Method, composition and kit for antigenic binding of norwalk-like viruses

Abstract

A method for preventing or treating an active Norwalk-Like Virus (NLV) infection in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a host, comprising the step of administering orally a fucosyl α1→2 carbohydrate compound to the host, the compound having a binding specificity of the antigenic determinant of a human histo-blood group antigen and competitively binds with a NLV at the determinant binding site of the NLV. The compound inhibits binding of the NLV in vivo to a histo-blood group antigen of the host, thereby inhibiting the active infection or preventing infection of the GI tract of the host by the NLV.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method for preventing or treating an active Norwalk-Like Virus (NLV) infection in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a host, comprising the step of administering orally a fucosyl α1→2 carbohydrate compound to the host, wherein the compound has the binding specificity of the antigenic determinant of a human histo-blood group antigen and competitively binds with a NLV at the determinant binding site of the NLV and wherein the compound inhibits binding of the NLV in vivo to a histo blood group antigen of the host, thereby inhibiting the active infection or preventing infection of the GI tract of the host by the NLV. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the step of administering comprises consuming by the host of a dose of the compound prior to or while consuming a food or water source suspected of being contaminated with the NLV. 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the step of administering comprises consuming by the host of at least one dose of the compound while experiencing the symptoms of infection by the NLV. 
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 19  wherein the compound comprises fucosyl α1→2 galactose. 
     
     
         23 . Use of a fucosyl α1→2 carbohydrate compound having the binding specificity of the antigenic determinant of a human histo-blood group antigen and that competitively binds with a NLV at the determinant binding site of the NLV, in an effective amount of the compound sufficient to inhibit binding of the NLV in vivo to a histo blood group antigen of a host that has or is susceptible to a NLV infection, which inhibits the active infection or prevents an infection of the host by the NLV, to treat an active infection or to prevent an infection in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the host. 
     
     
         24 . The use according to  claim 23  wherein the compound comprises fucosyl α1→2 galactose.