Abstract:
Monoclonal antibodies which can bind to the SdrF protein of Staphylococcus epidermidis are provided which can be useful in the treatment and protection against infection from staphylococcal bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis . The monoclonal antibodies of the invention are advantageous in that they can also recognize binding domains and subdomains of the S. epidermidis SdrF protein in addition to the protein itself. Suitable compositions and passive vaccines based on the monoclonal antibodies of the invention, as well as methods for their use, are also provided.
Abstract:
An Isolated lipase, designated GehD , from S. epidermidis has now been found to bind to collagen, and thus this protein may be used in methods of preventing or treating staphylococcal infections. The invention contemplates the use of compositions including GehD, vaccines containing GehD, and antibodies that can recognize GehD, and these are advantageously used with human or animal patients which may be susceptible to staphylococcal disease. In addition, medical instruments or biological implants can be treated using the collagen-binding protein of the invention in order to reduce or eliminate the possibility of their becoming infected or further spreading a staphylococcal infection.