METHOD OF TREATING AQUATIC ANIMALS WITH AN ANTIMICROBIAL AGENT AND CHELATING AGENT

摘要

The present invention relates to novel method of reducing microbial infections, especially bacterial infections, of animals, especially of aquatic animals such as fish maintained in tanks or aquaria. The present invention provides bathing and dipping methods for reducing a microbial infection of an animal with an antibiotic solution of enhanced antimicrobial activity comprising at least one chelating agent and at least one antibiotic effective against the microbial infection. The present invention also provides a method for reducing a microbial infection of an animal comprising bathing or dipping an animal having a microbial infection in an antimicrobial solution comprising the chelating agent EDTA, and at least one antibiotic, and optionally a pH buffering agent. The immersion of the aquatic animal in the antimicrobial solution containing the EDTA, antibiotic and pH buffering agent may be repeated until the microbial burden of the animal is eliminated. The present invention further provides kits for use in administering an enhanced activity antibiotic solution.