The present invention provides methods of detecting analytes using particles having different physico-chemical properties, such as buoyancy, size, density, spectral characteristics, and/or binding properties, in solution-based sandwich assays and solution-based competition assays. The methods can be performed using rotors and bench-top centrifuges and provide for rapid, qualitative and quantitative detection of analytes. The present invention also provides kits that can be used to perform the methods, and mixtures containing particles suitable for the methods.

Described herein are compositions that comprise one or more Babesia microti antigens, one or more Babesia microti nucleic acid molecules, or one or more anti-Babesia microti antibodies and uses thereof in methods for the prophylaxis of babesiosis, the treatment of babesiosis and the monitoring of individuals undergoing prophylactic or therapeutic administration of the compositions of the invention.

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for detecting antibodies directed to epitopes of the metabolic enzymes, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (A), α-enolase (E), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G), that are shared between T. vaginalis and human AEG proteins.

The present invention relates to peptides and methods for the detection of anti-leishmanial antibodies in individuals suspected of infection with the protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania, especially infection with a South American strain causing the American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL).

The invention, in part, includes methods and compounds useful to prepare and functional class XIV myosin. Functional class XIV myosin prepared using methods of the invention may be useful to screen for and identify compounds that inhibit and treat parasitic infections and contamination.

The present invention concerns a composition of polypeptides suitable for detecting antibodies against Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) in an isolated biological sample consisting of three polypeptides 1F8, JL7 and Cruzipain. A method of producing a soluble and immunoreactive composition of polypeptides suitable for detecting antibodies against T. cruzi using said composition of polypeptides is also part of the invention. Moreover, the invention concerns a method for detecting antibodies specific for T. cruzi in an isolated sample wherein a composition of said T. cruzi polypeptides is used as well as a reagent kit comprising said composition of T. cruzi polypeptides.

The invention concerns variants of JL7 antigens that are suitable for detecting antibodies against Trypanosoma cruzi (causing Chagas disease) in an isolated biological sample. These antigens comprise a JL7 specific amino acid sequence, said JL7 specific sequence consisting of two copies of SEQ ID NO. 2, wherein each of said two copies has an amino acid identity of at least 90% to SEQ ID NO.2 and wherein no further Trypanosoma cruzi specific amino acid sequences are present in said polypeptide. The invention also concerns a composition of polypeptides useful for the detection of antibodies against Trypanosoma cruzi that comprises the above characterized JL7 antigen along with at least one of T. cruzi polypeptides 1F8, Cruzipain, KMP-11 and PAR-2. Moreover, it relates to a method for producing JL7 antigen as well as to diagnostic methods for detecting T. cruzi antibodies using the JL7 polypeptide. In addition, the invention concerns a reagent kit comprising said JL7 polypeptides or composition of Trypanosoma cruzi polypeptides.

An open-cell foam structure that is used to detect and remove substances from water or air.

The present invention in general relates Hemoglobin receptor or its part as a novel vaccine candidate against Leishmaniasis. Specifically, the present invention envisages HbR DNA for eliciting immune response in a mammal against Leishmaniasis. Additional aspect of the present invention is related to a vaccine composition for inducing immune response against Leishmaniasis in mammals. In a preferred aspect, the present invention relates to use of HbR-polypeptide as marker for diagnosis of Leishmania in kala-azar patients.

Compositions and methods for detecting Trichomonas vaginalis are provided.