Abstract: The present invention provides bacterial and fungal ABC transporter proteins, immunogenic fragments thereof, neutralising agents specific thereto and binding agents specific thereto for therapeutic and diagnostic use, together with diagnostic test methods, methods of same and kits for performing same. Also provided are immunodominant conserved antigens from gram positive staphylococci, together with neutralising and binding agents specific thereto for use in therapy and diagnosis, and methods of same. Also provided are Staphylococcal holomogues of IstA and IstB and immunogenic fragments thereof, and their uses in methods of treatment and diagnosis of the human or animal body.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for assessing the risk of peptic ulcer by determining the presence and topographic phenotype of gastritis in an individual, by determining quantitatively the pepsinogen I and gastin-17 concentrations in a serum sample from the said individual, selecting a method-specific reference value and cut-off value for respective analyte, assessing the topography and phenotype of gastritis based on a comparison of the pepsinogen I and gastrin-17 concentrations so determined with their respective method-specific reference and cut-off values, and correlating the so assessed gastritis phenotype with the risk for peptic ulcer. Preferably also Helicobacter antibodies are determined in the sample.

Abstract: Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies which are cross-reactive to both coagulase-positive staphylococcus bacteria, such as S. aureus and to coagulase-negative bacteria, such as S. epidermidis and S. hemolyticus, are provided which can recognize surface proteins from both coagulase-positive and coagulase negative staph bacteria. The antibodies may be generated from surface proteins that have been isolated on the basis of characteristics that may be common between S. aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci, and these recombinant surface proteins are used to generate the antibodies of the invention. There is also provided vaccines and methods which utilize these proteins and antibodies for the treatment or protection against a wide variety of staphylococcal infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique approach for the diagnosis and management of infections by Chlamydia species, particularly C. pneumoniae. The invention is based, in part, upon the discovery that a combination of agents directed toward the various stages of the chlamydial life cycle is effective in substantially reducing infection. Products comprising combination of antichlamydial agents, novel compositions and pharmaceutical packs are also described.

Abstract: This invention is directed to mutant SPE-C toxins or fragments thereof, vaccine and pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using the vaccine and pharmaceutical compositions. The preferred SPE-C toxin has at least one amino acid change and is substantially non-lethal compared with the wild type SPE-C toxin. The mutant SPE-C toxins can form vaccine compositions useful to protect animals against the biological activities of wild type SPE-C toxin.

Abstract: A polypeptide, designated as “Streptococcus uberis Adhesion Molecule” (SUAM), and fragments of SUAM, prevent internalization and adherence of Streptococcus uberis and other streptococcal pathogens to cells. The SUAM polypeptide and fragments may be used diagnostically and therapeutically. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the SUAM polypeptide and fragments are included in the invention.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting, moderating or diagnosing Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is disclosed. In one embodiment, this method comprises inoculating a patient with an effective amount of PcrV antigen.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a fusion protein containing at least one binding domain that specifically recognizes an eptitope of a plant pathogen and at least one additional domain made from a protein or peptide sequence which is toxic to the pathogen or detrimental the replication, transmission or life cycle of the pathogen. The present invention is further drawn to a pathogenocide made from the binding domain, a cellular targeting sequence and/or membrane localization sequence that leads to membrane anchoring. The present invention is further drawn to nucleotide sequences encoding fusion proteins and pathogenocides and to vectors containing the nucleotide sequences; as well as methods of making the fusion proteins and pathogencides and methods of making pathogen resistant plants, plant cells, or plant tissues with the fusion proteins and pathogenocides.

Abstract: A novel Helicobacter pylori blood group antigen binding (BAB) adhesin protein was isolated and purified, whereby said protein or fractions thereof bind specifically to fucosylated blood group antigens. The protein sequence of said adhesin is disclosed in this application. Simultaneously the DNA sequences for two genes, babA and babB, producing highly similar proteins, are disclosed. Said adhesin and/or DNA is useful for diagnose and therapy and/or prophylaxis directed against H. pylori induced infections, e.g. gastritis and acid peptic disease, i.e. active vaccination.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pO157 plasmid-specified polypeptide found in E. coli EDL933 and other E. coli that binds to and cleaves C1-esterase inhibitor, and antibodies specific for the polypeptide. Also disclosed are methods employing the polypeptide for diagnosing enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection, identifying potential inhibitors of its activity, and reducing viscosity of material containing glycosylated polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to sequences of protein L which bind to light chains of immunoglobulins. The invention also relates to hybrid proteins thereof which are able to bind to both light and heavy chains of immunoglobulin G, in particular protein LG. The invention also relates to DNA-sequences which code for the proteins, vectors which include such DNA-sequences, host cells which have been transformed with the vectors, methods for producing the proteins, reagent appliances for separation and identification of immunoglobulins, compositions and pharmaceutical compositions and pharmaceutical compositions which contain the proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are human monoclonal antibodies directed against capsular or cell wall-associated polysaccharides of Streptococcus pneumoniae and the hybridoma cell lines that secrete these antibodies. Also disclosed are therapeutic methods for treating S. pneumoniae infected individuals and prophylactic methods for treating individuals at high risk for S. pneumoniae infections by the passive administration of these human monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: This invention provides antibodies that specifically bind to and neutralize botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) and the epitopes bound by those antibodies. The antibodies and derivatives thereof and/or other antibodies that specifically bind to the neutralizing epitopes provided herein can be used to neutralize botulinum neurotoxin and are therefore also useful in the treatment of botulism.

