Binding agents able to disrupt bacterial biofilms of diverse origin are described, including monoclonal antibodies suitable for administration to a selected species, and antibody mimics including aptamer nucleic acids. 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.

The present invention relates to proteins and nucleic acids derived from Klebsiella pneumoniae as well as therapeutic and diagnostic uses of the proteins and nucleic acids.

The present invention relates to a synthetic oligosaccharide of general formula (I): T*-[(U.sub.x+4U.sub.x+3U.sub.x+2U.sub.x+1U.sub.x).sub.m(V.sub.x+2V.sub.x+1V.sub.x).sub.1-m-T-O-L-E that is related to Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 lipopolysaccharide and conjugate thereof. Said synthetic oligosaccharide, said conjugate and pharmaceutical composition containing said synthetic oligosaccharide or said conjugate are useful for prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae. Furthermore, the synthetic oligosaccharide of general formula (I) is useful as marker in immunological assays for detection of antibodies against Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 bacteria.

The present invention relates to proteins and nucleic acids derived from Klebsiella pneumonia as well as therapeutic and diagnostic uses of the proteins and nucleic acids.

A method and kit for for determining of an effective concentration of an antimicrobial agent for inhibiting bacterial growth are provided. The method and kit involve the use of a first and second multiwell receptacle. A fluid sample containing or suspected to contain one or more microbial organisms is dispensed into the wells of the first multiwell receptacle containing a range of dilutions of an antimicrobial agent, growth medium and a bacteriophage to form assay mixtures in the wells. The assay mixtures are then transferred to the corresponding wells of the second multiwell receptacle for detection.

Binding agents able to disrupt bacterial biofilms of diverse origin are described, including monoclonal antibodies suitable for administration to a selected species, and antibody mimics including aptamer nucleic acids. 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.

The present invention relates to a synthetic saccharide of general formula (I) that is related to Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O1, O2, O2ac, and O8 O-polysaccharide and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258 O-polysaccharide and conjugate thereof. Said synthetic saccharide, said conjugate and pharmaceutical composition containing said synthetic saccharide or said conjugate are useful for prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae. Furthermore, the synthetic saccharide of general formula (I) is useful as marker in immunological assays for detection of antibodies against Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria.

Binding agents able to disrupt bacterial biofilms of diverse origin are described, including monoclonal antibodies suitable for administration to a selected species, and antibody mimics including aptamer nucleic acids. 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.

The present invention relates to proteins and nucleic acids derived from Klebsiella pneumonia as well as therapeutic and diagnostic uses of the proteins and nucleic acids.

The invention provides for an isolated antibody that specifically recognizes an epitope of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O3b-antigen structure of Klebsiella pneumoniae, which is a O3b-epitope incorporated in O3b-antigen comprising the structure of Formula (I), including one or more O3b-antigen mannose homopolymer repeating units, wherein Formula (I) is:

MeP.fwdarw.3)--D-Manp-(1.fwdarw.2)--D-Manp-(1.fwdarw.3)--D-Manp-(1.fwdarw.[3)--D-Manp-(1.fwdarw.2)--D-Manp-(1.fwdarw.3)--D-Manp-(1.fwdarw.].sub.n wherein MeP is methyl phosphate; and n is 0-50.

The invention further provides for a pharmaceutical or diagnostic preparation comprising said antibody, and a method of producing said antibody.