signal-generating cells adsorbed to a solid support are introduced to a test agent, and the measured decrease in metabolic signal provides a measure of the toxicity of the test agent.

Abstract: Monolithic bioelectronic devices for the detection of ammonia includes a microorganism that metabolizes ammonia and which harbors a lux gene fused with a heterologous promoter gene stably incorporated into the chromosome of the microorganism and an Optical Application Specific Integrated Circuit (OASIC). The microorganism is generally a bacterium.

Abstract: The production of a purified extracellular bacterial signal called autoinducer-2 is regulated by changes in environmental conditions associated with a shift from a free-living existence to a colonizing or pathogenic existence in a host organism. Autoinducer-2 stimulates LuxQ luminescence genes, and is believed also to stimulate a variety of pathogenesis related genes in the bacterial species that produce it. A new class of bacterial genes is involved in the biosynthesis of autoinducer-2.

Abstract: A method is provided for preserving live bacteria by subjecting an aqueous system containing the growing bacteria to drying without special equipment, in the presence of trehalose with or without the addition of divalent cations as stabilizing agents. Further, a dried composition for preservation of aerobic bacteria in a viable state is provided. The dried composition consists essentially of dried viable aerobic bacteria and an appropriate growth medium. The bacteria and growth medium are initially placed in an aqueous solution of 10 mM to 200 mM trehalose and a divalent cation, and dried at room temperature.

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 invention concerns a hydrothermal bacterial strain of marine origin, belonging to the genus Vibrio, and an exopolysaccharide produced by said strain. Said exopolysaccharide is useful in particular for preparing medicines.

Abstract: Methods for the isolation and identification of a toxicant in a sample are disclosed. Luminescent biological agents (i.e., bacteria) having sensitivity to a toxicant or an isolatable component in a sample are used to provide visually discernable zones of luminescent inhibition in the presence of a toxicant (or) in the presence of an isolatable sample component as separated by paper or thin layer chromatography. Kits for use in conjunction with the identification of a toxicant in a sample are also described, which include a luminescent biological reagent as the visualizing agent. Particular examples of luminescent bacterial agents useful in the practice of the present invention include Photobacterium leoganthi, Photobacterium phosphoreum, Vibrio fischeri, Vibrio harveyi a luminescent fungi, a luminescent fish extract, a luminescent dinoflagellate and fluorescent microorganisms, such as Cypridina.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture comprising a subcuticular bacteria isolated from A. gracillima and having bacillus morphology and antimicrobial activity is described. A sample has been deposited at American Type Tissue Culture (ATCC) on Apr. 14, 1998 under accession numbers 202111, 202112, or 202113. Mutants or derivatives thereof having the same antimicrobial activity as the culture are also described. Antimicrobial compositions including the biologically pure culture and methods of inhibiting the growth utilizing the biologically pure culture are also described. Finally, an antibiotic or antibiotic fraction derivable from the bacteria is also disclosed.

Abstract: V. cholerae vaccine strains which have a soft agar penetration-defective phenotype and methods for making such strains are described. Also described are methods for identifying new genes involved in V. cholerae motility and the cloning, identification, and sequencing of V. cholerae motB and fliC genes.

Abstract: A process for the isolation of nontoxinogenic V. cholerae strain and a process for preparing a cholera vaccine from said V. cholerae strain, said process comprising (a) isolating V. cholerae from the stool of a patient suffering from cholera by spreading the stool on a selector medium specific for V. cholerae, (b) separating the non-toxinogenic V. cholerae strain from the population of the V. cholerae strains isolated in step (a), and (c) incorporating immunogenic cholera toxin (ctx) B subunit gene into the chromosome of the strain by conventional methods to produce the vaccine.

Abstract: Hydrophillic compositions and methods of use are provided for debriding and wound healing applications. The compositions contain certain proteases produced by microorganisms of the genus Vibrio.

Abstract: Methods for the isolation and identification of a toxicant in a sample are disclosed. Luminescent biological agents (i.e., bacteria) having sensitivity to a toxicant or an isolatable component in a sample are used to provide visually discernable zones of luminescent inhibition in the presence of a toxicant (or) in the presence of an isolatable sample component as separated by paper or thin layer chromatography. Kits for use in conjunction with the identification of a toxicant in a sample are also described, which include a luminescent biological reagent as the visualizing agent. Particular examples of luminescent agents include photobacterium leoganthi, photobacterium phosphoreum, Vibrio fischeri, Vibrio harveyi a luminescent fungi, a luminescent fish extract, a luminescent dinoflagellate and fluorescent microorganisms, such as Cypridina. Potential toxicants in a liquid sample, a solid sample, or in a gaseous sample may be identified and further chemically characterized using the described methods.