Abstract: A microbial adherence inhibitor in the form of fowl egg antibodies is disclosed, along with the method of making it and methods of using it. The inhibitor functions by substantially preventing the attachment of adherence of colony-forming immunogens in the respiratory tracts of host animals and humans. The inhibitor is made by inoculating female birds with the immunogen, harvesting the eggs which contain antibodies to the immunogen, and separating the yolk and albumin from the shells of the eggs. The yolk and albumin contents are administered to animals or human by distributing the contents directly or introducing the contents entrained in air.

Abstract: This invention is directed to mutant SPE-C toxins or fragments thereof, vaccine and pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using the vaccine and pharmaceutical compositions. The preferred SPE-C toxin has at least one amino acid change and is substantially non-lethal compared with the wild type SPE-C toxin. The mutant SPE-C toxins can form vaccine compositions useful to protect animals against the biological activities of wild type SPE-C toxin.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides for human antibodies produced in non-human animals that specifically bind to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The invention further provides methods for making the antibodies in a non-human animal, expression of the antibodies in cell lines including hybridomas and recombinant host cell systems. Also provided are kits and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies and methods of treating or preventing pseudomonas infection by administering to a patient the pharmaceutical compositions described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides proteins from Neissena meningitidis (strains A & B), including amino acid sequences, the corresponding nucleotide sequences, expression data, and serological data. The proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics.

Abstract: The invention features a polypeptide complex synthesized by bacteria of the genus Clostridia that contains the serotype E botulinum neurotoxin and five neurotoxin associated polypeptides having molecular weights of about 118, 80, 65, 40, and 18 kDa. respectively. The complex is useful in the treatment of diseases or conditions that are caused by excessive release of acetylcholine from presynaptic nerve terminals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies immunologically specific for an attaching and effacing Escherichia coli (AEEC) virulence-associated protein, products, compositions and methods and to their use thereof in the prevention of an AEEC infection in a mammal. The antibody of the invention is immunologically specific for an AEEC virulence-associated protein and is capable of preventing an in vivo AEEC intestinal infection when administered to a mammal. The antibody of the invention is preferably useful for preventing the development of A/E intestinal lesions associated with the AEEC. This is achieved by preferably using IgY antibodies immunologically specific for one or more AEEC virulence-associated proteins, such as Eae, Tir, EspA and Paa.

Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (“MenB”) are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli Kl. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli Kl disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: A series of genes from Neisseria meningitidis are shown to encode products which are targets for immunisation. The identification of these genes therefore allows vaccines to be produced and other therapeutic products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogenic conjugate comprising a carrier molecule coupled to an autoinducer of a Gram negative bacteria. The immunogenic conjugate, when combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, forms a suitable vaccine for mammals to prevent infection by the Gram negative bacteria. The immunogenic conjugate is also used to raise and subsequently isolate antibodies or binding portions thereof which are capable of recognizing and binding to the autoinducer. The antibodies or binding portions thereof are utilized in a method of treating infections, a method of inhibiting autoinducer activity, and in diagnostic assays which detect the presence of autoinducers or autoinducer antagonists in fluid or tissue samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing a bacterium binding component suitable for use in the preparation of a product for use in combating a target bacterium (including the inactivation of said bacterium and/or the treatment or diagnosis of an infection by said bacterium). The method comprises the steps of: contacting bacterium binding components of an eukaryotic micro-organism with the target bacterium for binding of the target bacterium with a bacterium binding component, and lysing the eukaryotic micro-organism; separating out the bacterium; treating the separated out bacterium so as to release thes bacterium binding component form said bacterium; and recovering the bacterium binding components. The invention also provides therapeutic and diagnostic products incorporating bacterial binding components.

