Method and composition for inhibiting bacteria

Abstract

A composition comprising a trivalent bismuth salt, particularly bismuth nitrate, and dimercaprol is described. Methods for using the composition as a bacteriocidal and bacteriostatic agent and as a disinfectant and preservative are also provided.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the InventionThe present invention relates to a composition and a method for the amelioration and inhibition of bacterial infections, and more particularly, to a composition of a trivalent bismuth salt and dimercaprol. Bacteriocidal and bacteriostatic properties are demonstrated.2. Description of the Prior ArtInfectious disease of the digestive tract constitute a major health problem throughout the world. Infectious diarrheal disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. In developed countries, diarrhea and colitis are frequent symptoms during antibiotic therapy. Food contamination with Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, or E. coli poses a major health problem. Diarrhea is the most frequent discomfort among travelers. Even ulcers are now considered an infectious disease.The finding in 1983 in Helicobacter pylori was the probable cause of ulcers has precipitated intense activity in developing therapie...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a composition and a method for inhibiting bacterial growth and for preventing bacterial infection. In particular, a composition which includes a trivalent bismuth salt such as BSS, CBS or (Bi(NO.sub.3).sub.3 and dimercaprol [2,3-dimercaptopropanol. British and anti-lewisite (BAL)] is provided. When combined, a synergy occurres that enhances the inhibitory action of Bi.sup.3+ against bacteria from 100 to 1000-fold. The concentration of both agents can be reduced to nontoxic levels and the combination still possesses powerful bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities against nosocomial pathogens. The composition has broad spectrum bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal effects and therefore is useful as an antibacterial, antiseptic and antimicrobial agent for preventing infection and for disinfecting and cleaning surfaces. It can also be used as a preservative and for killing biofilm organisms and preventing the formation of a biofilm. In particular, the composition of the present invention is useful for treating bacterial infections of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. Other agents such as antioxidants, carriers, detergents, antibiotics, preservatives can be used in combination with the composition.

Problems solved by technology

Infectious disease of the digestive tract constitute a major health problem throughout the world.

Food contamination with Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, or E. coli poses a major health problem.

Diarrhea is the most frequent discomfort among travelers.

Apparently no single mechanism of bismuth activity can account for all of the antiulcer effects suggested in the literature.

In addition, one of the major problems with using bismuth is its insolubility in aqueous solutions.

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