A bacterium belonging to the genus Pseudomonas such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa is specifically and quantitatively detected using a selection medium for a bacterium belonging to the genus Pseudomonas characterized by containing, in a basal medium, at least one third-generation cephalosporin and at least one antibiotic selected from the group consisting of a first-generation cephalosporin and a glycopeptide-based antibiotic and by a method for detecting a bacterium belonging to the genus Pseudomonas and a method for selecting a bacterium belonging to the genus Pseudomonas through use of said selection medium.

Provided are VHH or nanobodies that specifically bind to cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) inhibitory factor (Cif), and uses thereof for diagnosis and treatment of Pseudomonas infection.

Described is a biosensor for detection of analytes and methods of using the same for detecting bacterial infection in a subject. The biosensor comprises an array of gold nanoparticles, biotinylated polyethylene glycol thiol, polyethylene glycol thiol, at least one neutravidin molecule, and at least one affinity reagent immobilized on a surface of the at least one neutravidin molecule. The affinity reagent may be an aptamer or a siderophore. The biosensors demonstrate extraordinary selectively and sensitivity for rapid detection of whole-cell bacteria.

Compositions and methods for controlling pests are provided. The methods involve transforming organisms with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an insecticidal protein. In particular, the nucleic acid sequences are useful for preparing plants and microorganisms that possess insecticidal activity. Thus, transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, plant tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions are insecticidal nucleic acids and proteins of bacterial species. The sequences find use in the construction of expression vectors for subsequent transformation into organisms of interest including plants, as probes for the isolation of other homologous (or partially homologous) genes. The pesticidal proteins find use in controlling, inhibiting growth or killing Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Dipteran, fungal, Hemipteran and nematode pest populations and for producing compositions with insecticidal activity.

Binding agents able to disrupt bacterial biofilms of diverse origin are described, including monoclonal antibodies secreted by human B lymphocytes. Methods to prevent formation of or to dissolve biofilms with these binding agents are also described. Immunogens for eliciting antibodies to disrupt biofilms are also described.

Disclosed are methods, systems, devices, and kits for diagnosing and/or monitoring a bacterial infection in a subject in need thereof. The methods, systems, devices, and kits are useful for identifying causative bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, by, for example, detecting the presence of one or more quorum sensing (QS) molecules associated with the bacteria. For P. aeruginosa these can include C4 homoserine lactone and/or C12 homoserine lactone. The methods, systems, devices, and kits can further include steps or features for obtaining diagnosis results and/or prescribing an antibiotic for the subject if, for example, the presence and/or increased levels of the QS molecule are detected. The methods, systems, devices, and kits can further include steps or features guiding a treatment regimen, such as whether to initiate or continue treatment of a bacterial infection caused by bacteria, such as P. aeruginosa, detected using the disclosed methods, systems, devices, and kits.

Compounds, compositions, and methods for the diagnosis and/or treatment of medical conditions involving infections with and colonization by Pseudomonas bacteria including, for example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis are described.

Pharmaceutical extracts from Egyptian broomrape have proven efficacy against HCV and NAFLD. Compositions and method of making and using same are provided.

A method and a device for performing are qualitative and quantitative assay of biofilm-forming bacteria of at least one bacterial species contained in an aquatic system by use of a biochemical reaction of the bacteria with at least one substance which initiates a bacterium-specific metabolic reaction, as well as a colorimetric reagent which can be influenced by the metabolic reaction involving measurement of the spectrometric properties thereof forming the basis of the assay.

Compositions and methods for controlling pests are provided. The methods involve transforming organisms with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an insecticidal protein. In particular, the nucleic acid sequences are useful for preparing plants and microorganisms that possess insecticidal activity. Thus, transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, plant tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions are insecticidal nucleic acids and proteins of bacterial species. The sequences find use in the construction of expression vectors for subsequent transformation into organisms of interest including plants, as probes for the isolation of other homologous (or partially homologous) genes. The pesticidal proteins find use in controlling, inhibiting growth or killing Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Dipteran, fungal, Hemipteran and nematode pest populations and for producing compositions with insecticidal activity.