Abstract: Antibodies reactive with isolated proteins, designated SdrF, SdrG and SdrH, and their corresponding amino acid and nucleic acid sequences, are provided which are useful in the prevention and treatment of infection caused by coagulase-negative staphylococcal bacteria such as S. epidermidis. The SdrF, SdrG and SdrH proteins are cell-wall associated proteins that specifically bind host proteins and which each have a highly conserved motif of which the consensus sequence is TYTFTDYVD (SEQ ID NO: 16). The antibodies are also useful for the diagnosis and treatment of coagulase-negative staphylococcal infections and may be administered to wounds or used to coat biomaterials to act as blocking agents to prevent or inhibit the binding of coagulase-negative staphylococci to wounds or biomaterials.

Abstract: A method and composition for the passive immunization of patients infected with or susceptible to infection from Staphylococcus bacteria such as S. aureus and S. epidermidis infection is provided that includes the selection or preparation of a donor plasma pool with high antibody titers to carefully selected Staphylococcus adhesins or MSCRAMMs, or fragments or components thereof, or sequences with substantial homology thereto. The donor plasma pool can be prepared by combining individual blood or blood component samples which have higher than normal titers of antibodies to one or more of the selected adhesins or other proteins that bind to extracellular matrix proteins, or by administering carefully selected proteins or peptides to a host to induce the expression of desired antibodies, and subsequently recovering the enhanced high titer serum or plasma pool from the treated host.

Abstract: The invention relates to Leptospiral surface proteins, and the nucleic acid molecules which encode them. Various uses are described, including immunoprophylactic, diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Abstract: Reagents and methods for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus are provided. The reagents contain an antibody that binds to a capsular polysaccharide of type 5 of Staphylococcus aureus, and can be used in methods for detection of oxacillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus that escapes detection by agglutination in the presence of fibrinogen and antibodies directed against protein A of Staphylococcus.

Abstract: An antifucoidan antibody recognizing the compound represented by formula (I) or (II).

Abstract: The present invention provides the sequencing of the entire genome of Haemophilus influenzae Rd, SEQ ID NO: 1. The present invention further provides the sequence information stored on computer readable media, and computer-based systems and methods which facilitate its use. In addition to the entire genomic sequence, the present invention identifies over 1700 protein encoding fragments of the genome and identifies, by position relative to a unique NotI restriction endonuclease site, any regulatory elements which modulate the expression of the protein encoding fragments of the Haemophilus genome.

Abstract: The invention provides RF-1 polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding RF-1 polypetides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing RF-1 polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses monoclonal and chimeric antibodies that bind to lipoteichoic acid of Gram positive bacteria. The antibodies also bind to whole bacteria and enhance phagocytosis and killing of the bacteria in vitro and enhance protection from lethal infection in vivo. The mouse monoclonal antibody has been humanized and the resulting chimeric antibody provides a previously unknown means to diagnose, prevent and/or treat infections caused by gram positive bacteria bearing lipoteichoic acid. This invention also encompasses a peptide mimic of the lipoteichoic acid epitope binding site defined by the monoclonal antibody. This epitope or epitope peptide mimic identifies other antibodies that may bind to the lipoteichoic acid epitope. Moreover, the epitope or epitope peptide mimic provides a valuable substrate for the generation of vaccines or other therapeutics.

Abstract: Isolated antibodies to Invaplex; novel compositions comprising immunoglobulins directed to invasin proteins and LPS from gram negative bacteria that selectively bind to Invaplex, and do not bind to the individual components of Invaplex.

Abstract: Human neutralizing antibodies (full-length or functional fragments) are useful as anti-toxins or anti-infectives with respect to infective agents such as, for example, anthrax, botulinum, smallpox, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus (VEEV), West Nile virus (WNV) and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptide, oligopeptide or polypeptide compounds that are capable of eliciting a protective immune response against the capsular polysaccharide of group B Streptococcus (GBS), particularly type III GBS. Such compounds are useful in the development of vaccines that are effective against diseases caused by these pathogens.

Abstract: By virtue of the present invention, there is provided methods and compositions for interfering with the proliferation of cells infected and/or transformed by papillomaviruses. The processes and compositions of this invention may be used to treat any mammal, including humans. According to this invention, mammals are treated by the pharmaceutically acceptable administration of an E2 peptidomimetic to reduce the symptoms of the specific papillomavirus-associated disease, or to prevent their recurrence.

Abstract: A protein is described. The protein comprises a lipid globule targeting sequence linked to a protein of interest (POI) wherein the targeting sequence comprises a hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein or fragment or homologue thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to monoclonal antibodies capable of recognizing and neutralizing epitopes from the ligand domain, the translocation domain or the catalytic domain of the enterotoxin (toxin A) and cytotoxin (toxin B) from Clostridium difficile, as well as their production and therapeutical and prophylactic applications to diseases due to the toxins.

