MX2007006865A - Compositions having a high antiviral and antibacterial efficacy - Google Patents

Abstract

Antimicrobial compositions having a rapid antiviral and antibacterial effectiveness, and a persis­tent antiviral effectiveness, are disclosed. The anti­microbial compositions contain (a) a disinfecting alco­hol, (b) an organic acid, and (c) water, wherein the com­position has a pH of about 5 or less.

Description

COMPOSITIONS HAVING A HIGH ANTIVIRAL AND ANTIBACTERIAL EFFICACY FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions that have a fast and persistent antiviral effectiveness and broad spectrum, rapid antibacterial effectiveness. More particularly, the present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions that (a) a disinfectant alcohol and (b) an organic acid. The. combination (a) and (b) can provide a synergistic reduction in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and / or can inactivate or destroy synergistically, such as rhinovirus and rotavirus, on the basis of log P (water-octanol partition coefficient) of organic acid. The compositions provide a substantial reduction, for example, greater than 99%, in non-enveloped viral populations, and in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial populations within one minute.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Human health is impacted by a variety of microbes found daily. In particular, contact with several microbes in the environment can lead to a disease, possibly severe, in mammals. For example, microbial contamination can lead to a variety of diseases, including, but not limited to, food poisoning, streptococcal infection, anthrax (cutaneous), athlete's foot, colds, conjunctivitis ("pink eye"), coxsackie virus (hand-foot-mouth disease) , garrotillo, diphtheria (cutaneous), embolism hemorrhagic fever, and impetigo. It is known that by washing body parts (for example, by washing hands) and hard surfaces (for example, covers and sinks) the population of microorganisms, including pathogens, can be significantly reduced. Therefore, cleaning the skin, and other animate and inanimate surfaces, to reduce the microbial population is a first defense to remove those pathogens from those surfaces, and therefore minimize the risks of infection. Viruses are a category of pathogens that are of primary concern. Viral infections are among the main causes of human morbidity, with an estimated 60% or more of all episodes of human diseases in developed countries resulting from a viral infection. In addition, viruses infect virtually all organisms in nature, with high percentages of viral infections occurring among all mammals, including humans, pets, cattle, and zoo specimens.

