Streptococcus m protein, immunogenic fragments, nucleic acids and methods of use

Abstract

Isolated M proteins, or M-like proteins, of Streptococcus iniae, encoding nucleic acids, genetic constructs and antibodies which bind the isolated M proteins are provided. Also provided are isoforms and / or fragments of the M proteins, or M-like proteins, that display reduced fibrinogen binding. The isolated M proteins, antibodies and encoding nucleic acids maybe useful for diagnosis, immunization and / or therapy of Streptococcus iniae infections of animals such as fish and humans.

Description

Invention field [0001] The present invention relates to specific proteins and nucleic acids. More specifically, the present invention relates to isolated proteins and nucleic acids of Streptococcus iniae, and their use in the diagnosis and / or treatment of Streptococcus iniae infections in animals, especially fish. Background of the invention [0002] In the past ten years or so, Streptococcus dolphin has become the most serious aquatic pathogen, causing very large losses to farmed marine and freshwater finfish in warmer regions. Streptococcus dolphin was first discovered in 1976 from a captive Amazonian freshwater dolphin, and was named after the dolphin. It is found in warm water aquaculture farms around the world. See Agnew & Barnes, 2007, Vet. Microbiol. 1221 for review of fishes susceptible to Streptococcus dolphinae infection so far. [0003] Streptococcus dolphin also has zoonotic potential and human infections have been found in the United States, Canada and throughout Asi...

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However, the success of the vaccination program was short-lived

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