abstract |
The present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a fragment, variant, derivative or fusion thereof which is capable of binding specifically to and/or lysing cells of Clostridium difficile , and means for producing the same, with the proviso that the fragment, variant, derivative or fusion is not a naturally occurring lysin of a bacteriophage of Clostridium difficile . The invention further provides methods for killing bacterial cells, such as cells of Clostridium difficile , and for diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases and conditions associated with infection of the same. The invention also provides diagnostic kits for use in such methods. |