Disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and developing countries. Pneumococcal disease is very prevalent among the very young, the elderly, and immunocompromised persons. This invention includes a pneumococcal fimbrial protein A suitable for vaccine and diagnostic purposes. In particular, the present invention describes polypeptides encoding a pneumococcal fimbrial protein A gene.   

Inventors: Harold Russell, Jacqueline Sampson, and Steven O'Connor

CDC Reference Number: E-157-91/0

USPTO Serial Number: 

Patent Number: 5,422,427

License available for diagnostic applications only