Method for treating, preventing, or inhibiting enterotoxigenic escherichia coli infections with bovine red blood cells

Abstract

Disclosed herein are red blood cell (RBC) preparations and methods of making and using thereof for treating, preventing or inhibiting enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infections. In particular, bovine RBC preparations are shown to reduce ETEC adhesion when administered orally. Also disclosed are kits comprising RBC preparations for the treatment of ETEC infections.

1 . An oral formulation for treating, preventing, or inhibiting an enterotoxigenic  Escherichia coli  (ETEC) infection comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one red blood cell (RBC) preparation and a carrier suitable for oral administration.  
     
     
         2 . The formulation of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one supplementary active compound.  
     
     
         3 . The formulation of  claim 2 , wherein the supplementary active compound is an anti-diarrheal or an antibiotic.  
     
     
         4 . The formulation of  claim 3 , wherein the supplementary active compound is bismuth subsalicylate, diphenoxylate with atropine, loperamide HCl, attapulgite, or ciprofloxacin.  
     
     
         5 . The formulation of  claim 4 , further comprising a composition that binds LT.  
     
     
         6 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier is an ingestible carrier.  
     
     
         7 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier is a pharmaceutical carrier or a foodstuff.  
     
     
         8 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the ETEC infection is travelers' diarrhea or infant diarrhea.  
     
     
         9 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the RBC preparation is a bovine RBC preparation.  
     
     
         10 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the RBC preparation comprises whole erythrocytes, erythrocyte ghosts, erythrocyte fractions, erythrocyte extracts, glycolipid receptors isolated from erythrocytes, or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         11 - 24 . (canceled)  
     
     
         25 . A kit for the treatment, prevention, or inhibition of an enterotoxigenic  Escherichia coli  (ETEC) infection comprising the formulation of  claim 1  packaged together with directions for use.  
     
     
         26 . The kit of  claim 25 , wherein the formulation is provided as individual doses.  
     
     
         27 . The kit of  claim 25 , further comprising a food, a foodstuff, or a food supplement.  
     
     
         28 . The kit of  claim 25 , further comprising a supplementary active compound.