Described herein are engineered microbe-targeting or microbe-binding molecules, kits comprising the same and uses thereof. The microbe-targeting or microbe-binding molecules can comprise a microbe surface-binding domain linked to a portion of an Fc region. Further, the microbe-targeting molecules can be conjugated to substrate (e.g., a magnetic particle) to form a microbe-targeting substrate. Such microbe-targeting molecules and/or substrates and the kits comprising the same can be used in various applications, such as diagnosis and/or treatment of an infection caused by microbes. Moreover, the microbe-targeting molecules and/or substrates can be easily regenerated after use.

Provided herein are methods of predicting whether a pancreatic cancer patient will be a short-term or long-term survivor based on their intra-tumoral microbiota. Also provided are methods of treating pancreatic cancer patients using fecal microbial transfer from long-term pancreatic cancer survivors as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising fecal microbiota obtained from long-term pancreatic cancer survivors.

Provided herein are compositions and methods for detection and treatment of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (“RMSF”). The compositions specifically detect Rickettsia rickettsii and do not cross-react with other Rickettsia species providing rapid and accurate detection and diagnosis of RMSF.

Herein is reported a method for determining bacterial endotoxin at low concentrations in a sample of an antibody (that has been produced using bacterial cells) comprising the following steps in the following order: i) adding magnesium ions to the sample, ii) diluting the sample, iii) dialyzing the sample having a pH-value of 5.7-8.0 against an endotoxin-flee aqueous solution, and iv) determining bacterial endotoxin in the sample using a bacterial endotoxin test, particularly the Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay.

Assays, arrays, and methods for distinguishing a bacterial infection from a viral infection are disclosed. The antibiotic crisis is in part driven by over prescription of antibiotics. There is a tendency, particular in pediatrics, to give an antibiotic even for viral infections. Thus, embodiments herein are directed to the problem of distinguishing a bacterial infection from a viral infection to reduce unnecessary antibiotic usage.

A barrel defines a channel, and has an opening into the channel, and an outlet from the channel. A porous carrier disposed within the channel carries an albumin. A cellulosic stationary phase is disposed within the channel between the carrier and the distal region of the barrel. A lateral flow platform is coupled to the barrel such that a sample pad of the lateral flow platform is in fluid communication with the outlet. A sponge, coupled to a plunger, is configured to hold saliva. The plunger is dimensioned to compress the sponge within the channel such that the saliva is driven (i) out of the sponge and through the carrier, dissolving at least some of the albumin, (ii) with the dissolved albumin, into the stationary phase, and (iii) as an eluate, out of the stationary phase, through the outlet, and onto the sample pad. Other embodiments are also described.

A solid support for detecting the presence of antibodies in a biological sample, where the solid support includes microbial antigens immobilized on the solid support, wherein the microbial antigens include at least one antigen prepared from the group consisting of pleomorphic round bodies of Borrelia genus, for example Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii. Also, a method of detecting a tick-borne microbe in a biological sample, wherein the solid support is contacted with a biological sample.

A method of measuring risk assessment in a patient with appendicitis is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) measuring the TRAIL protein level in a blood sample of the patient; (b) providing a risk assessment based on the TRAIL protein level.

Compositions and methods for the detection and identification of Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever Borrelia sp. antibodies.

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.