Abstract: Antibodies for binding epitopes of BoNT/A and hybridomas which produce such antibodies are described. The antibodies of the present invention can be used in a method for detecting BoNT/A in a sample and/or in a method for purifying BoNT/A from an impure solution. In addition, the antibodies can be used for passive immunization against BoNT/A intoxication or as intoxication therapy. Another aspect of the invention is a kit for detecting BoNT/A in a sample.

Abstract: An isolated B1 domain polypeptide of bacterial Protein G which binds a Fab fragment of an IgG but substantially does not bind a Fc fragment of an IgG. Methods for the detection and purification of IgG Fc antibody fragments and Fab antibody fragments using the isolated GB1 domain polypeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody expression library derived from a patient which has been immunochallenged with one or more foreign antigens associated with a particular disease or foreign agent, wherein said patients have been immunochallenged with the foreign antigens at a time point such that they still contain a repertoire of antibody producing cells which are enriched with cells producing antibodies directed to said foreign antigens associated with said disease or foreign agent, or at a time point such that they are still in an active phase of immune response to said foreign antigens associated with said disease or foreign agent. Methods of producing such expression libraries are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to Mycobacterium tuberculosis superoxide dismutase antibodies, methods of using them for detection of M. tuberculosis, methods of testing for an inhibitor of an M. tuberculosis superoxide dismutase, and methods of detecting tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: The present invention includes recombinant proteins derived from Clostridium botulinum toxins. In particular, soluble recombinant Clostridium botulinum type A, type B and type E toxin proteins are provided. Methods which allow for the isolation of recombinant proteins free of significant endotoxin contamination are provided. The soluble, endotoxin-free recombinant proteins are used as immunogens for the production of vaccines and antitoxins. These vaccines and antitoxins are useful in the treatment of humans and other animals at risk of intoxication with clostridial toxin.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel bacterial ribonucleoprotein complex and the component parts thereof. More specifically, this invention relates to RNase P RNA isolated from Staphylococcus aureus and the use of RNase P RNA in screens for the identification of antimicrobial compounds and to the use of such compounds in therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids, proteins and vectors for a method of nucleic acid, including DNA, immunization of a host, including humans, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae. The method employs a vector containing a nucleotide sequence encoding an ATP-binding cassette of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the ATP-binding cassette gene product in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid construct having a nucleic acid molecule that encodes a factor suppressing an immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a host subject; an isolated antibody against the protein or polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule; and uses for the protein and its antibody, including in a method for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a sample of tissue or body fluids; a method of vaccinating a mammal against infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis; a vaccine for preventing infection and disease of mammals by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for actively immunizing mammals against Mycobacterium tuberculosis; and methods of treating inflammatory disease in mammals.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the detection and quantification of A. phagocytophila (formerly known as Ehrlichia equi) antibodies and antibody fragments.

Abstract: Cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies are provided which are generated from peptides from Enterococcus faecalis, including the ACE40 and the ACE19 protein, and the CNA19 peptide from Staphylococcus aureus, and which can bind to the collagen-binding proteins from bacteria from a variety of species including enterococcal bacteria, staphylococcal bacteria and streptococcal bacteria. These monoclonal antibodies may then be formed into suitable pharmaceutical compositions, and they are thus particularly effective in providing methods of treating or preventing bacterial infections from a wide range of bacterial species.

Abstract: Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies which are cross-reactive to both coagulase-positive staphylococcus bacteria, such as S. aureus and to coagulase-negative bacteria, such as S. epidermidis and S. hemolyticus, are provided which can recognize surface proteins from both coagulase-positive and coagulase negative staph bacteria. The antibodies may be generated from surface proteins that have been isolated on the basis of characteristics that may be common between S. aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci, and these recombinant surface proteins are used to generate the antibodies of the invention. There is also provided vaccines and methods which utilize these proteins and antibodies for the treatment or protection against a wide variety of staphylococcal infections.

Abstract: Identification of linear amino acid antigenic sequences for the production of both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to defined antigenic domains is described. Also described are antigenic peptides identified by the described methods and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses monoclonal and chimeric antibodies that bind to lipoteichoic acid of Gram positive bacteria. The antibodies also bind to whole bacteria and enhance phagocytosis and killing of the bacteria in vitro and enhance protection from lethal infection in vivo. The mouse monoclonal antibody has been humanized and the resulting chimeric antibody provides a previously unknown means to diagnose, prevent and/or treat infections caused by gram positive bacteria bearing lipoteichoic acid. This invention also encompasses a peptide mimic of the lipoteichoic acid epitope binding site defined by the monoclonal antibody. This epitope or epitope peptide mimic identifies other antibodies that may bind to the lipoteichoic acid epitope. Moreover, the epitope or epitope peptide mimic provides a valuable substrate for the generation of vaccines or other therapeutics.