spsB polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such spsB and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such spsB for the treatment of infection, particularly bacterial infections. Antagonists against such spsB and their use as a therapeutic to treat infections, particularly bacterial infections are also disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to the presence of spsB nucleic acid sequences and the polypeptides in a host. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting polynucleotides encoding spsB and for detecting the polypeptide in a host.

The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Klebsiella pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

The invention provides proteins from Neisseria meningitidis (strains A & B) and from Neisseria gonorrhoeae, including amino acid sequences, the corresponding nucleotide sequences, expression data, and serological data. The proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics.

The invention provides probes, antibodies and methods for detecting a gene that is only found in Enterobacteriaceae, the deoxyguanosine triphosphate triphosphohydrolase gene. These probes and methods are useful for the detecting whether test samples, including food and water samples, are infected with enteric bacteria.