Antimicrobial compositions and methods of use

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for decreasing the infectivity, morbidity, and rate of mortality associated with a variety of pathogenic organisms and viruses. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for decontaminating areas colonized or otherwise infected by pathogenic organisms and viruses. Moreover, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for decreasing the infectivity of pathogenic organisms in foodstuffs. In particular, decreased pathogenic organism infectivity, morbidity, and mortality is accomplished by contacting the pathogenic organism with an oil-in-water nanoemulsion comprising an oil, an organic solvent, and a surfactant dispersed in an aqueous phase.

1 .- 70 . (canceled) 
     
     
         71 . A method for treating a human subject having an infection by a microorganism, comprising: administering a nanoemulsion composition or a diluted form of said nanoemulsion composition to said subject, wherein said nanoemulsion composition consists essentially of:
 a) 3-15% by volume surfactant;   b) 3-15% by volume organic solvent selected from the group consisting of ethanol and glycerol;   c) a quaternary ammonium compound selected from the group consisting of cetylpyridinium chloride and benzalkonium chloride;   d) 50-80% by volume oil; and   e) distilled water   
       such that said nanoemulsion kills said microorganism. 
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein said infection is a bacterial infection. 
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein said infection is a viral infection. 
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 73 , wherein said viral infection is a Herpes virus infection. 
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein said infection is a fungal infection. 
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 75 , wherein said fungal infection is a dermatophyte infection. 
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein said human subject is treated topically with said nanoemulsion composition. 
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein said nanoemulsion has a mean particle size of 0.2 to 0.8 microns. 
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein said nanoemulsion is administered to said human subject in diluted form. 
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 79 , wherein said diluted form is a 10% dilution of said nanoemulsion in distilled water. 
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the nanoemulsion further comprises an interaction enhancer. 
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 81 , wherein said interaction enhancer comprises EDTA. 
     
     
         83 - 85 . (canceled) 
     
     
         86 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylenesorbitane monolaurate and polyoxyethylenesorbitan monooleate.