Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a medium for cultivating the marine dinoflagellate Dinophysis acuminata. The laboratory culture of D. acuminata causing diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, whose cultivation was known difficult, has been first established, thereby contributing to a better understanding of ecophysiology, biology and toxicology of Dinophysis species, as well as the evolution of dinoflagellate plastids.

Abstract: Malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the most severe form of malaria in humans, causing about 2 million deaths every year. Lack of effective vaccines and emergence of drug-resistant strains necessitate the need of novel drug targets to treat the disease. The present invention describes a novel assay method of identifying candidate compounds as anti-malarials based on the property of binding to plasmodial parasite 90 kDa heat shock protein.

Abstract: A vaccine for in ovo vaccination against avian coccidiosis produced by a method including obtaining the coccidial oocysts from a fecal suspension, homogenizing the fecal suspension, separating the oocysts from the fecal debris by either salt flotation using sodium sulfate or gas flotation using air, sporulating the oocysts using hydrogen peroxide and air sparging, bleaching the sporulated oocysts, washing the bleached oocysts, concentrating the sterile washed oocysts and combining the concentrates of various species of coccidial oocysts, and producing a vaccine. The method in whole or in part can be applied to other kinds of encysted protozoa to produce vaccines for various types of animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide-sugar-synthesizing enzymes (enzymes with nucleotidyltransferase or pyrophosphorylase activity) from nonparasitic protists, to a process for the preparation thereof and to the use thereof for preparing nucleotide-sugars. The enzymes according to the invention make possible or greatly simplify the enzymatic preparation of various nucleotide-sugars on the industrial scale from low-cost precursors. It is possible with the aid of the discovered enzymes to prepare, for example, GDP-fucose, GDP-mannose, UDP-glucose, UDP-glucosamine, UDP-galactose, UDP-galactosamine, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine and UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine in economic quantities.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunogenically active component comprising inactivated Sarcocystis neurona cells and/or inactivated Neospora hughesi cells; antigens derived therefrom; DNA derived therefrom; or a mixture; or in combination with other vaccine components; thereof. Further provided are vaccine compositions useful for preventing or ameliorating equine protozoal myeloencephalitis infection and disease and a method for the cell culture propagation of protozoan parasites.

Abstract: A vaccine for in ovo vaccination against avian coccidiosis produced by a method including obtaining the coccidial oocysts from a fecal suspension, homogenizing the fecal suspension, separating the oocysts from the fecal debris by either salt flotation using sodium sulfate or gas flotation using air, sporulating the oocysts using hydrogen peroxide and air sparging, bleaching the sporulated oocysts, washing the bleached oocysts, concentrating the sterile washed oocysts and combining the concentrates of various species of coccidial oocysts, and producing a vaccine. The method in whole or in part can be applied to other kinds of encysted protozoa to produce vaccines for various types of animals.

Abstract: The invention features a biologically pure culture of a newly identified single-celled organism Spiky Rotating Cells (SPR), methods to diagnose an SPR infection in a human patient, an instrument for collecting and detecting an SPR infection, and methods for treating an SPR infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a live mutant Leishmania in the preparation of a vaccine and to vaccine formulations for use in immunizing mammals, such as dogs and/or humans. The mutant Leishmania comprises at least one defective cysteine proteinase gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides in situ hybridization probes which include a marker and a nucleic acid molecule able to hybridize exclusively with only one species of Encephalitozoon. The nucleic acid molecule may be, for example, complimentary to segment 878-896 of 16S rRNA of Encephalitozoon hellem spores. Specifically disclosed probes are those including the following nucleotides: (1) 5?-ACT CTC ACA CTC ACT TCA G-3? (Seq. I.D. No. 1) which is species specific for Encephalitozoon hellem, (2) 5?-CAG ACC ACT ATC TGC A-3? (Seq. I.D. No. 2) which is species specific for Encephalitozoon cuniculi and (3) 5?-GTT CTC CTG CCC GCT TCA G-3? (Seq. I.D. No. 3) which is species specific for Encephalitozoon intestinalis. The assay of the present invention utilizes a sample such as surface, ground or drinking water, suspected of containing one of the aforementioned species as a target organism.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for conferring passive or active immunity to the parasite, C. parvum. A high molecular weight glycoprotein antigen isolated from C. parvum, capable of binding the mAb 3E2, was shown to harbor an epitope critical for triggering the neutralizing CSP-like reaction in the parasite. Antibodies targeted against the critical epitope were shown to possess neutralizing activity, and could be combined with other anti-C. parvum monoclonal antibodies and administered to an animal to confer passive immunity. Immunogenic compositions including the purified antigen are disclosed for use in stimulating an active immune response against C. parvum.