Viruses exhibit an extensive diversity in structure and life cycle. A detailed description of the virus families, their structures, life cycles, and modes of viral infection are described in Fundamental Virology, 4th Ed., Eds. nipe & Howley, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2001. Put simply, viral particles are intrinsic obligate parasites, and they have to evolve to transfer genetic material between cells and encode enough information to ensure their own spread. In a more basic form, a virus consists of a small segment of nucleic acid encapsulated in a simple protein coating. The widest distinction between viruses is enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, that is, those that contain or do not contain, respectively, a lipid bilayer membrane. Viruses spread only within living cells. The main obstacle encountered by a virus is to enter the cell, which is protected by a cell membrane of thickness comparable to the size of the virus. To penetrate the cell, a virus must first bind to the cell surface. Most of the specificity of a virus for a certain type of cell lies in its ability to bind to the surface of that specific cell. Durable contact is important for the virus to infect the host cell, and the capacity of the virus and the surface cellular to interact is a property of both the virus and the host cell. The fusion of the viral and host cell membranes allows the intact viral particle, or in certain cases, only its infectious nucleic acid to enter the cell. Therefore, to control a viral infection, it is important to quickly kill a virus that comes in contact with the skin, and ideally provide a persistent antiviral activity on the skin, or a hard surface, to control viral infections. For example, it is known that rhinoviruses, influenza viruses, and adenoviruses produce respiratory infections. Rhinoviruses are members of the picornavirus family, which is a family of "naked viruses" that lack an outer envelope. Human rhinoviruses are also called this because of their special adaptation to the nasopharyngeal region, and are the most important etiological agents of the common cold in adults and children. Officially, there are 102 rhinovirus serotypes. Most picornaviruses isolated from the human respiratory system are labile to acid, and this lability has become a defining characteristic of rhinoviruses. Rhinovirus infections spread from person to person through direct contact with the respiratory secretions that contain the virus. Typically, this Contact is in the form of physical contact with a contaminated surface, rather than via inhalation of the viral particles carried by the air. Rhinoviruses can survive environmental surfaces for hours after initial contamination and rhinovirus infection is easily transmitted by finger-to-finger contact, and by contact of an environmental surface contaminated with a finger, when the newly contaminated finger then rubs an eye or touch the nasal mucosa. Therefore, viral contamination of the skin and environmental surfaces should be minimized to reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to the general population. Several gastrointestinal infections are also caused by viruses. For example, the Norwalk virus causes nausea, vomiting (sometimes accompanied by diarrhea) and stomach cramps and cramps. This infection is typically spread from person to person by direct contact. Viral infection of acute hepatitis A can also be spread by direct contact between an infected person and a non-immune individual, hand-to-hand, hand-to-mouth, or transfer by aerosol droplets, or by indirect contact when an uninfected individual comes in contact with a solid object contaminated with the hepatitis A virus. Numerous other viral infections are spread in a similar manner. The risk of transmitting these viral infections It can be significantly reduced by inactivating or removing viruses from the hands or other environmental surfaces. Common household phenol / alcohol disinfectants are effective in disinfecting contaminated environmental surfaces, but lack persistent virucidal activity. Hand washing is highly effective in disinfecting contaminated fingers, but again they suffer from a lack of persistent activity. These disadvantages illustrate the need for better virucidal compositions that have a persistent activity against viruses, such as rhinoviruses and rotaviruses. Antimicrobial compositions for personal care are known in the art. In particular, antibacterial cleansing compositions, which are typically used to cleanse the skin and to destroy bacteria present on the skin, especially the hands, arms and face of the wearer, are well-known commercial products. Antibacterial compositions are used, for example, in the health care industry, food service industry, meat processing industry, in the private sector by individual consumers. The widespread use of antibacterial compositions indicates the importance that consumers place on the control of populations of bacteria on the skin. The paradigm for antibacterial compositions is to provide a substantial broad-spectrum reduction in bacterial populations rapidly without adverse side effects associated with skin toxicity and irritation. These antibacterial compositions are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,107,261 and 6,136,771, each incorporated herein by reference. One class of antibacterial compositions for personal care is hand sterilizing gels. This class of compositions is used mainly by medical personnel to disinfect the hands and fingers. A hand sterilizing gel is applied to, and rubbed on, the hands and fingers, and the composition is allowed to evaporate from the skin. Hand sterilizing gels contain a high percentage of alcohol, such as ethanol. The high percentage of alcohol present in the gel, the gel itself acts as a disinfectant. In addition, the alcohol evaporates quickly, avoiding cleaning with a towel or rinsing the treated skin with the sterilizing gel. Sterilizing hand gels containing a high percentage of alcohol, ie, approximately 40% or more by weight of the composition, do not provide persistent bacterial elimination. Antibacterial cleaning compositions typically contain an active antibacterial agent, a surfactant, and various other ingredients, for example, dyes, fragrances, pH adjusters, skin conditioners, and the like, in an aqueous and / or alcoholic support. Several different classes of antibacterial agents have been used in antibacterial cleansing compositions. Examples of antibacterial agents include bisguanidines (for example, chlorhexidine gluconate), diphenyl compounds, benzyl alcohols, trihalocarbanilides, quaternary ammonium compounds, ethoxylated phenols and phenolic compounds, such as halogen-substituted phenolic compounds, such as PCMX ( to say, p-chloro-m-xylenol) and triclosan (i.e. 2, 4, 4 '-trichloro-2' -hydroxydiphenyl-ether). Antimicrobial compositions based on these antibacterial agents exhibit a wide range of antibacterial activity, ranging from low to high, depending on the microorganism to be controlled and the particular antibacterial composition. Most commercial antibacterial compositions generally offer low to moderate bacterial activity and do not report antiviral activity. The antimicrobial activity is evaluated as the logarithmic reduction, or, alternatively, the reduction in the percentage, in the microbial populations provided by the antimicrobial composition. A logarithmic reduction of 1-3, a logarithmic reduction is preferred of 3-5 is most preferred, while a logarithmic reduction of less than 1 is the least preferred, for a particular contact time, which generally ranges from 15 seconds to 5 minutes. Thus, a highly preferred antibacterial composition exhibits a logarithmic reduction of 3-5 against a broad spectrum of microorganisms in a short contact time. Virus control has a more difficult problem, however. By sufficiently reducing bacterial populations, the risk of bacterial infection is reduced to acceptable levels. Therefore, a rapid antibacterial elimination is desired. With respect to viruses, however, not only is rapid elimination desirable, but persistent antiviral activity is also required. This difference is simply because reducing a viral population is insufficient to reduce the infection. In theory, a single virus can cause an infection. Therefore, an essentially total, and persistent antiviral activity is required, or at least one effective antiviral cleansing composition is desired. U.S. Patent No. 6,110,908 describes a topical antiseptic containing a C2-3 alcohol and a free fatty acid and zinc pyrithione. U.S. Patent No. 5,776,430 describes a typical antimicrobial cleaner containing chlorhexidine and an alcohol The composition contains from about 50% to about 60% by weight, of denatured alcohol and about 0.65% to 0.85% by weight of chlorhexidine. The composition is applied to the skin, rubbed on the skin, then rinsed off the skin. European Patent Application 0 604 848 discloses a hand sanitizer of the gel type containing an antimicrobial agent, from 40% to 90% by weight of an alcohol, and a polymer and a thickening agent in a combined weight of no more of 3% by weight. The gel is rubbed on the hands and allowed to evaporate to provide disinfected hands. The compositions described frequently do not provide immediate sterilization and do not provide persistent antimicrobial efficacy. In general, hand sterilizing gels typically contain: (a) at least 60% by weight of ethanol or a combination of lower alcohols, such as ethanol and isopropanol, (b) water, (c) a gelling polymer, as a material of crosslinked polyacrylate, and (d) other ingredients such as skin conditioners, fragrances and the like. Hand sterilizing gels are used by consumers to effectively sterilize hands, without or after washing with soap and water, rubbing the hand sterilizing gel on the surface of the hands. Sterilizing gels from current commercial hands depend on high levels of alcohol for disinfection and evaporation, and thus suffer from disadvantages. Specifically, due to the volatility of ethanol, the primary active disinfectant does not remain on the skin after use, thus failing to provide a persistent antimicrobial effect. At alcohol concentrations below 60%, ethanol is not recognized as an antiseptic. Thus, in compositions containing less than 60% alcohol, an additional antimicrobial compound is typically present to provide antimicrobial activity. The above descriptions, however, have not solved the problem of which ingredient of the composition in that antimicrobial composition provides microbial control. Therefore, for formulations containing a reduced concentration of alcohol, the selection of an antimicrobial agent that provides a rapid antimicrobial effect and a persistent antimicrobial benefit is difficult. U.S. Patent Nos. 6,107,261 and 6,136,771 disclose highly effective antibacterial compositions. These patents describe compositions that solve the problem of controlling bacteria on the skin and hard surfaces, but remain silent with respect to virus control. U.S. Patent Nos. 5,968,539; 6,106,851; and 6,113,933 describe antibacterial compositions having a pH of from about 3 to about 6. The compositions contain an antibacterial agent, an anionic surfactant and a proton donor. The disclosed antiviral compositions that inactivate or destroy pathogenic viruses, including rhinoviruses, rotaviruses, influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial viruses and Norwalk viruses, are also known. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,767,788 describes the use of glutaric acid to inactivate or destroy viruses, including rhinoviruses. U.S. Patent No. 4,975,217 describes compositions containing organic acid and an anionic surfactant, to be formulated as a soap or lotion, to control viruses. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0098159 discloses the use of a proton donor agent and a surfactant, including an antibacterial surfactant, to effect the antiviral and antibacterial properties. U.S. Patent No. 6,034,133 discloses a virucidal hand lotion containing maleic acid, citric acid and a Ci-6 alcohol. U.S. Patent No. 6,294,186 discloses combinations of a benzoic acid analog, such as salicylic acid, and metal salts selected as effective against viruses, including rhinovirus U.S. Patent No. 6,436,885 describes a combination of known antibacterial agents with 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid, at a pH of 2 to 5.5, to provide antibacterial and antiviral properties. Organic acids have also been described in personal wash compositions. For example, WO 97/46218 and WO 96/06152 describe the use of acids or organic salts, hydrotropes, triclosan, water solvents in a surfactant base for antimicrobial cleaning compositions. These publications are silent on antiviral properties. Hayden et al., Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 26: 928-929 (1984), describes the interruption of hand-to-hand transmission of rhinovirus colds through the use of a hand lotion having residual virucidal activity. Hand lotions, which contain 2% glutaric acid, were more effective than a placebo in inactivating certain types of rhinovirus. However, the publication describes that lotions containing glutaric acid were not effective against a wide range of rhinovirus serotypes. A virucidal toilet paper designed for use by persons infected with the common cold is known, and includes citric acid, malic acid and sodium lauryl sulfate. Hayden et al., Journal of Infectious Diseases, 152: 493-497 (1985), however, reported that the use of toilet paper, whether treated or not treated with substances that kill viruses, can interrupt hand-to-hand transmission of the viruses. Consequently, it does not distinguish the advantage in preventing the spread of the cold by rhinovirus that can be attributed to the compositions incorporated in the virucidal bath papers. An effective antimicrobial composition effective against bacteria and viruses has been difficult to achieve due to the fundamental differences between a bacterium and a virus. Although there are currently many antimicrobial cleaning products, taking the variety of product forms (eg, deodorant soaps, hard surface cleaners and surgical disinfectants), these antimicrobial products typically incorporate antimicrobial agents, eg, a phenolic compound, and / or surfactants strong, which can dry and irritate skin tissues. Ideally, personal cleansing products gently cleanse the skin, cause little or no irritation and do not leave the skin parched after frequent use. Accordingly, there is a need for an antimicrobial composition that is highly effective against the broad spectrum of microbes, including Gram positive and Gram negative viruses and bacteria, over a period of time. brief, and where the composition can provide a persistent and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, and be gentle to the skin. Personal care products that demonstrate greater softness and an outstanding level of viral and bacterial production are provided by the antibacterial compositions of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to antimicrobial compositions that provide fast and persistent antiviral effectiveness, and a rapid and substantial reduction in Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, in less than about one minute. In particular, the present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions containing (a) an alcohol disinfectant, (b) an organic acid, and (c) water, wherein the composition has a pH of about 5 or less. A composition herein is free of intentionally added cleansing surfactants, such as anionic, cationic and ampholytic surfactants, and active antibacterial agents, such as phenolic and quaternary ammonium antibacterial agents. Regardless of the log P of the organic acid an antimicrobial composition of the present provides a fast and persistent control of non-enveloped viruses, and a elimination of broad spectrum bacteria. Nevertheless, in one embodiment, the organic acid has a water-octanol partition coefficient, expressed as log P of less than 1, and the composition exhibits synergistic activity against non-enveloped viruses. In the other embodiment, the organic acid has a log P of less or greater, and the composition exhibits a synergistic activity against bacteria. In yet another embodiment, the organic acid comprises a first organic acid having a log P of less than 1 and an organic acid having a log P of one or more, and the composition exhibiting a synergistic activity against non-enveloped viruses and bacteria. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide an antimicrobial composition that is highly effective in killing a broad spectrum of bacteria, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria such as S. aureus, Salmonella choleraesuis, E. coli, and K pneumoniae, inactivating and simultaneously destroying simultaneously viruses' dangerous to human health, particularly, not involved, such as acid-labile viruses, and especially rhinoviruses and other acid-labile piconaviruses, and rotaviruses. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a liquid antimicrobial composition, comprising: (a) from about 25% to 75% by weight, of a disinfecting alcohol, such as an alcohol of Ci-6 / (b) an effective virucidal amount of one or more organic acids; and (c) water, wherein the composition has a pH of about or less. Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide an antimicrobial composition that exhibits substantial, broad-spectrum and persistent virus control, and substantial and broad-spectrum bacterial control. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an antimicrobial composition having antimicrobial and antiviral activity comprising (a) a disinfectant alcohol and (b) an organic acid that is substantive to the skin and does not penetrate the skin, eg, monocarboxylic acids hydrophobic, polycarboxylic acids, polymeric acids having a plurality of carboxylic, phosphate, sulfonate and / or sulfate moieties, or mixtures thereof, and (c) water, wherein the composition has a pH of about 5 or less. These organic acids typically have a log P of less than one, and the compositions are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and exhibit synergistic activity against non-enveloped viruses.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide an antimicrobial composition having antibacterial and antiviral activity comprising (a) a disinfectant alcohol and (b) an organic acid selected from the group consisting of monocarboxylic acids, polycarboxylic acids, polymeric acids having a plurality of carboxylic, phosphate, sulfonate and / or sulfate moieties, or mixtures thereof, and (c) water, wherein the composition has a pH of about 5 or less, and the organic acid has a log P of one or more . These compositions provide effective and persistent control of non-enveloped viruses and exhibit synergistic activity such as Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an antimicrobial composition that exhibits a log reduction against non-enveloped viruses, such as acid labile viruses, including serotypes of rhinoviruses, such as rhinovirus, rhinovirus 2, rhinovirus 14 and rhinovirus 4, and rotavirus serotypes. as, the rotavirs Wa, of at least 4 after 30 seconds of contact. The antimicrobial composition also provides a log reduction against non-enveloped viruses of about 3 for at least about 5 hours, and at least two for about six hours, after application with a contact time of 30 seconds. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial composition provides a log reduction of 2 against non-enveloped viruses for up to about 8 hours. Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method that achieves a logarithmic reduction against Gram positive bacteria (ie, S. aureus) of at least 2 after 30 seconds of contact. Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method that achieves a logarithmic reduction against Gram negative bacteria (ie, E. coli) of at least 2.5 after 30 seconds of contact. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide consumer products based on the antimicrobial composition of the present invention, for example a skin cleanser, a body wash, a surgical sacate, a wound washing agent, a hand sterilizing gel, a disinfectant, a mouthwash, a pet shampoo, a hard surface sterilizer, a lotion, an ointment, a cream and the like. The composition of the present invention can be a rinseable product or a product that is left over. Preferably, the composition is allowed to remain on the skin to allow the volatile components of the composition to evaporate. The compositions are aesthetically pleasing and do not irritate the skin. A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for quickly controlling a broad spectrum of viruses, and populations of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, on animal tissues, including human tissues, by tissue contact, such as the dermis, with a composition of the present invention for a sufficient time, eg, from about 15 seconds to 5 minutes or more, to reduce the levels of bacterial and viral population up to the desired level. A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a composition that provides persistent control of viruses on animal tissues. Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for treating or preventing diseases and conditions mediated by viruses caused by rhinovirus, piconavirus, adenovirus, rotavirus, herpes virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), coronavirus, enterovirus and other non-enveloped viruses. . Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a composition and method for interrupting the transmission of a virus from animate and inanimate surfaces to an animated surface, especially human skin.