Abstract: Three genes involved in the catabolism of chitin in Vibrio furnissii: endI encodes periplasmic chitodextrinase, exoI encodes periplasmic .beta.-N-acetylglucosaminidase, and exoII encodes aryl .beta.-N-acetylglucosaminidase are provided. The complete nucleotide sequence for each of the three genes and the complete amino acid for the corresponding enzymes are demonstrated along with host cells capable of expressing the recombinant enzymes. The present invention also describes four specific strains of V. furnissii having deletions in genes involved in the catabolic pathway of chitin and a process for the production of chitin oligosaccharides.

Abstract: Receptors for the zonula occludens toxin of Vibrio cholera, as well as methods involving the use of the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Receptors for the zonula occludens toxin of Vibrio cholera, as well as methods involving the use of the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Avirulent Vibrio cholerae strains of O1 (CVD111) and non-O1 (CVD112 and CVD112RM) serogroups having the DNA of the cholera toxin core and the RS1 sequences of the cholera toxin locus deleted, and further having a DNA encoding a resistance to mercury, and a DNA encoding the cholera toxin B subunit, or a part thereof sufficient to confer immunogenicity, re-inserted in the chromosome. Methods of making the avirulent V. cholerae O1 and non-O1 strains of the invention, and cholera vaccines using these strains.

Abstract: The development of subunits and subunit analogs of the cholera exotoxin by recombinant DNA techniques provides vaccine products that can retain their biological activity and immunogenicity, and can confer protection against disease challenge. Genetically-engineered modifications of the subunits result in products that retain immunogenicity, yet are reduced in, or are essentially free of, enzymatic activity associated with toxin reactogenicity.

Abstract: The invention features a nontoxigenic genetically stable mutant strain of V. cholerae which lacks any functional attRS1 sequences is useful as a live, oral vaccine for inducing immunological protection against cholera and a method for making same. The invention also features a killed, oral cholera vaccine comprising at least a first and a second V. cholerae strain, wherein at least one of the strains is a different serotype, and the vaccine also contains cholera toxin B subunit, produced by at least one of the serotypes.

Abstract: A membrane-associate protein which is present on the surface of, inter alia, intestinal epithelia cells, is disclosed. The protein acts as a receptor for the zonula occludens toxin of Vibrio cholera, and is related to the modulation of intestinal tight junctions. Also disclosed are methods for the use of the same to screen for analogs of Vibrio cholera zonula occludens toxin.

Abstract: The present invention reveals the cloning of four genes involved in the catabolism of chitin in Vibrio furnissii: endI encodes periplasmic chitodextrinase, exoI encodes periplasmic .beta.-N-acetylglucosaminidase, exoII encodes aryl .beta.-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase and chiA encodes extracellular chitinase. The complete nucleotide sequence for each of the four genes and the complete amino acid for the corresponding enzymes are demonstrated along with host cells capable of expressing the recombinant enzymes. The present invention also describes four specific strains of V. furnissii having deletions in genes involved in the catabolic pathway of chitin and a process for the production of chitin oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fused gene containing: the promoter sequence of (a) gene(s) encoding the resistance to one or several metal(s) or encoding the catabolism of one or several xenobiotic compound(s), said promoter being inducible in the presence of said metal(s) or xenobiotic compound(s), or both, and downstream the promoter, a gene producing a detectable signal such as light emitting gene, said gene being under the control of said promoter, said gene producing a detectable signal being located at a position such that the induction of the promoter causes the transcription of the gene producing a detectable signal and such that there is no terminator between the promoter and the gene producing a detectable signal.

Abstract: A glucosamine 6-phosphate deaminase having specific physicochemical properties. A process for producing the glucosamine 6-phosphate deaminase which comprises incubating a microorganism belonging to the genus Vibrio and harvesting the glucosamine 6-phosphate deaminase from the culture thus obtained.

