Provided are a bacterial colony formation method for sensitive and rapid culture of H. pylori and an effect evaluation method for the same. The bacterial colony formation method comprises primary isolation, cryopreservation and recovery, growth of a single bacterial colony, and subculture. The effect evaluation method provides an effect evaluation index for the H. pylori culture method.

An apparatus for detecting cancer precursors in a sample by using electrodes modified with a nanocomposite that reacts with a number of cancer precursors. The modification of electrodes includes treating surfaces of the electrodes using the nanocomposite, wherein the nanocomposite includes a first metallic nanoparticle; and at least one of a second metallic nanoparticle, or carbon nanomaterial. The apparatus also includes an analytic tool for quantifying detected cancer precursors, and a display to visualize amounts of cancer precursors detected in the sample.

Described herein are methods and systems for distinguishing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease. The methods and systems can utilize the detection of anti-vinculin antibodies and anti-CdtB antibodies to distinguish IBS from IBD and celiac disease. Further described are methods for selecting a therapy to treat IBS, IBD or celiac disease.

There is provided novel peptides for use in diagnosis of CagA+ H. pylori infection or the prediction of risk for gastric cancer. The peptides bind antibodies from CagA+ H pylori patients with high specificity and sensitivity, and can be used for example in a diagnostic kit.

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial food-borne diseases in humans, ranging from acute diarrheal disease to neurological disorders. An isolated or purified antibody or fragment thereof specific to C. jejuni is described. The antibody or fragment thereof binds to a flagellar protein and reduces motility of C. jejuni. The antibody or fragment thereof is derived from a heavy chain IgG variable domain fragment (V.sub.HH) of a camelid animal immunized with C. jejuni flagellar protein. A multivalent form, as well as a phage format, of the antibody or fragment thereof is described. Methods of reducing presence of C. jejuni in an animal or an animal environment, methods and formulations for treating C. jejuni infection, and method of detecting C. jejuni are also described.

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial food-borne diseases in humans, ranging from acute diarrheal disease to neurological disorders. An isolated or purified antibody or fragment thereof specific to C. jejuni is described. The antibody or fragment thereof binds to a flagellar protein and reduces motility of C. jejuni. The antibody or fragment thereof is derived from a heavy chain IgG variable domain fragment (V.sub.HH) of a camelid animal immunized with C. jejuni flagellar protein. A multivalent form, as well as a phage format, of the antibody or fragment thereof is described. Methods of reducing presence of C. jejuni in an animal or an animal environment, methods and formulations for treating C. jejuni infection, and method of detecting C. jejuni are also described.

A device and system for detecting an antigen present in a sample is provided. The system includes a cartridge and a reader device. The cartridge includes a solid support having an addressable array of at least one type of antibody that is specific for a target antigen and forms a complex in the presence of the target antigen, a substrate having a mounting surface for the solid support, Protein M for competitively displacing the target antigen from the complex, and a housing for protecting the substrate. The reader device is configured to detect the antigen in a liquid sample via interaction with the cartridge.

The present invention concerns materials and methods for characterizing monoclonal immunoglobulin specificity of a Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) or Myeloma patients using a protein microarray comprising (a) a substrate, (b) antigens immobilized on the substrate, said antigens being selected from a defined group consisting of infectious agent antigens and/or self-antigens. In particular said protein microarray may be used to improve diagnosis, for the prognosis of myeloma or MGUS, for preventing transformation of MGUS toward myeloma, for adapting treatment of MGUS and myeloma or for monitoring the response to therapy of MGUS and myeloma patients.

A selective agent comprising a triclosan derivative for use in selective inhibition of non-target cells in a mixed population of target and non-target cells. Preferably the triclosan derivative is a glycoside derivative, more preferably a pyranoside derivative. Suitably a selective medium comprising said selective agent and methods of culturing cells using the selective agent are provided.

The present invention provides methods for diagnosing and treating Helicobacter pylori infection by using a monoclonal antibody to detect Helicobacter pylori neutrophil-activating protein (HP-NAP) and inhibit the activity thereof. The monoclonal antibody is an ANTI-FLAG antibody that binds to a specific epitope on HP-NAP for the detection of HP-NAP in its native form or denatured form. Furthermore, the present invention uses the ANTI-FLAG antibody to block HP-NAP-induced production of reactive oxygen species by human neutrophils. Thus, the present invention can be applied in clinical diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection as well as treatment of the infection via inhibiting Helicobacter pylori-induced inflammation.