Especially a method and composition for controlling the transmission of non-enveloped viruses, particularly rhinoviruses and rotaviruses, is effectively provided, effectively controlling the viruses present on human skin and continuing to control the viruses for a period of time. about 4 or more hours, and up to about 8 hours, after application of the composition to the skin. These and other novel aspects and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following detailed non-limiting description of the preferred embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Personal care products that incorporate an active antimicrobial agent have been known for many years. Since the introduction of personal care products, antimicrobials, there have been many claims that these products provide antimicrobial properties. To be more effective, an antimicrobial composition should provide a high logarithmic reduction against a broad spectrum of them in as short a time of contact as possible. Ideally, the composition should also inactivate the virus. As currently formulated, most commercial liquid antibacterial soap compositions provide a poor to marginal temporary removal efficiency, ie, the percentage of. elimination of bacteria. These compositions do not effectively control the virus. The antimicrobial human sterilizing compositions typically do not contain a surfactant and depend on a high concentration of an alcohol for control bacteria The alcohols evaporate and, therefore, can not provide persistent microbial control. Alcohols can also dry and irritate the skin. The most current products are especially effective against Gram negative, such as E. coli, which are of particular occupation for human health. There are, however, compositions, which have an exceptionally high broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy, as measured by the rapid elimination of bacteria (ie, elimination time), which is distinguished from persistent elimination. These products also lack sufficient antiviral activity. The antimicrobial compositions herein provide excellent broad spectrum antiviral and antibacterial efficacy and significantly improved antiviral efficacy compared to previous compositions that incorporate a high percentage of an alcohol, ie, 40% or more by weight. The basis of this improved efficacy is (a) the discovery that a combination of a disinfecting alcohol and an organic acid, and especially an organic acid having a log P of less than about 1, substantially improves the antiviral efficacy, and (b) ) the pH of the surface after application of the composition to the surface. A disinfectant alcohol and an organic acid that has a log P of less than one acts synergistically to control non-enveloped viruses. A disinfectant alcohol and an organic acid having a log P of one or more act synergistically to substantially improve the antibacterial efficacy. A combination of a first organic acid having a log P of less than 1 and a second organic acid having a log P of 1 or greater, with a disinfecting alcohol, provides a synergistic improvement in the control of non-enveloped viruses and Gram bacteria. positive and Gram negative. Although compositions containing an antimicrobial agent, such as triclosan, have demonstrated a rapid and effective antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, virus control has been inadequate. The control of viruses on the skin and inanimate surfaces is very important to control the transmission of numerous diseases. For example, rhinoviruses are the most significant microorganisms associated with acute respiratory disease known as the "common cold." Other viruses, such as parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), enterovirus and coronavirus, are also known to cause the symptoms of the "common cold," but there is a theory that rhinoviruses cause the most common colds. Rhinoviruses are also among the most difficult to control cold viruses, and have The ability to survive on a dry surface lasts for more than 4 days. In addition, most viruses are inactivated after exposure to a 70% ethanol solution. However, rhinoviruses remain viable upon exposure to ethanol. Because rhinoviruses are the main known cause of the common cold, it is important that a composition that has antiviral activity controls rhinovirus serotypes. Although the molecular biology of rhinoviruses is now understood, the discovery of effective methods to prevent colds caused by rhinoviruses, and to prevent the spread of the virus to uninfected subjects, has been unsuccessful. It is known that iodine is an effective antiviral agent, and provides persistent anti-rhinoviral activity on the skin. In studies of experimentally induced and natural cold transmission, subjects who used iodine products had significantly fewer colds than placebo users. This indicates that iodine is effective for prolonged periods to block the transmission of rhinoviral infections. In this way, the development of products that provide immediate and persistent antiviral activity would be effective in reducing the incidence of colds. Similarly, a topically applied composition that exhibits antiviral activity would be effective to prevent and / or treat diseases caused by other acid labile viruses. A rotavirus is also a non-enveloped, double-coated virus that is stable in the environment. Rotavirus infection is an infection of the digestive tract, and the most common cause of diarrhea will be among children, resulting in more than 50,000 hospitalizations annually in the United States alone. Rotavirus infections are particularly problematic in closed communities, such as child-care facilities, geriatric facilities, children's homes and hospitals. The most common mode of transmission of rotavirus is the spread from person to person through contaminated hands, but transmission can occur through the transmission of contaminated food or water or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Rotaviruses enter the body then through contact with the mouth. It is known that washing hands and hard surfaces with soap and / or other cleansers does not kill rotavirus, but it helps to prevent its spread. An oral rotavirus vaccine has been approved for use at least in the United States, but its use is not recommended due to severe adverse side effects. Because there is currently no other effective way to eliminate rotavirus, or its spread, workers in communities Closed, especially those caring for children, must adhere to strict hygienic practices to help stop the spread of rotavirus. An improved composition having better antiviral efficacy, including a persistent antiviral efficacy, an inactivation of the rotavirus would further stop the spread of rotavirus infections. Virucide means capable of inactivating or destroying a virus. As used herein, the term "persistent antiviral efficacy" or "persistent antiviral activity" means that it leaves a residue or imparts a condition on animated (e.g., skin) or inanimate surfaces that provide significant antiviral activity for a prolonged time after the application. The method of the present invention provides a persistent antiviral efficacy, ie, preferably a logarithmic reduction of at least 3, and more preferably a logarithmic reduction of at least log 4 against acid-labile, non-enveloped pathogenic viruses, such as serotypes of rhinovirus and rotavirus, within 30 seconds. The antiviral activity is maintained for at least about 0.5 hours, preferably at least about 1 hour, and more preferably at least about 2 hours, at least about 3 hours, or at least about 4 hours after contacting an animal. suitable compound or composition. In some preferred embodiments, the antiviral activity is maintained for about 6 'to about 8 hours after contact with the compound or composition. The methodology used to determine a persistent antiviral efficacy is discussed below. The antimicrobial compositions of the present invention are highly effective in providing rapid and broad spectrum control of bacteria, and rapid and persistent control of non-enveloped viruses. Highly effective compositions comprise a disinfectant alcohol and an effective reduced amount of an organic acid. The disinfectant alcohol and an organic acid having a log P of less than about 1 act synergistically to control a broad spectrum of non-enveloped viruses. In alcohol disinfectant has an organic acid that has a log P of 1 or greater act synergistically to control a broad spectrum of bacteria. The composition containing a first organic acid having a log P of less than one and a second organic acid having a log P of one or more act synergistically to control a broad spectrum of non-enveloped viruses and a broad spectrum of bacteria of Gram positive and Gram negative. The compositions are surprisingly gentle on the skin, and non-corrosive to inanimate surfaces. In this way, soft and effective compositions are provided that reserve the problem of bacterial and viral control to consumers.

