The present invention relates to newly identified open reading frames
comprised within the genomic nucleotide sequence of Streptococcus
pneumoniae, wherein the open reading frames encode polypeptides that are
surface localized on Streptococcus pneumoniae. Thus, the invention
relates to Streptococcus pneumoniae open reading frames that encode
polypeptide antigens, polypeptides, preferably antigenic polypeptides,
encoded by the Streptococcus pneumoniae open reading frames, vectors
comprising open reading frame sequences and cells or animals transformed
with these vectors. The invention relates also to methods of detecting
these nucleic acids or polypeptides and kits for diagnosing Streptococcus
pneumoniae infection. The invention finally relates to pharmaceutical
compositions, in particular immunogenic compositions, for the prevention
and/or treatment of bacterial infection, in particular infections with
Streptococcus pneumoniae. In particular embodiments, the immunogenic
compositions are used for the treatment or prevention of systemic
diseases which are induced or exacerbated by Streptococcus pneumoniae. In
other embodiments, the immunogenic compositions are used for the
treatment or prevention of non-systemic diseases, particularly of the
otitis media, which are induced or exacerbated by Streptococcus
pneumoniae.