FimA proteins from streptococci and enterococci, which are responsible for bacterial adherence to damaged heart tissue, are potent vaccines against a patient developing endocarditis. Recombinantly produced FimA proteins from S. parasanguis provide protection against S. parasanguis derived endocarditis, as well as endocarditis derived from several other streptococci. Conserved DNA regions in viridans streptococci and enterococci suggest that FimA from these strains will be broadly applicable as a vaccine.
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