The compositions herein provide an effective and persistent inactivation of non-enveloped viruses. Non-enveloped viruses include, but are not limited to, adenovirus, caulimovirus, papovavirus, ficonda virus, circovirus, parvovirus, birnavirus, rotavirus (including rotavirus gastroenteritis), astrovirus, calicivirus (including Norwalk virus), potyviruses and picornaviruses (including rhinoviruses, polioviruses and hepatitis A viruses). The microbial compositions of the present invention are highly effective in household cleaning applications (e.g., hard surfaces, such as floors, covers, tubs, dishes and soft cloth materials, such as clothing, personal care applications (e.g., lotions, bath gels, soaps, shampoos and towels), and industrial and hospital applications (eg, sterilization of instruments, medical devices and gloves) The compositions herein effectively and quickly disinfect surfaces that are infected or contaminated with bacteria Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria and non-enveloped viruses (eg, rhinovirus and rotavirus) The compositions herein also provide persistent antiviral effectiveness The compositions herein can be used in vitro and in vivo In vitro means in or on non-living things, especially on inanimate objects that have hard or soft surfaces located or used where you want to prevent viral transmission, especially on objects that are touched by human hands. In vivo means in or on animated objects, especially on the skin of mammals, and particularly on the hands. As illustrated in the following non-limiting embodiments, an antimicrobial composition of the present invention comprises: (a) from about 25% to about 75% by weight of a disinfecting alcohol; (b) an effective virucidal amount of an organic acid; (c) water. The compositions have a pH of at least about 5. In preferred embodiments, the composition contains an optional gelling agent. The compositions exhibit a log reduction against Gram positive bacteria of about 2 after 30 seconds of contact. The compositions also exhibit a log reduction against Gram negative bacteria of about 2.5 after 30 seconds of contact. The compositions further exhibit a log reduction against those not enveloped including acid-labile viruses, such as rhinovirus cerotites and rotaviruses of about 5 after 30 seconds of contact, and a log reduction that against those acid-labile viruses of at least 3 for approximately 5 hours after contact, and at least about 2 of about six up approximately eight hours after contact. The compositions are also gentle, and it is not necessary to rinse or clean the skin compositions. According to the invention, a microbial composition herein may further comprise additional optional ingredients described hereinafter, such as hydrotropes, polyhydric solvents, gelling agents, pH adjusters, vitamins, dyes, skin conditioners and perfumes. The compositions are free of intentionally added cleaning surfactants, such as anionic surfactants, active microbial agents, such as phenolic and quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agents. The following ingredients are present in an antimicrobial composition of the present invention.

A. Alcohol Disinfectants The antimicrobial compositions of the present invention contain about 25% to about 75% by weight of a disinfectant alcohol. Preferred embodiments of the present invention contain from about 30% to about 75% by weight of a disinfecting alcohol. The most preferred embodiments contain from about 30% to about 70%, by weight, of a disinfecting alcohol.

As used herein, the term "disinfectant alcohol" is a water-soluble alcohol having from one to six carbon atoms. Disinfecting alcohols include, but are not limited to, methanol, ethanol, propanol, and isopropyl alcohol.

B. Inorganic Acid An antimicrobial composition herein also contains an organic acid of an amount sufficient to control and inactivate viruses and bacteria on a surface in contact with the antimicrobial composition. The organic acid acts synergistically with the alcohol disinfectant to provide rapid control of non-enveloped viruses and / or bacteria, and provides persistent viral control. In particular, an organic acid is present in the composition in a sufficient amount so that the pH of the animate or inanimate surface in contact with the composition decreases to the extent where persistent viral control is achieved. This persistent viral control is achieved regardless of whether the composition is rinsed from, or allowed to remain on, the contact-surface. The organic acid remains at least partially undissolved in the composition, and remains so when the composition is diluted, or during rinsing.