Abstract: In the fermentation process according to the invention with continuous mass cultivation of ciliates (protozoa), the ciliate cells are cultivated in a complex axenic medium—free from living feed or prey organisms—and the biomass containing the desired biogenous valuable substances is obtained by continuous (permanent) cell extraction.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent (CL)-ELISA method with purified and complex antigens of Trypanosoma cruzi is proposed for the specific and sensitive diagnosis of Chagas' disease in patients and blood bank samples. A trypomastigote specific antigen (A&T) together with an epimastigote extract (EpEx), used as a control of sensitivity, are the preparations used. The high sensitivity of the CL-ELISA method permits the use of extremely small amounts of antigen and allows a serum dilution in routine tests as high as 1:2000, thus reducing the nonspecific or false-positive reactions to a minimum. The use of the A&T purified antigen eliminates cross-reactivities with other infectious agents, detects active infection, and serves to monitor chemotherapy in chronic patients. The use of the EpEx antigenic preparation not only confirms the positive results with A&T but also, in case of discrepancy, suggests other infections such as leishmaniasis.

Abstract: The present invention describes an enzyme showing glutathionylspermidine synthetase-activity and being distinct from known enzymes with similar activities in several physicochemical parameters, a novel process to isolate said enzyme from Crithidia fasciculata, tools for the production thereof in genetically transformed organisms, and its use as a molecular target for the discovery of trypanocidal drugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of &ggr;-linolenic acid (GLA) from Colpidium and its use in foodstuffs, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Colpidium can be fermentatively cultured up to a high absolute yield of GLA in an optimized medium.

Abstract: The present invention describes an enzyme showing glutathionylspermidine synthetase-activity and being distinct from known enzymes with similar activities in several physicochemical parameters, a novel process to isolate said enzyme from Crithidia fasciculata, tools for the production thereof in genetically transformed organisms, and its use as a molecular target for the discovery of trypanocidal drugs.

Abstract: The plastid DNA of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum has been sequenced and found to contain a gene encoding an EF-Tu protein. Inhibitors of the protein are effective as anti-malarial compounds and the protein can be used to screen for such inhibitors. Furthermore, the 23S ribosomal RNA encoded on the malaria parasite plastid DNA is a target for anti-malarial compounds and the antibiotic thiostrepton acts as an anti-malarial by binding to the RNA.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, reagents, and kits that are useful for diagnosing infection by E. histolytica. The methods are based on the discovery of binding agents, including recombinant polyclonal antibodies, that bind to the 29 kDa antigen of E. histolytica.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide-sugar-synthesizing enzymes (enzymes with nucleotidyltransferase or pyrophosphorylase activity) from nonparasitic protists, to a process for the preparation thereof and to the use thereof for preparing nucleotide-sugars. The enzymes according to the invention make possible or greatly simplify the enzymatic preparation of various nucleotide-sugars on the industrial scale from low-cost precursors. It is possible with the aid of the discovered enzymes to prepare, for example, GDP-fucose, GDP-mannose, UDP-glucose, UDP-glucosamine, UDP-galactose, UDP-galactosamine, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine and UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine in economic quantities.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions and methods relating to the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease ("IBD"), most notably, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Colitis and Diverticulitis. The invention relates to the discovery of a parasitic microsporidia infecting the epithelium cells lining the gastrointestinal tract of patients suffering from IBD. The discovery of this correlation between the disease and the microsporidia, described herein, led to the development of methods for the accurate diagnosis of patients suffering from IBD, and also of methods for treating such a patient in accordance with the invention. This discovery also provides for the development of animal models to further elucidate the mechanism of the disease and potential additional cures therefor.

Abstract: The invention provides vaccines and methods for preventing or treating intestinal protozoal infections in an animal. In particular, vaccines and methods for prevention or treatment of giardiasis are provided. The invention also encompasses methods of preparing and methods of use of novel toxins, antibodies, vaccine strains and compositions that result from or are used in these methods.

