| abstract |
An Isolated lipase, designated GehD, from S. epidermidis has now been found to bind to collagen, and thus this protein may be used in methods of preventing or treating staphylococcal infections. The invention contemplates the use of compositions including GehD, vaccines containing GehD, and antibodies that can recognize GehD, and these are advantageously used with human or animal patients which may be susceptible to staphylococcal disease. In addition, medical instruments or biological implants can be treated using the collagen-binding protein of the invention in order to reduce or eliminate the possibility of their becoming infected or further spreading a staphylococcal infection. |