After application to a surface, such as human skin, the pH of the surface decreases sufficiently so that persistent viral control is achieved. In preferred embodiments, a residual amount of the organic acid remains on the skin, even after a rinsing step, to impart persistent viral control. However, even if the organic acid is essentially completely rinsed from the surface, the pH of the surface has decreased sufficiently to impart a viral control for at least 0.5 hours. Typically, an organic acid is included in a composition in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 6%, and preferably, from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition. To achieve all the advantages, the organic acid is present in a composition in an amount from about 0.15% to about 4% by weight of the composition. The amount of organic acid is related to the kind of organic acid used, and to the identity of the specific acid or acids used. An organic acid included in the present antimicrobial composition preferably does not penetrate the surface to which it is applied, for example, it is maintained on the surface of the skin contrary to penetrate the skin. The organic acid, therefore, is preferably an acid hydrophobic organic. In one embodiment of the present invention, the organic acid has a log P of less than 1, and preferably less than 0.75. To achieve all the advantages of the present invention, the organic acid has a log P of less than 0.5. In this modality, disinfectant alcohol and organic acid act synergistically to provide effective and persistent viral control. In another embodiment, the organic acid has a log P of one or greater, for example, from 1 to about 100. In this embodiment, the disinfecting alcohol and the organic acid effectively control non-enveloped viruses and also act synergistically to control a broad spectrum of bacteria. It was contemplated that, by incorporating a first organic acid having a log P of less than 1 and an organic second having a log P of 1 or greater, in a composition of the present, the first and second organic acids act synergistically with disinfectant alcohol to provide a persistent control of non-enveloped viruses and a control of broad-spectrum bacteria. As used herein, the term "log P" is defined as the log of the water-octanol partition coefficient, that is, the log of the ratio Pw / P0, where Pw is the concentration of an organic acid in water and P0 is the concentration of the acid organic in octanol, in equilibrium at 25 ° C. The water-octanol coefficient can be determined by the Procedure of the US Environmental Protection Agency "OPPTS 830.7560 Partition Coefficient (n-Octanol / Water), Generator Column Method" (1996). Organic acids having a log P of less than 1 are typically insoluble in water, for example, they have a solubility in water of less than about 0.5% by weight at 25 ° C. Organic acids having a log P of one or more are typically considered water soluble, for example, having a solubility in water of at least 0.5% by weight at 25 ° C. The organic acid may comprise a monocarboxylic acid, a polycarboxylic acid, a polymeric acid having a plurality of carboxylic, phosphate, sulfonate and / or sulfate moieties, or mixtures thereof. In addition to acidic portions, the organic acid may also contain other portions, for example, hydroxy groups and / or amino groups. In addition, an organic acid anhydride in a composition of the present invention can be used as the organic acid. In one embodiment, the organic acid comprises a monocarboxylic acid having a structure RC02H, wherein R is Cι_6 alkyl, Ci_6 hydroxy alkyl, Ci_6 alkyl halo, phenyl or substituted phenyl. The alkyl groups can they are substituted with phenyl and / or phenoxy groups, and those phenyl and phenoxy groups can be substituted or unsubstituted. Non-limiting examples of monocarboxylic acids useful in the present invention are acetic acid, propionic acid, hydroxyacetic acid, lactic acid, benzoic acid, phenyl acetic acid, phenoxy acetic acid, zyranic acid, 2-, 3- or 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. , anilic acid, o-, m- or p-chlorophenylacetic acid, o-, m- or p-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, and mixtures thereof. Additional substituted benzoic acids are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,294,186, incorporated herein by reference. Examples of substituted benzoic acids include, but are not limited to, salicylic acid, 2-nitrobenzoic acid, thiosalicylic acid, 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 5-nitrosalicylic acid, 5-bromosalicylic acid, 5-yodosalicylic acid, 5- fluorosalicylic acid, 3-chlorosalicylic acid, 4-chlorosalicylic acid, and 5-chlorosalicylic acid. In another embodiment, the organic acid comprises a polycarboxylic acid. The polycarboxylic acid contains at least 2, and up to 4 carboxylic acid groups. The polycarboxylic acid also contains hydroxy or amino groups, in addition to unsubstituted and substituted phenyl groups. Non-limiting examples of polycarboxylic acids useful in the present invention included malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, citric acid, aconitic acid and mixtures thereof. The anhydrides of polycarboxylic and monocarboxylic acids are also useful organic acids in the compositions herein. Preferred anhydrides are anhydrides of polycarboxylic acids, for example, phthalic anhydride. At least a portion of the anhydride is hydrolyzed to a carboxylic acid due to the pH of the composition. It was contemplated that an anhydride can be slowly hydrolyzed on a surface in contact with the composition, and thus help to provide a persistent antiviral activity. In a third embodiment, the organic acid comprises a polymeric carboxylic acid, a polymeric sulfonic acid, a sulfated polymer, a polymeric phosphoric acid, or mixtures thereof. The polymeric acid has a molecular weight of about 500 g / mol to 10,000,000 g / mol and includes homopolymers, copolymers and mixtures thereof. The polymeric acid is preferably capable of forming a substantive film on a surface and glass transition temperature, Tv, of less than 25 ° C, preferably less than 20 ° C, and more preferably less than about 15 ° C. The transition temperature Vitrea is the temperature at which an amorphous material, like a polymer, changes from a brittle vitreous state to a plastic state. The polymer Tv is easily determined by those skilled in the art using standard techniques. The polymeric acids are not crosslinked or only very minimally crosslinked. The polymeric acids are therefore soluble in water or at least dispersible in water. The polymeric acids are typically prepared from ethylenically unsaturated monomers having at least one hydrophilic moiety, such as carboxyl, carboxylic acid anhydride, sulphonic acid and sulfate. The polymeric acid may contain a comonomer, such as a styrene, to increase the hydrophobicity of the polymeric acid. Examples of monomers used to prepare the polymeric organic acid include, but are not limited to: (a) monomers containing carboxyl groups, for example mono- or polycarboxylic monoethylenically unsaturated acids, such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, acid fumaric, crotonic acid, sorbic acid, itaconic acid, ethacrylic acid, a-chloroacrylic acid, α-cyano-acrylic acid, 5-methacrylic acid (crotonic acid), α-ienylacrylic acid, 3-acryloxy-propionic acid, sorbic acid, a-chlorosorbic acid, angelic acid, cinnamic acid, p-chlorocinnamic acid, β-stearylacrylic acid, citraconic acid, mesaconic acid, acid glutaconic, aconitic acid, tricarboxyethylene, and cinnamic acid; (b) Monomers containing a carboxylic acid anhydride group, for example, monoethylenically unsaturated polycarboxylic acid anhydrides, such as maleic anhydride; and (c) Monomers containing a sulfonic acid group, for example, aliphatic or aromatic vinylsulfonic acids, such as vinylsulfonic acid, allylsulfonic acid, vinyltoluenesulfonic acid, styrenesulfonic acid, sulfoethyl (meth) acrylate, 2-acrylamido-2-acid methylpropane sulfonic acid, sulfo-propyl (meth) acrylate, and 2-hydroxy-3- (meth) acryloxypropyl sulfonic acid. The polymeric acid may contain other copolymerizable units, ie, other monoethylenically unsaturated comonomers, well known in the art, as long as the polymer substantially contains, ie, at least 10%, and preferably at least 25% monomeric units containing acidic groups . To achieve all the advantages of the present invention, the polymeric acid contains at least 50%, and more preferably, at least 75%, and up to 100% monomeric units containing acid groups. The other copolymerizable units, for example, may be styrene, an alkyl acrylate or an alkyl methacrylate. The polymeric acid can also be partially neutralized, which helps the dispersion of the polymeric acid in a composition. However, a sufficient number of the acid groups remain unneutralized to reduce the pH of the skin and impart a persistent antiviral activity. The preferred polymeric acid is a polyacrylic acid, either a homopolymer or a copolymer, for example as a copolymer of acrylic acid and an alkyl acrylate and / or alkyl methacrylate. Another preferred polymeric acid is a homopolymer or a copolymer of methacrylic acid. Exemplary polymeric acids useful present invention include, but are not limited to: In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the organic acid comprises one or more polycarboxylic acids, for example, citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, or a mixture of any two or three of those acids, and a polymeric acid containing a plurality of carboxyl groups, for example, homopolymers and copolymers of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid.

