METHODS OF DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF M. TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION AND REAGENTS THEREFOR

摘要

The present invention provides diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic reagents for infection of an animal subject such as a human by M. tuberculosis, and conditions associated with such infections, such as, for example, tuberculosis. More particularly, the present invention provides a recombinant protein of M. tuberculosis designated "BSX" (SEQ ID NO: 1) and immunogenic epitopes thereof such as, for example, comprising SEQ ID NOS: 34, 25 and 45, that are useful in antibody-based diagnostic applications. The present invention also provides antibodies against BSX and its immunogenic peptides that are useful for antigen-based diagnostic and prognostic tests, and for therapy and vaccine formulations.