Other

The United States of America, As Represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services

Harvard College

University of Rhode Island

Thomas N Mather

Jesus G Valenzuela

David R Nelson

Angelo Scorpio

José M C Ribeiro

Rosane Charlab

Jose-Marcos C Ribeiro

Andrew Spielman

Isac, a novel protein with anticomplement activity is disclosed. Isac can be isolated from the salivary glands of ticks or made by recombinant methods using various DNA expression techniques.

Ixodes salivary anticomplement protein

The invention relates to a method by which new antigens from vector-borne pathogens may be discovered and analyzed by incubating the viable pathogens in the saliva of their vector host. Three such antigens, proteins with the approximate molecular weights of 19, 22 and 24 kDa, have been discovered and analyzed from a strain of,T-15. The proteins provide a route for the development of immunodiagnostics for Lyme disease and related disorders. The proteins and related amino acids and DNA sequences may also be used for the immunization, for the detection of,in human or body fluids, and also for the generation of specific antibodies for use in diagnosis, epidemiology, prevention of and treatment of Lyme disease.

Tick (Ixodes scapularis) vector saliva-induced Lyme disease spirochete (Borrelia burgdorferi) antigens as vaccine candidates

Disclosed is a method for preventing the transmission of an ectoparasite-borne pathogen to a mammal exposed to predation by the ectoparasite, wherein a time delay exists between attachment of the ectoparasite to the mammal and transmission of the pathogen from the ectoparasite to the mammal. The method comprises applying to the mammal an ectoparacide to kill the ectoparasite in place on the mammal, without necessarily finding or mechanically detaching the ectoparasite, at a time after the exposure of the mammal to the ectoparasite, and within the time delay, thereby preventing transmission of the pathogen from the ectoparasite to the mammal.

Method for the prevention of ectoparasite-mediated pathogen transmission

Insecticide is administered to ectoparasites of rodents by filling a container with insecticide-impregnated fibrous nesting material and fixing it in a desired location. The container has an aperture permitting entry by rodents. Rodents incorporate the insecticide-impregnated fibrous material into their nests, thus exposing ectoparasites and their nymphs and larvae attached to these hosts, as well as those otherwise dwelling in the rodent's nest, to the insecticide.

Method and apparatus for administering acaricides and insecticides to

Growing community of inventors

Wakefield, RI, United States of America

Thomas N Mather