C. Carrier The carrier of the present antimicrobial composition comprises water.

D. Optional Ingredients The antimicrobial composition of the present invention may also contain optional ingredients well known to those skilled in the art. The particular optional ingredients and the amounts that may be present in the composition are discussed below. The optional ingredients are present in an amount sufficient to effect their intended function and do not adversely affect the microbial efficacy of the composition, and in particular do not adversely affect the synergistic effect provided by the disinfectant alcohol of the organic acid. The optional ingredients are typically present, individually or collectively, from 0% up to about 50% by weight of the composition. Classes of optional ingredients include, but are not limited to, hydrotropes, polyhydric solvents, gelling agents, dyes, fragrances, pH adjusters, thickeners, viscosity modifiers, chelating agents, skin conditioners, emollients, preservatives, buffering agents, foam stabilizers, antioxidants, foam improvers, chelating agents, opacifiers and similar kinds of optional ingredients known to those skilled in the art. A hydrotrope, if present at all, is present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 30%, and preferably from about 1% to about 20%, the weight of the composition. To achieve all the advantages of the present invention, a composition can contain from about 2% to about 15% by weight of the hydrotrope. A hydrotrope is a compound that has the ability to manage the solubility of water of other compounds. A hydrotrope used in the present invention lacks surfactant properties, typically it is a short chain alkyl aryl sulfonate. Specific examples of hydrotropes include, but are not limited to sodium sulphonate cumon, ammonium sulphonate cumonium, ammonium xylene sulfonate, potassium toluene sulfonate, toluene Sodium sulfonate, sodium xylene sulfonate, toluene sulphonic acid and xylene sulfonic acid. Other useful hydrotropes include sodium polynaphthalene sulfonate, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, sodium methyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium camphor sulfonate and disodium succinate. A polyhydric solvent, if present at all, is present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 30% and preferably from about 5% to about 30% by weight of the composition. To achieve all the advantages of the present invention, the polyhydric solvent is present in an amount of about 10% to about 30% by weight of the composition. In contrast to a disinfectant alcohol, the polyhydric solvent contributes minimally, if not entirely, to the antimicrobial efficacy of the composition herein. The term "polyhydric solvent" as used herein is a water-soluble organic compound containing from two to six, and typically two or three hydroxyl groups. The term "water-soluble" means that the polyhydric solvent has a solubility in water of at least 0.1 g of the polyhydric solvent per 100 g of water at 25 ° C. There is no upper limit for the water solubility of the polyhydric solvent, for example, the polyhydric solvent and water can be soluble in all proportions. The term polyhydric solvent, therefore, covers diols, triols and water soluble polyols. Specific examples of water solvents include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripopylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, 1,2,6-hexantriol, sorbitol, PEG-4. , and similar polyhydroxy compounds. Another specific class of optional ingredients includes phosphates, sulfates and inorganic carbonates as buffering agents; EDTA and phosphates, chelating agents; and acids and bases as pH adjusters. Preferred class examples of optional basic pH adjusters are ammonia; mono-, di-, and tri-alkyl amines; mono-, di-, and tri-alkanolamines; hydroxides of alkali metal and alkaline earth metal; and mixtures thereof. However, the identity of the basic pH adjuster is not limited, and any basic pH adjuster known in the art can be used. Specific, non-limiting examples of basic pH adjusters are ammonia; sodium, potassium and lithium hydroxide; monoethanolamine; triethylamine; isopropanol-amine; diethanolamine; and triethanolamine. Examples of preferred classes of optional acid pH adjusters are mineral acids. Non-limiting examples of mineral acids are hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid and acid sulfuric. The identity of the acid pH adjuster is not limited and any acid pH adjuster known in the art, alone or in combination, can be used. An optional alkanolamide to provide thickening of the composition can be, but is not limited to, cocamid MEA, cocamid DEA, soyamide DEA, lauramid DEA, oleamid MIPA, stearamid MEA, myristamide MEA, lauramid MEA, capramid DEA, ricinoleamide DEA, myristamide DEA , stearamid DEA, oleylamide DEA, sewamid DEA, lauramid MIPA, sewaid MEA, isostearamid DEA, isostearamid MEA, and mixtures thereof. The alkanolamides are non-cleaning surfactants and small amounts are added, if not at all, to thicken the composition. The present antimicrobial composition can only contain from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, and preferably from 0.10% to about 3% by weight of an optional gelling agent. To achieve all the advantages of the present invention, the antimicrobial composition contains from about 0.25% to about 2.5% by weight of a gelling agent. The atimicrobial compositions typically contain a sufficient amount of gelling agent so that the composition is a viscous, gel, or semi-solid liquid that can be fascinating applied to, and rubbed, and the skin or other surface. The type and amount of gelling agent to be included in the composition is known to those skilled in the art. to provide the viscosity or consistency to the desired composition. The term "gelling agent" as used herein, and subsequently refers to a compound capable of increasing viscosity and water-based composition, or capable of converting a water-based composition into a gel or semi-solid. The gelling agent, therefore, may be of an organic nature, for example, a natural gum or a synthetic polymer, or may be of inorganic nature. As stated above, the compositions herein are free of a cleansing surfactant and an antimicrobial agent. A cleaning surfactant and an antimicrobial agent are not intentionally added to the antimicrobial composition herein, but may be present in an amount of 0% to 0.5% by weight, because the surfactant may be present in a commercial form of a gelling agent to help disperse the gelling agent in water. A surfactant may also be present in an additive or by-product in other ingredients of the composition. The antimicrobial agent may be present in an ingredient of the composition as a preservative. The following are non-limiting examples of gelling agents that can be used in the present invention. In particular, the following compounds, both organic and inorganic, they act mainly by thickening by melting the aqueous portion of the composition: Acacia, agar, algin, alginic acid, ammonium alginate, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate, amylopectin, attapulgite, bentonite, C9-15 alcohols, calcium, calcium alginate, calcium carrageenan, calcium chloride, caprylic alcohol, carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar, carrageenan, calulose, cellulose gum, cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, corn starch, damar, dextrin, dibenzylidene sorbitol, ethylene swamide dihydrogenated, ethylene dioleamide, ethylene distearamide, gelatin, guar gum, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hectorite, hyaluronic acid, hydrated silica, hydroxybutyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl stearamide-MIPA, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl guar, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, alcohol isocetyl, isostearyl alcohol, karaya gum , kelp, laruryl alcohol, robina gum, magnesium and aluminum sailicillate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, methoxy copolymer PEG-22 / dodecyl glycol,. methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, montmorillonite, myristyl alcohol, oatmeal, oleyl alcohol, palm kernel alcohol, pectin, PEG-2M PEG-5, polyvinyl alcohol, potassium alginate, potassium carrageenan, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, starch potato, propylene glycol alginate, carboxymethyl dextran sodium, carrageenan sodium, cellulose sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium silcoaluminate, sodium sulfate, stearalkonium bentonite, stearalkonium hectorite, stearyl alcohol, bait alcohol, TEA hydrochloride, tragacanth gum , tridecyl alcohol, trometamin magnesium aluminum silicate, wheat flour, wheat starch, xanthan gum and mixtures thereof. The following additional non-limiting examples of gelling agents act primarily by thickening the nonaqueous portion of the composition: abiectyl alcohol, agrylolenoic acid, aluminum behenate, aluminum caprylate, aluminum dilinoleate, aluminum distearate, isostearate / laurate / palmitate or stearates. aluminum, aluminum isostearates / myristates, aluminum isostearate / palmitates, aluminum isostearates / stearates, aluminum lanolate, aluminum myristates / palmitates, aluminum stearate, aluminum stearates, aluminum tristearate, beeswax, behenamide, behenyl alcohol , butadiene / acrylonitrile copolymer, a C2g-7o acid, calcium behenate, calcium stearate, candelilla wax, carnauba, crecina, cholesterol, cholesteryl hydroestearate, coconut alcohol, copal, diglyceryl stearate maleate, dihydroabi alcohol tyl, methyl lauramine oleate, copolymer of dodecandioic acid / cetearyl alcohol / glycol, erucamide, ethyl cellulose, glyceryl triacetyl hydroxystearate, glyceryl triacetyl ricinoleate, glycol dibehenate, glycol dioctanoate, glycol distearate, hexanediol distearate, hydrogenated C6-1 olefin polymers, castor oil hydrogenated, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenated fat, hydrogenated shad oil, hydrogenated palm seed glycerides, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated palm oil, hydrogenated polyisobutene, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenated bait amide, glyceride of hydrogenated bait, hydrogenated vegetable glyceride, hydrogenated vegetable glycerides, hydrogenated vegetable oil, isobutylene / isoprene copolymer, isocetyl stearoyl stearate, Japan wax, jojoba wax, lanolin alcohol, lauramide, methyl dehydroabietate, hydrogenated methyl rosinate, methyl rosinate, methylstyrene / vinyl toluene copolymer, wax microcrystalline, acid mountain wax, mountain wax, myristoleicosanol, miritoloctadecanol, octadecene / maleic anhydride copolymer, octyldodecyl steroyl stearate, oleamide, oloestearin, ouricury wax, oxidized polyethylene, ozokerite, palm kernel alcohol, paraffin, hydrogenated rosinate of pentaerythrityl, pentaerythrityl rosinate, pentaerythrityl tetraabietate, pentaerythrityl tetrabenethin, tetraoctanoate pentaerythrityl, pentaerythrityl tetraoleate, pentaerythrityl teastearate, phthalic anhydride copolymer / glycerin / glycidyl decanoate, phthalic / trimellitic copolymer / glycols, polybutene, polybutylene terephthalate, polydipentene, polyethylene, polyisobutene, polyisoprene, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl laurate, dicaprylate propylene glycol, propylene glycol dicocoate, propylene glycol diisononanoate, propylene glycol dilaurate, propylene glycol dipelargonate, propylene glycol distearate, propylene glycol diundecanoate, PVP / eicosene copolymer, PVP / hexadecene copolymer, rice bran wax , stearalkonium bentonite, stearalkonium hectorite, stearamide, stearamid stearamide stearamide MEA, estearam stearamide DIBA, stearam stearate stearamide MEA, stearone, stearyl alcohol, stearyl erucamide, stearyl stearate, stearyl stearoyl stearoate, synthetic beeswax, synthetic wax, trihydroxystearin , triisononanoin, trii Sodisarin, triisostearyl trilinoleate, trilaurine, trilinoleic acid, trilinolein, trimyristin, triolein, tripalmitin, tristearin, zinc laurate, zinc myristate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc rosinate, zinc stearate and mixtures thereof. The gelling agents useful in the present invention include but are not limited to, E. pH The pH of the present antimicrobial composition is less than about 5, and preferably less than about 4.5 at 25 ° C. To achieve all the advantages of the present invention, the pH is less than about 4. Typically, the pH of the present composition is from about 2 to less than about 5, and preferably from about 2.5 to about 4.5. The pH of the composition is sufficiently low, unless a portion of the organic acid is in the protonated form. The organic acid then has the ability to lower the pH of the surface, such as the pH of the skin, to provide effective viral control, without irritating the skin. The organic acid also deposits on the skin, and resists removal by rinsing, to provide a persistent antiviral effect. To demonstrate the novel and unexpected results provided by the method of the present invention, the following compositions were prepared and the ability of the method to control Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and to control rhinovirus was determined. The percentage, by weight listed in each of the following compositions represents the actual, or active, weight amount of each ingredient present in a composition used in the present method to decrease the pH of the skin. The compositions were prepared by combining the ingredients, as understood by those skilled in the art and as described below. The following methods were used in the preparation and testing of the compositions. a) Determination of the Fast Germicidal Activity (Temporary Elimination) of Antibacterial Products. The activity of the antibacterial compositions was measured by the method of temporary elimination, whereby the survival of challenged organisms exposed to an antibacterial test composition was determined as a function of time. In this test, a diluted aliquot of the composition was contacted with a known population of test bacteria for a specific period of time at a specific temperature. The test composition neutralized at the end of the time period, which counteracts the antibacterial activity of the composition. The reduction in percent, or alternatively, logarithmic of the original bacterial population was calculated. In general, the method of temporary elimination is known to those skilled in the art. The composition can be tested at any concentration up to 100%. The choice of which Use concentration is at the investigator's discretion, and appropriate concentrations are easily determined by those skilled in the art. For example, viscous samples are usually tested at a 50% dilution, while non-viscous samples are not diluted. The test sample is placed in a sterile 250 ml beaker with a magnetic stir bar and the volume of the sample is brought to 100 ml, if necessary, with sterile deionized water. All the tests were done in triplicate, the results were combined, and the average logarithmic reduction was reported. The choice of the contact time period is also at the discretion of the researcher. Any contact time can be chosen. Typical contact times range from 15 seconds to 5 minutes, with 30 seconds and 1 minute being the typical contact times. The contact temperature can also be any temperature, typically room temperature, or about 25 degrees Celsius. The bacterial suspension or test inoculum is prepared by growing any bacterial culture on any appropriate solid medium (eg, agar). The bacterial population is then washed off the agar with sterile physiological saline and. the population of the bacterial suspension is adjusted up to approximately 108 units colony formers by me (cfu / ml). The following table lists the test bacterial cultures used in the tests and includes the name of the bacteria, the ATCC identification number (American Type Culture Collection), and the abbreviation for the name of the organism used later. S. aureus is a Gram positive bacterium, while E. coli, K. pneum, and S. choler. They are Gram negative bacteria.

