Abstract:
The recombinant production of Gap4, a chimeric GapC plasmin binding protein comprising the entire amino acid sequence of the Streptococcus dysgalactiae GapC protein in addition to unique amino acid sequences from the Streptococcus parauberis and Streptococcus agalactiae GapC proteins, is described. Also described is the use of Gap4 chimeric GapC protein in vaccine compositions to prevent or treat streptococcal infections in general and mastitis in particular.
Abstract:
Novel protein antigens from Group B Streptococcus are described, together with the nucleic acid sequences encoding them. The use of vaccines and screening methods is also described.
Abstract:
Methods and compositions comprising immunoassays for the detection of antigens and antibodies in a sample are described. In particular, the present invention provides assays that are useful for rapid and simultaneous detection of multiple different antigens and antibodies. In preferred embodiments, the assays include fluorescent labels of multiple wavelengths or intensities, which are used to label the antigens and antibodies directly and to label beads coated with molecules specific for the antigen or antibody. The detection of a fluorescence shift indicates the presence or identity of the antigen or antibody in the sample.
Abstract:
A method for identifying the susceptibility of a person to dental caries comprises the assay of one or several of: an agent having high binding capacity to Streptococcus mutans but low binding capacity to Actinomyces naeslundii, an agent having high binding capacity to S. mutans-binding agglutinin, an agent having high binding capacity to A. naeslundii. The agent having high binding capacity to Streptococcus mutans but low binding capacity to A. naeslundii comprises an allelic Db type of salivary acidic proline-rich molecules (acidic PRPs), a biologically active fragment or a genetic precursor thereof. A corresponding reagent is also identified. Also disclosed are a method and an agent for the prevention of caries, as well as labelled S. mutans and A. naeslundii and their use.
Abstract:
The present invention provides polynucleotides coding for the mature Lmb Laminin binding streptococcal adhesion mediator polypeptides. The polynucleotides were obtained from a genomic library obtained from Group B Streptococcus R268. The role of Lmb in virulence of S. agalactiae is discussed.
Abstract:
The invention relates to peptides comprising an amino acid sequence substantially homologous to the amino sequence of a fragment of a pyrogenic exotoxin, and functional derivatives of said peptides, capable of eliciting protective immunity against toxic shock induced by a pyrogenic exotoxin or by a mixture of pyrogenic exotoxins. Preferred peptides comprise an amino acid sequence substantially homologous to the amino sequence of a fragment of Staphylococcal aureus enterotoxin B (SEB). The invention also relates to broad spectrum pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or short term prophylaxis of toxin-mediated activation of T cells, comprising as active ingredient at least one peptide according to the invention or derivative thereof, and to broad spectrum vaccines for conferring long term immunity against toxic shock induced by at least one pyrogenic exotoxin are provided. The vaccines comprising as active ingredient at least one peptide according to the invention, or derivative thereof.
Abstract:
Methods and compositions are provided for identifying a group A Streptococcus in any of a variety of physiological samples, such as blood, saliva, throat swabs, cerebrospinal fluid, brocheolar lavage material, and biopsy material. The compositions used include an extracellular cysteine protease or a fragment thereof, obtainable from S. pyogenes and containing at least one conserved epitope, or nucleic acid encoding the cysteine protease or fragment thereof. The compositions also find use in eliciting a protective immune response against a group A Streptococcus infection.
Abstract:
An improved diagnostic method and reagent for the assay of Streptococcus Group A, and other antigen containing organisms, in which the high background resulting from cross-reaction of Anti-Streptococcal Group A or the reaction with Staphylococcus is eliminated.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and device for concentration and detection of a target analyte in a solution using a pre-coated porous material embedded with ATPS components. In one embodiment, the water soluble nanoparticles include, but are not limited to, silicon dioxide, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, silver oxide and any combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device comprising ATPS as a concentration module linked with a lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) component as a detection module. In one embodiment, as the sample wicks up the device and ATPS components undergo phase separation, the analytes are concentrated substantially in the leading front, the concentrated analytes are then detected by the LFA module generating visual test results. In one embodiment, the present method and device are used to detect Streptococcus mutans and thereby dental caries.