Abstract: The invention features a nontoxigenic genetically stable mutant strain of V. cholerae which lacks any functional attRS1 sequences is useful as a live, oral vaccine for inducing immunological protection against cholera and a method for making same. The invention also features a killed, oral cholera vaccine comprising at least a first and a second V. cholerae strain, wherein at least one of the strains is a different serotype, and the vaccine also contains cholera toxin B subunit, produced by at least one of the serotypes.

Abstract: Method of isolating deletion mutants of Vibrio cholerae, wherein the deletion is predetermined by digestion with restriction endonucleases of known specificity. The deletions are inserted into the Vibrio cholerae chromosome by in vivo recombination between a plasmid carrying the desired deletion, with adjacent flanking sequences, and the Vibrio cholerae chromosome. The invention includes the isolation and characterization of a new Vibrio cholerae strain, CVD103Hg (ATTC No. 55,456), having a deletion in the tox gene, as defined by Acc I, Xba I, Cla I and/or restriction endonuclease sites, and carrying a mercury resistance gene. The invention also includes vaccines for protecting against the symptoms of cholera as well as methods for achieving this protection.

Abstract: The nucleic acid compositions and methods are presented which are capable of preferentially hybridizing to rRNA or rDNA of Vibrio bacteria over rRNA or rDNA of non-Vibrio bacteria having utility assay means for detection.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides (SEQ ID NOs 1-8) selectively hybridizable with a specific gene of Vibro parahaemolyticus, oligonucleotides (SEQ ID NOs 9-13) selectively hybridizable with the LT gene of toxigenic Escherchia coil, oligonucleotides (SEQ ID NOs 14-21) selectively hybrizable with the STh or STp gene of toxigenic Escherchia coil, oligonucleotides (SEQ ID NOs 22-47) selectively hybridizable with the entA, B, C, or D gene of Staphylococcus aureus, or oligonucleotides (SEQ ID NOs 48-53) selectively hybridizable with the entE gene of Staplyloccus aureus are prepared and used as primers for gene amplification to thereby selectively detect only respective microorganisms causing food poisoning.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of use are provided for debriding and wound healing applications.

Abstract: Methods of isolating deletion mutants of Vibrio cholerae. In one method, the deletion is predetermined by digestion with restriction endonucleases of known specificity. The deletions are inserted into the Vibrio cholerae chromosome by in vivo recombination between a plasmid carrying the desired deletion, with adjacent flanking sequences, and the Vibrio cholerae chromosome. In another method, an initial in vivo recombination event of homologous sequences from the recombinant plasmid into the chromosome provides a selectable marker at this site. A second in vivo recombination event between homologous flanking sequences results in excision of proficient genes from the chromosome with the end product being a deletion mutation. Also provided are methods for the isolation and characterization of a new Vibrio cholerae strain having a deletion in the ctx gene, as defined by Acc I, Xba I, Cla I and/or restriction endonuclease sites and further having a deletion in the gene encoding zonula occludens toxin (zot).

Abstract: Method of isolating deletion mutants of Vibrio cholerae, wherein the deletion is predetermined by digestion with restriction endonucleases of known specificity. The deletions are inserted into the Vibrio cholerae chromosome by in vivo recombination between a plasmid carrying the desired deletion, with adjacent flanking sequences, and the Vibrio cholerae chromosome. The invention includes the isolation and characterization of a new Vibrio cholerae strain, (ATCC No. 55456), having a deletion in the tox gene, as defined by Acc I, Xba I, Cla I and/or restriction endonuclease sites, and carrying a mercury resistance gene. The invention also includes vaccines for protecting against the symptoms of cholera as well as methods for achieving this protection.

Abstract: A process for cloning the chitinase gene of Vibrio parahemolyticus is provided, comprising the steps of cleaving the Vibrio parahemolyticus DNA with Sau3A, PSTI or other restriction enzyme, mixing the cleaved DNA fragments in the presence of pUC18 and T4 ligase to produce a composite plasmid, and inserting the composite plasmid in a DH5a strain of E. Coli.