The beaker containing the test composition is placed in a water bath (if desired at constant temperature), or placed on a magnetic stirrer (if desired at room temperature in the laboratory). The sample is then inoculated with 1.0 ml of test bacteria suspension. The inoculum is shaken with the test composition during the predetermined contact time. When the contact time expires, 1.0 ml of the composition mixture is transferred from test / bacteria at 9.0 ml of Neutralizing Solution. Decimal dilutions occur up to an accounting interval. The dilutions may differ for different organisms. The selected dilutions are placed in triplicate on TSA + plates (TSA + is Soy Tripticase Agar with Lecithin and Polysorbate 80). The plates are then incubated for 24 ± two hours and the colonies are counted to determine the number of survivors and the reduction calculation in percent or logarithmic. The control count (control numbers) is determined by conducting the procedure as described above with the exception that deionized water is used instead of the test composition. Plate counts are converted to cfu / ml for control numbers and samples, respectively, by standard microbiological methods. The logarithmic reduction is calculated using the formula Log reduction = logio (controlled numbers) - logio (survivors of the test sample). The following table correlates the reduction in percent in the population of bacteria with the logarithmic reduction: b) Antiviral Residual Efficacy Test References: S.A. Sattar, Standard test Method for Determining the Virus-Eliminating Effectiveness of Liquid Hygienic Handwash Agents Using the Fingerpads of Adult Volunteers, Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Designation E1838-96, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, referred to as "Sattar I"; and S.A. Sattar et al., Chemical Disinfection to Interrupt Transfer of Rhinovirus Type 14 from Environmental Surfaces to Hands, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Vol. 59, No. 5, May, 1993, pp. 1579-1585, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and referred to as "Sattar II". The method used to determine the Antiviral Index of the present invention is a modification of that described in Sattar I, a test for the virucidal activity of liquid handwashes (rinsing products). The method was modified in this case to provide reliable data for products left over. The Sattar I modifications include that the product is delivered directly to the skin as described below, the inoculation of the fingertip virus as described below, and the viral recovery using a ten cycle wash. The inoculated skin site is then completely decontaminated by treating the area with 70% dilution of ethanol in water.

Procedure: Ten Minute Test: Subjects (5 per test product) initially wash their hands with non-medicated soap, rinse their hands, and let their hands dry. The hands are then treated with 70% ethanol and air dried. The test product (1.0 ml) is applied to the hands except the thumbs, and allowed to dry. Approximately 10 minutes (+30 seconds) after application of the product, 10 μ? Were applied topically? of a suspension of rhinovirus 14 (ATCC VR-284, approximately lxlO6 CFU (plaque forming units) / ml) using a micropipette at several sites of the hand within a designated skin surface area known as fingertips. At that time, a solution was also applied of rhinovirus to the thumb not treated in a similar way. After a drying period of 7-10 minutes, the virus was eluted from each of the different sites of the skin with 1 ml of eluent (Earle's Balanced Saline Solution (EBSS) with 25% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS)). + 1% pen-strep-glutamate), washing 10 times per site. The site of the inoculated skin was then completely decontaminated by rinsing the area with 70% ethanol. Viral titers were determined using standard techniques, i.e., plaque assays or (Tissue Culture Infectious Dose) TCID50. One-hour test: subjects were allowed to resume their normal activities (with the exception of washing their hands) between points in the time between 1 hour and 3 hours. After one hour, a rhinovirus suspension was applied and eluted from the designated sites on the fingertips exactly as described above for the 10 minute test.

Example 1 • The following compositions were prepared The samples were tested for their antiviral activity against Rinovirus 1A and Rotavirus Wa in a temporary elimination suspension test. The following table summarizes the results of the test.

This example illustrates the synergistic antiviral effect provided by the combination of a disinfectant alcohol and an organic acid that has a log P of less than one. Samples A and B show that a disinfectant alcohol alone does not provide acceptable control of the viruses. Sample E shows that. Salicylic acid dissolved in dipropylene glycol and water does not completely inactivate the virus serotypes tested. However, Samples C and D, which are compositions of the present invention completely eliminate the serotypes of the viruses tested.

Example 2 The following antiviral composition, which is capable of reducing skin pH, was produced and applied to the fingertips of human volunteers: 'Cross-linked Copolymer of Acrylate / Alkyl Acrylate of C10-30 2 > Preservative containing propylene glycol, diazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, and propylparaben. The pH of sample 2 was 3.1. In the test, Sample 2 was applied to the fingertips of all fingers, except the thumbs, of eight volunteers. The thumbs were the control sites. The volunteers - were divided into four groups of two each. Each group I-IV was then challenged at a predetermined time with a rhinovirus titre on all the fingertips of each hand to determine the time-dependent efficacy of the test composition. At the appropriate time for each group, the pH of the skin of the fingertips was also measured to determine the course over time of skin pH in response to the test composition. The default test time for the rhinoviral challenge and the Measurement of skin pH for each group I-IV were 5 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours and 4 hours, respectively. The following table shows the average log (rinoviral inoculum title), pH of the average skin, and average log (rinoviral title recovered) from the test finger tips of the volunteers in the study, organized by groups.

The data for each group (ie, the different points in time) show that the average recovered rhinoviral titer is less than 1 virus particle, or below the detection limit of the test. These data illustrate the effectiveness of the present method after 4 hours and further demonstrate that a skin pH of less than about 4 is effective to completely eliminate a virus challenge.