Abstract: Described is a system for efficiently producing live Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) organisms using laboratory animals, preferably Mongolian gerbils. Some important steps are: providing at least one breeding pair; administering to each of such breeding pair a sufficient antibiotic in sufficient dosage to destroy essentially all parasites which might be passed to offspring, especially Trichomonas; permitting such breeding pair to produce and rear offspring as production animals; preventing breeding by the production animals by separating males from females in separate cages; immune-suppressing each production animal sufficiently to permit propagation of live E. bieneusi organisms; infecting each production animal with love E. bieneusi organisms administered in an amount sufficient for such organisms to propagate but insufficient to kill the production animal; and, during a production period following such infecting, collecting the feces of each production animal.

Abstract: Isospora suis is propagated using a swine testicular cell line which facilitates production of sporozoites and merozoites, either or both of which can be used in a vaccine for swine. Antibodies against Isospora suis sporozoites, which inhibit the infectivity of the sporozoites for the swine testicular cells, were made. These neutralizing antibodies were used to identify an apparent sporozoite attachment protein and cloned cDNA encoding a portion of the protein. The cloned cDNA was sequenced and the corresponding amino acid sequence of the antigenic sporozoite protein revealed two areas having repeated amino acid sequences, which may likewise be used in a vaccine.

Abstract: This invention involves a method of altering and regulating the gene expression of cells, by means of contacting the cells with a nuclease capable of degrading extra-cellular DNA and/or RNA. The nuclease will degrade the extra-cellular nucleic acids (NA) into nucleotides or oligonucleotides which are too short to have substantial affinity for the chromosomal DNA.By means of this method, cultures of cells have been created with desirable properties, including greater phenotypic uniformity and higher levels of cell reproduction.This invention also comprises a culture of cells which has been treated by this method, and cells descended from cells which have been treated according to this method.

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: This invention relates to a monoclonal antibody which specifically recognises an antigen of a protozoon parasitizing a mollusk.Application: immunodiagnosis of parasitoses due to a protozoon in mollusks.

Abstract: New protozoan derived microbial consortia and method for their isolation are provided. Consortia and bacteria isolated therefrom are useful for treating wastes such as trichloroethylene and trinitrotoluene. Consortia, bacteria isolated therefrom, and dispersants isolated therefrom are useful for dispersing hydrocarbons such as oil, creosote, wax, and grease.

Abstract: The invention provides vaccines and methods for preventing or treating intestinal protozoal infections in an animal. In particular, vaccines and methods for prevention or treatment of giardiasis are provided. The invention also encompasses methods of preparing and methods of use of novel toxins, antibodies, vaccine strains and compositions that result from or are used in these methods.

Abstract: A method for compensating toxicity test data for the measured toxicity of a reference sample by the steps of:a. obtaining toxic response data for a plurality of concentrations of at least two different test samples, including reagent controls having zero sample concentration for each sample;b. defining the sample having the smallest toxic response at high concentrations as the reference sample;c. computing the toxic response of the test sample relative to that for the reference sample for at least two concentrations in accordance with the equation:relative gamma=.GAMMA..sub.R =(L.sub.SC /L.sub.SX)(L.sub.RX /L.sub.RC)-1, where L.sub.SC =light output of the test sample control (i.e. for X=0),L.sub.SX =light output of the test sample for concentration X,L.sub.RX =light output of the reference sample for concentration X,L.sub.RC =light output of the reference sample control (i.e. for X=0); andd. generating a dose-response curve of concentration versus relative .GAMMA.

Abstract: Unique marine amoebae capable of digesting algal cell walls and degrading complex hydrocarbons, including plastics, and methods for treating algae and complex hydrocarbons using the amoebae and partially purified enzymes from the amoebae.

Abstract: Cytotoxic agents, and particularly DNA-damaging agents, can be detected in a sample by a method comprising the steps of(a) adding the sample to a living culture of Tetramitus rostratus in flagellate form,(b) determining the growth rate of the T. rostratus culture in the presence of the sample, and(c) comparing the growth rate of the T. rostratus culture in the presence of the sample to a standard growth rate. A decrease in growth rate is indicative of the presence of cytotoxic agents in the sample. The use of the flagellate T. rostratus allows this assay to be used on solid as well as liquid or gaseous samples because T. rostratus ingests particulate materials via a gullet.