Abstract: Nucleic acid probes specific for pathogenic stains of vibrio vulnificus and methods employing the same, comprising nucleic acid hybridization probes specific for the vvh gene of pathogenic strains of vibrio vulnificus.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of use are provided for debriding and wound healing applications. The compositions contain certain proteases produced by microorganisms of the genus Vibrio.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of isolating deletion mutants of Vibrio cholerae, wherein the deletion is predetermined by digestion with restriction endonucleases of known specificity. The deletions are inserted into the Vibrio cholerae chromosome by in vivo recombination between a plasmid carrying the desired deletion, with adjacent flanking sequences, and the Vibrio cholerae chromosome. The invention includes the isolation and characterization of a new Vibrio cholerae strain having a deletion in the tox gene, as defined by Acc I, Xba I, Cla I and/or Hind III restriction endonuclease sites.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an enzymatic process to bind two amino acids in the presence of a water-miscible solvent. Preferably the amino acids are precursors of aspartame and a preferred solvent is acetonitrile.

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 nonnutritive sweetener L-altrose is obtained from extracellular polysaccharides elaborated by certain strains of the bacterium Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens when grown on a carbohydrate-containing nutrient medium. L-altrose has not previously been found in nature.

Abstract: A means for identifying C. jejuni, from stool specimens, by the extraction and agglutination of its soluble antigen(s). More specifically, bacteria are concentrated from fresh (unpreserved) stool specimens, soluble antigen is released--preferably either by a specified heating protocol or by the action of a particular enzyme--and the antigen is detected by agglutination upon exposure to monoclonal, polyclonal or other corresponding antibodies. The method of the invention not only fosters efficiency in the laboratory but also provides rapid diagnosis of the presence of C. jejuni, so that appropriate patient treatment may begin at the earliest opportunity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of isolating deletion mutants of Vibrio cholerae, wherein the deletion is predetermined by digestion with restriction endonucleases of known specificity. The deletions are inserted into the Vibrio cholerae chromosome by in vivo recombination betweem a plasmid carrying the desired deletion, with adjacent flanking sequences, and the Vibrio cholerae chromosome. The invention includes the isolation and characterization of a new Vibrio cholerae strain having a deletion in the tox gene, as defined by Acc I restriction endonuclease sites.

Abstract: A genetically stable nontoxinogenic form of the Ogawa 395 strain of Vibrio cholerae which has a deletion mutation in both copies of the A.sub.1 -peptide-encoding gene, resulting in the loss of a gene sequence required for expression of a toxic A.sub.1 peptide is disclosed, as well as plasmids and methods for making the strain. The strain is useful as a live or dead oral vaccine.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions containing an extracellular protease produced by a microorganism of the genus Vibrio are provided. Such enzymes are characterized by a high proteolytic activity, stability over wide pH and tmperature ranges and excellent stability to oxidizing agents, including a unique stability to chlorine bleaches, and are well-suited for formulation into laundry detergents, automatic dishwasher detergents, laundry bleaches, pre-soaks, as well as other types of cleaning compositions.

Abstract: DNA sequences and recombinant DNA molecules comprising at least a portion coding for all or part of subunits A and/or B of cholera toxin are prepared by enzymatic digestion of DNA of V. cholerae strains, isolating specific fragments and inserting them in appropriate vectors and subunits A and/or B of cholera toxin are prepared by culture of microorganisms containing said modified vectors.

Abstract: Materials of particular utility in separating hydrocarbon values from mineral deposits, e.g. bitumen from tar sands, are prepared by a microbiological fermentation process using certain selected microorganisms. The fermentation process is conducted under aerobic conditions, with the selected microorganisms growing on a hydrocarbon substrate. The materials have surfactant properties, in greater or lesser degree. The materials may be subsequently separated from the fermentation broth, or alternatively the broth may be used as is, since it contains relatively large proportions of suitable separation effecting materials.

Abstract: The specification describes a selective isolation medium for cholera vibrio which comprises mannose, a sulfonphthalein colorant, polymyxin B, a surface active agent, and potassium tellurite. The above medium is excellent in both differentiability and in selectivity, and is particularly effective in detecting cholera bacteria from materials made available from environments or clinical inspection materials from patients on the way of the recovery, in which the number of cholera bacteria is small.

Abstract: Incubation of a parent strain of Vibrio cholerae at elevated temperature to produce a hypotoxinogenic variant strain and mutation of the variant strain results in mutant strains which retain the biotype and antigens of the parent strain, and which are genetically stable and useful as live oral vaccines for immunization against cholera. Preferably, a hypotoxinogenic mutant which is also non-pathogenic in animal model systems is isolated by the method disclosed in this application.