Provided are compositions, methods and kits that are useful for detecting, inhibiting the growth of, and killing bacteria. The compositions include recombinant, chimeric polypeptides that contain at least one immunoglobulin fragment crystallizable region (Fc) segment and at least one additional segment that contains a binding domain that is specific for a bacterial cell wall substrate. The binding domain is one from one or more of a bacterial autolysin, a bacteriophage lysin, a bacteriophage tail or tail fiber, or a bacteriocin. Method of using the polypeptides for detecting, inhibiting the growth of, and killing bacteria are provided and involve contacting bacteria with the polypeptides. Methods of making the polypeptides include expressing the polypeptides in cells, and separating the polypeptides from the cells. Polynucleotides, such as expression vectors, that encode the chimeric polypeptides are also provided.
