Antibodies to bacterial stress proteins

摘要

The present invention relates to antibodies to a purified stress protein of 86 Kd and fragments thereof isolated from the genus Corynebacterium. Particular fragments include those with apparent molecular weights of 50 Kd and 52 Kd. The stress protein has been found to be an immunodominant conserved antigen. Patients with Corynebacterium jeikeium septicemia or endocarditis have antibody to the 52 Kd breakdown product. The protein cross-reacts with a peptide antigen KVIRKNIVKKMIE using a mouse monoclonal antibody against the peptide. The antibodies are useful for diagnosis and treatement of Corynebacterium infections and diseases.