The present disclosure relates to a method for identifying the presence or absence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in a human or animal serum, including placing the previously drawn serum in contact with antigens capable of binding with the anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies, and the observation of a bond or of an absence of a bond of antibodies with the antigens, and a combination of two recombinant GRA2 and GRA6 proteins. In particular, the antigens are attached to a support, in particular an ELISA plate. This test is preferably carried out as a supplement to another test for diagnosing toxoplasmosis.

The invention relates to a recombinant polypeptide construct comprising epitopes from Plasmodium falciparum protein circumsporozoite protein (CSP). The epitopes contain HLA class I binding motifs and stimulate an anti-malaria CD8.sup.+T-cell response. The polypeptides can be incorporated into immunogenic formulations against malaria. Additionally, the antigens are useful for facilitating evaluation of immunogenicity of candidate malaria vaccines.

The present disclosure relates to novel malaria vaccines composed of different recombinant proteins, in particular recombinant fusion proteins comprising several different Plasmodium falciparum antigens from the pre-erythrocytic the blood, and the sexual parasite stages. The proteins and/or fusion proteins will be used in a mixture vaccine formulation to elicit protective immune responses in humans. Nucleic acid molecules encoding said recombinant proteins, vectors, host cells containing the nucleic acids and methods for preparation and producing such proteins; Antibodies induced or generated by the use of said malaria vaccines or said nucleic acid molecules encoding said proteins and/or fusion proteins and the use of such antibodies or recombinant derivatives for passive immunotherapy.

The present invention provides an in vitro method for concentrating infectious pathogens found in a biological sample obtained from an individual who is suspected of being infected with the pathogens. Provided herein is also an in vitro method for reducing or eliminating blood cells from a sample obtained from an individual suspected to being infected with an infectious pathogen. The present invention also provides a method for diagnosing malaria and a method for determining if an individual is infected with a pathogen. Provided herein is also a concentrator and a kit for use with the methods.

The present invention relates to a differential diagnostic method using flow cytometry, performed by means of differential fluorescent marking of biological agents, such as cells and pathogens of interest, with fluorescent substances. The diagnostic method generally consists in performing fluorescent marking of biological agents with gradual concentrations of fluorescent substances, and in analyzing the reactivity profile of IgG1 to the biological agents. The present invention further relates to a diagnostic kit.

Disclosed is a blood analyzing method including: a step of preparing a measurement sample from blood, a fluorescent dye represented by the following formula 1, and a diluent, a concentration of the fluorescent dye in the measurement sample being greater than or equal to 0.15 M and smaller than or equal to 1.0 M; a step of acquiring fluorescence information obtained by irradiating the measurement sample with light; and a step of detecting a red blood cell infected with a malaria parasite in the blood based on the fluorescence information.

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A system, method, apparatus and diagnostic test for Plasmodium vivax, to determine a likelihood of a specific timing of infection by P. vivax in a subject, and hence identify individuals with a high probability of being infected with otherwise undetectable liver-stage hypnozoites. The system, method, apparatus and diagnostic test relate to the identification of hypnozoites (dormant liver-stages), or at least of the likelihood of the subject being so infected. Optionally and preferably, the specific timing relates to recent infections, for example within the last 9 months.

The present invention provides compositions and methods that can be used to determine a peptide signature for an antibody repertoire in a sample comprising multiple antibodies. The method can be used to characterize a phenotype in a sample, such as providing a diagnosis, prognosis or theranosis of a medical condition.

Antibodies and antigen binding fragments that specifically bind to P. falciparum circumsporozoite protein are disclosed. Nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, vectors and host cells are also provided. The disclosed antibodies, antigen binding fragments, nucleic acids and vectors can be used, for example, to inhibit a P. falciparum infection.

The present invention provides simple and inexpensive assays for the detection of virtually any analyte in any sample that is in liquid form or that can be solubilized. The assays utilize the fluid dynamics of drop evaporation whereby soluble materials, including analytes and particles binding thereto, are drawn to the edge of the drop and ultimately form a concentrated residual ring. The presence or absence of certain reagents can then be detected through a number of different approaches.