| abstract |
The present invention provides antimicrobial compositions and methods for treating medical conditions in mammals. The compositions provided herein are based on the surprising discovery that the metapleural gland extract from ants has biocidal activity that is useful against a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. Accordingly, it has been discovered that the components of the metapleural gland extract are useful for the treatment and prevention of disease in mammals. The present invention provides a number of antimicrobial compounds which kill bacteria, fungi and viruses upon contact. In addition, the present invention provides methods for treating microorganism growths in mammals, including application of the antimicrobial compositions provided herein. |