Chimeric molecules that contain at least one pathogen-detection domain and atleast one effector domain, and their methods of use in preventing or treatinga pathogen infection in a cell or organism are described. The pathogen-detection domain and effector domain of the chimeric molecules are domains nottypically found in nature to be associated together. Agents are also describedherein having at least one pathogen-interacting molecular structure and atleast one effector~mediating molecular structure, the agent being one that isnon-naturally-occurring in a cell. The methods of prevention and treatmentdescribed herein are effective for a broad spectrum of pathogens and exhibitlittle or no toxic side-effects. Assays for the detection of a pathogen,pathogen component, or product produced or induced by a pathogen, are alsoprovided.