Abstract: A stable antigen useful in the detection of Fasciola hepatica (or liver fluke) infections is disclosed. The antigen may be found in feces, bile, and intestinal contents. Monoclonal antibodies useful in detecting the antigen are disclosed. The method of this invention facilitates the detection of current Fasciola hepatica infections.

Abstract: Method for the culture of Babesia divergens, characterized in that the Babesia strain is maintained under culture in a culture medium free from serous protein but containing lipoproteins and red blood corpuscles, and a method for preparing exoantigens and a vaccine containing these antigens.

Abstract: The invention concerns antigens from the intraerythrocytic phase of Plasmodium falciparum, namely: a protein of 50 kDa with an isoelectric point of 5.5 and a protein of 65 kDa separated by electrophoresis in reducing conditions into two polypeptides of 47 and 18 kDa, both appearing in the serum of patients infected by Plasmodium falciparum or in the culture medium of this microorganism during its intraerythrocytic phase, as well as a protein of 126 kDa synthesized during the nuclear multiplication phase during schizogony and localized on the periphery of the schizonts at the parasitophore vacuole level, precursor of the 50 kDa and 65 kDa proteins. Application of these proteins in the preparation of vaccines against malaria, and monoclonal antibodies corresponding to the assay of the antibodies of an immunized subject and assay of the antigens according to the invention during an attack of malaria.

Abstract: An immunoenzymatic method for the detection of anti-Plasmodium falciparum-sporozoite antibodies in a sample of human blood, which operates, in homogeneous phase, and under suitable conditions, with a synthetic polypeptidic antigen (P), a synthetic antigen-enzyme (P-E) conjugate, wherein said antigen is capable of specifically reacting with the anti-Plasmodium falciparum-sporozoite antibodies (Ab) possibly present in the sample, and an inert substance capable of quantitatively precipitating the antibody-synthetic antigen-enzyme complex (Ab-P-E).The method, due to its specificity, sensitivity, reproducibility and rapidity, is particularly useful in the epidemiological investigations into malaria and in the evaluation of the efficacy of an antimalarial vaccine.

Abstract: A method of evaluating marine paints for their ability to inhibit growth attachment of organisms to ship bottoms, to find chemicals toxic to marine fouling organisms and to permit rapid formulation of superior anti-fouling paints, using a bioluminescent microbiological assay. The bottoms of test vials are coated with a paint solution, the paint dried, and identical aliquots of an assay medium containing Pyrocystis lunula cells are added to the tests vials and to identical (but unpainted) control vials. After a preselected settling time, the vials are agitated and their light outputs measured and compared. Any dimuition of light in the test vials, relative to the control vials, in an indication of the anti-fouling characteristics of the paints being tested.

Abstract: Vaccines active against coccidiosis in domestic fowls contain attenuated precocious strains of Eimeria species.

Abstract: Unique marine amoebae capable of digesting algal cell walls and degrading complex hydrocarbons, including plastics, and methods for treating algae and complex hoydrocarbons using the amoebae and partially purified enzymes from the amoebae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a glyceryl mononitrate or of a mixture of glyceryl mononitrates, characterized in that it comprises a bioconversion step of nitroglycerine to glyceryl mononitrate(s) by a microorganism chosen from the group consisting of the yeasts, the fungi and protozoa, preferably a bioconversion step by fungi.

Abstract: An immunoenzimatic method is disclosed for the detection and the measurement of anti-P. falciparum sporzoite antibodies in human blood and/or in its derivatives, which operates with a synthetic antigen-enzyme conjugate capable of forming with the antisporozoite antibodies a stable antibody-synthetic antigen-enzyme complex, and one or more proteins absorbed and/or covalently linked to a solid support, which eagerly bind the antisporozoite antibody of said complex.The method, thanks to its simpleness, specificity and rapidity, is particularly useful in epidemiologic investigations into malaria and into the efficacy of an antimalarial vaccine.

Abstract: Anaplasma marginale antigen, antigen compositions, vaccine and process for the production of said antigen, antigen composition and vaccine are disclosed. The Anaplasma marginale is free of the erythrocyte antigens that cause neonatal isoerythrolysis, and effective as a vaccinate which will not only protect the vaccinate against bovine anaplasmosis, but does not induce neonatal isoerythrolysis in offspring of vaccinates.

