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US 2003/0166841 A1Published application
Escherichia coli secreted protein b
AssigneeUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore
InventorsJames B. Kaper, Karen Jarvis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Several EHEC proteins which are secreted into the culture supernatant have been discovered. These proteins are not produced by non-pathogenic E. coli, and produce a strong serum antibody response in patients with HUS and bloody diarrhea.
Claims28
A purified protein called EspB isolated from EHEC having a molecular weight of 37 kilodaltons.
A purified protein called EspA isolated from E. coli having a molecular weight of 24 kilodaltons.
A method for diagnosing whether a subject has been infected with EHEC comprising the steps:
- (1) obtaining a body fluid or tissue sample from a subject who is suspected of being infected with EHEC,
- (2) using the Esp protein, immunologically determining the presence of antibodies which are specific to said Esp in the body fluid or tissue sample of step (1),
- (3) the presence of antibodies which are specific to said Esp indicating active infection with EHEC.
A kit for diagnosing whether a subject has been infected with EHEC comprising
- (1) a container for holding a body fluid or tissue sample from said subject,
- (2) a substrate containing a purified Esp protein and an indicator which changes color in the presence of antibodies to said purified Esp protein.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.