Method for killing yeast and sporular microorganisms with haloperoxidase-containing compositions

Abstract

Methods and compositions are provided for killing or inhibiting the growth of yeast or sporular microorganisms by contacting the microorganisms, in the presence of a peroxide and chloride or bromide, with a haloperoxidase and at least one antimicrobial activity enhancing agent. Suitable antimicrobial activity enhancing agents include certain .alpha.-amino acids, and are preferably compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen, an unsubstituted, or hydroxy or amino substituted, straight or branched chain alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or an unsubstituted, or hydroxy or amino substituted arylalky group having from 7 to 12 carbon atoms, and R.sub.2 is hydrogen or a straight or branched chain alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The significantly enhanced haloperoxidase antiyeast and antispore activities make the methods and compositions of the invention highly useful in the therapeutic or prophylactic antiseptic treatment of human or animal subjects and in in vitro applications for disinfection or sterilization of vegetative microbes, yeasts, and bacterial and fungal spores. Suitable haloperoxidases for use in the methods and compositions of the invention include eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Representative antimicrobial activity enhancing agents of the invention include .alpha.-amino acids selected from the group consisting of glycine and the l- or d-enantiomers of alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, serine, threonine, lysine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and the alkyl esters thereof.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.