Methods of diagnosing and treating crohn's disease using pseudomonas antigens

摘要

The present invention provides a method of identifying an agent useful in treating Crohn's disease. This method is practiced by culturing P. fluorescens under conditions that support growth; contacting the P. fluorescens with an agent; and assaying for reduced growth or viability of the P. fluorescens as compared to the growth or viability in the absence of the agent, where the reduced growth or viability of the P. fluorescens indicates that the agent is an anti-P. fluorescens agent useful in treating Crohn's disease. Also provided by the invention is a method of preventing or treating Crohn's disease in an individual by administering to the individual an effective dose of an anti-Pseudomonas vaccine.