Abstract: A microbiological assay based on bioluminesce employing the bioluminescent dinoflagellate Pyrocystis lunula. An oil well drilling fluid sample is prepared according to E. P. A. procedures to obtain a suspended particulate phase sample. An aliquot of the sample is added to a growth medium containing Pyrocystis lunula in suspension. The mixture is agitated to subject the Pyrocystis lunula to a shear stress. Light emitted as a result of the shear stress on the Pyrocystis lunula is measure and compared with a control to determine if there is diminution of light produced by the Pyrocystis lunula in the mixture. Diminution of light production is an indication of the presence of a toxic substance in the sample.

Abstract: Glycosaminoglycan-degrading enzyme preparation containing krill hyaluronidase, and a method of producing said preparation.

Abstract: T. Cruzi polypeptide antigens that react with serum from chagasic individuals and does not cross-react with serum from uninfected individuals or individuals infected with related parasites such as Leishmania is described. The DNA from T. Cruzi culture trypomastigotes and epimastigotes coding for antigenic material having a molecular weight of 70 kd is identified, sequenced, and inserted into a cloning vector, which, in turn, is inserted into a host cell line. The expressed polypeptide is immunologically reactive with sera from Chagas' disease infect patients. The cloned gene for the 70 kd polypeptide is expressed and purified and a diagnostic test for Chagas' disease comprising the synthesized polypeptide is described.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for vaccinating warm-blooded animals against coccidiosis utilizing suspensions of excysted coccidial sporozoites in physiologically balanced medium containing water-soluble polymeric stabilizers selected from gels, gelatins, polysaccharide gums, cellulose or cellulose derivatives which extend viability or storage, additional extension of viability in storage being attained when the suspensions are finely divided and the polymeric stabilizers are hardened to form microcapsules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detection of protozoan parasites in blood or other specimen from their mammalian hosts. The method comprises nucleic acid hybridization of repetitive nuclear DNA fragments of the parasites. Hybridization probes have been prepared for this purpose by cloning the repetitive nuclear elements that are species-specific in appropriate vectors. The sensitivity of these probes has been increased by further sub-cloning to make them capable of cascade hybridization. The assay is highly specific and sensitive for detection of disease-causing protozoan parasites of the commonly occurring Trypanosomatidae of the genus Leishmania and genus Trypanosoma, as well as for malaria-causing protozoan and other parasitic microorganims of mammals.

Abstract: A vaccine for immunization of swine against Trichinella spiralis "T. spiralis" wherein the immunogenic substance is inert newborn larvae of T. spiralis emulsified with a suitable adjuvant. The vaccine induces greater than 60% immunity in swine and offers a novel approach to the control of swine trichinosis. Preferably, the inert newborn larvae preparation is emulsified with Freund's complete adjuvant.

Abstract: In a process for the culture of Babesia canis, erythrocytes infected by the Babesia canis parasite are incubated in a culture medium suitable for the survival of the erythrocytes and for breeding of the parasites, in the presence of a homologous serum, in the substantially static state, in a normal atmosphere, first of all at a high temperature of 34.degree. to 38.degree. C., then a low temperature, more especially between 0.degree. and 10.degree. C., this cycle being able to be reproduced. The supernatant product is collected which is centrifugated and filtered. A vaccine is prepared against pyroplasmosis in dogs from this floating medium.

Abstract: High levels of immunity are achieved in chickens inoculated intramuscularly or orally with E. acervulina extract immunogens. These extracts contain at least 20 polypeptides which induce a protective immune response not only against E. acervulina but also against E. tenella and E. maxima. The resulting immunity prevents intestinal lesions and reduces the number of viable oocysts in vaccinated and challenged birds. One or more of these polypeptides can be used as an immunogen to protect against coccidiosis.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies against merozoites and sporozoites of Eimeria tenella are obtained by use of hybridoma technology. Specific antigens for use as vaccines in the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis and hybridoma cultures producing monoclonal antibodies are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biologically active substance which is a glycoprotein having a molecular weight of 3,000 to 5,000 and has activity to inhibit toxoplasma multiplication in homologous cells and heterologous cells.This invention also relates to a process for preparing the substance, immunoactive compositions containing the substance and use of the substance as a drug.