The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding novel Lawsonia intracelluaris proteins. It furthermore relates to DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules and live recombinant carriers comprising these sequences. Also it relates to host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences, DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules and live recombinant carriers. Moreover, the invention relates to proteins encoded by these nucleotide sequences and to their use for the manufacturing of vaccines. The invention also relates to vaccines for combating Lawsonia intracellulairs infections and methods for the preparation thereof. Finally the invention relates to diagnostic tests for the detection of Lawsonia intracellularis DNA, the detection of Lawsonia intracellularis antigens and of antibodies against Lawsonia intracellularis.
1. An isolated and purified Lawsonia intracellularis protein, comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.
2. A composition comprising the protein of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
3. A diagnostic test for the detection of antibodies against Lawsonia intracellularis , comprising the protein as defined in claim 1 .