Example 3 The clean fingertips of test subjects were tested with the following compositions. Basal skin pH readings were measured from the fingertips before treatment with the compositions. The pH measurements of the skin were also taken immediately after the composition dried on the fingertips, then again after 4 hours. i; ETOH is ethanol Four hours after the treatment of the fingertips with samples A-G, Rhinovirus 39 was applied to a titre of 1.3 x 103 pfu (plaque forming units) to the fingertips. The virus was dried on the fingertips for 10 minutes, then the fingertips were rinsed with a viral recovery broth containing 75% EBSS and 25% FBS with IX antibiotics. The sample was diluted serially in the recovery broth viral and cultured on Hl-HeLa cells. The titles were tested as for the plaque assay. Complete inactivation of Rhinovirus 39, that is, a log reduction of more than 3, was achieved using the acid-containing compositions containing a mixture of two of citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid.

Example 4 Antibacterial Activity 'Contact time on the skin A. 62% ethanol, 2% citric acid, 2% malic acid, 1.25% hydroxyethylcellulose B. 62% ethanol, 2% citric acid, 2% malic acid, 1.25 % of hydroxyethylcellulose and skin emollients. This example illustrates that the compositions of the present invention also provide an activity fast antibacterial and broad spectrum.

EXAMPLE 5 Yolks of the clean fingers of the test subjects were treated with the following composition. Basal skin pH readings were measured from the fingertips before treatment with the compositions. The pH measurements of the skin were also taken immediately after the composition was dried on the fingertips. Immediately after the treatment of the fingertips with the composition, rhinovirus 14 was applied to a titre of 1.4 x 104 pfu (plaque forming units) to the fingertips. The virus was dried on the fingertips for 10 minutes, then the fingertips were rinsed with a broth of viral recovery containing 75% EBSS and 25% FBS with IX antibiotics. The sample was serially diluted in viral recovery broth and cultured on Hl-HeLa cells. The titers were tested as for the plaque assay. Complete inactivation of rhinovirus 14 was achieved with the acid-containing composition resulting in a log reduction of 4.

Example 6 The following compositions were prepared to test the effect of organic acids and mixtures of organic acid on the pH of the skin and antiviral efficacy.

The clean fingertips of the test subjects were treated with A-D samples. The basal skin pH readings were measured from the fingertips before treatment with a composition. The pH measurements of the skin were also taken immediately after that the composition dried on the fingertips, and again after two hours. All samples A-D lowered skin pH below 4 for two hours. The combination of citric acid and malic acid (Sample C) maintained a lower pH at two hours than the same acids used individually (Samples A and B). The 4% tartaric acid composition (Sample D) showed the greatest decrease in skin pH. Two hours after the treatment of the fingertips with the solution, Rhinovirus 39 was applied to the 4 × 10 4 pfu titer to the fingertips. The virus was dried on the fingertips for 10 minutes, then the fingertips were rinsed with a viral recovery broth containing 75% EBSS and 25% FBS with IX of antibiotics. The sample was serially diluted with viral recovery broth and the plates cultured on Hl-HeLa cells. The titles were tested as for the plaque assay. An inactivation of Rhinovirus 39 was achieved, resulting in a log reduction greater than 3. The following examples illustrate that the polymeric acids, and especially the homopolymer or copolymer of acrylic acid, in the presence of alcohol impart antiviral efficacy. The polymeric acids have a low pH and are substantively good for the skin, which effectively maintains a low skin pH over time, and helps provide a persistent antiviral efficacy. A synergistic effect on the decrease in skin pH was demonstrated with the use of acrylic acid-based polymer in the presence of alcohol. However, an acrylic-based polymer in the absence of alcohol did not maintain a skin pH reduced to the same degree over time. Importantly, reducing the pH of the skin depends less on the pH of the composition when a polymeric acid is used in conjunction with an alcohol. The synergy demonstrated between the polymeric acid and the alcohol was unexpected and is a novel way of lowering the pH of the skin that provides a desired antiviral efficacy. A synergistic effect on a fast and persistent antiviral activity was also demonstrated when a polymer based on acrylic acid is used in conjunction with polycarboxylic acids. It has been found that by using a low amount of a polymeric acid (eg, from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight) together with a polycarboxylic acid, such as citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and mixtures thereof, improves the antiviral activities of polycarboxylic acids. This synergistic effect allows a reduction in the concentration of polycarboxylic acid in an antiviral composition, without a concomitant decrease in antiviral efficacy. This reduction in the concentration of polycarboxylic acid it improves the softness of the composition by reducing the irritation potential of the composition.

Example 7 A composition containing a polyacrylic acid (1% by weight), ie ULTREZ 20, available from Novean Europe, in 70% aqueous ethanol and in water was prepared. Each composition (1.8 ml) was applied to the thumb, index and middle fingers of a test subject. The pH readings of the skin were measured before the treatment (basal) immediately after the fingers were dried, and again after 2 hours. The average pH readings of the skin are summarized below.

The polyacrylic acid decreased the pH of the skin to approximately 4.5 initially, and the pH of the skin remained below 5 'after 2 hours. The ethanol composition decreased the pH of the skin slightly lower (4.4) than the ethanol-free composition (4.5). This result suggests a synergistic effect in the decrease of the pH of the skin when a polyacrylic acid with ethanol is applied. Two hours after the treatment of the fingertips with the above compositions, Rhinovirus 39 was applied to the fingertips that had been treated at a titer of 9.8 x 102 pfu. The virus was dried on the fingertips for 10 minutes, then the fingertips were rinsed with viral recovery broth. The broth was diluted serially in viral recovery broth and plated on Hl-HeLa cells. The titles were tested as for the plaque assay. Both compositions reduced the viral titer. However, the ethanol-containing composition exhibited slightly higher efficacy against rhinoviruses by reducing the titer by 1.8 log versus 1.5 log for the composition without ethanol. These data illustrate that polyacrylic acid decreases the pH of the skin resulting in antiviral efficacy. The data also illustrates that the acid Polyacryl and ethanol act synergistically to lower the pH of the skin, thereby resulting in increased efficacy against rhinoviruses. To demonstrate this efficacy, the following "compositions" were prepared, where solutions containing a polyacrylic acid (with and without ethanol) were buffered at a pH of about 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, or 6.0.

The effect of the eight compositions on both the pH of the skin and the skin was tested. viral effectiveness. Each composition (1.8 ml) was applied to the thumb, index and middle fingers of the test subject. The pH readings of the skin were measured before treatment (basal), immediately after the product had dried, and again after 2 hours. Skin pH data indicated that a polyacrylic acid and ethanol function synergistically to decrease the pH of the skin because each composition containing ethanol in combination with polyacrylic acid decreases the pH of the skin. a lower pH value than the ethanol-free compositions. The compositions containing ethanol and polyacrylic acid decreased the pH of the skin between pH 4 and 5 regardless of the pH of the solution. In contrast, the ethanol-free compositions decrease the pH of the skin only between pH 5-6 and the final pH of the skin is similar to the pH of the solution. To test the viral efficacy of the above compositions, Rhinovirus 39 was applied to a titre of 1.7 x 10 3 pfu to the fingertips after two hours. The virus was dried for 10 minutes, eluted and diluted serially in viral recovery broth. Samples were cultured on Hl-HeLa cells, and the virus titer was assayed as for the plate test method. The compositions containing ethanol in combination with polyacrylic acid had a log reduction of more than 2 in the viral titers, while the ethanol-free compositions exhibited a log reduction of less than 1 in the viral titers. Therefore, there is a synergism between polyacrylic acid and ethanol in reducing the pH of the skin, which provides greater antiviral efficacy against the rhinovirus.

Example 8 The following compositions were prepared to better illustrate the antiviral efficacy provided by a polyacrylic acid. 1 Acid CRODAFOS CS20 is Ceteth-20 & Cetearyl Alcohol & Dicetyl Phosphate; and 21 NATROSOL 250 HHR CS is hydroxyethylcellulose. Samples A-C (1.8 ml) were applied to the thumb, index and middle finger of clean hands. The pH readings of the skin were taken before the treatment (basal), immediately after the fingers were dried, and again after two hours for Samples A and B and after four hours for Sample C. The averages of the pH values of the skin are given in the table above. Sample A containing polyacrylic acid decreased the pH of the skin to a greater degree with a pH of the final skin after two hours of pH 4.7. Neither Sample B nor Sample C decreased the pH of the skin below pH 5.0. These data indicate that polyacrylic acid has the ability to lower the pH of the skin and maintain a low skin pH for at least two hours. The viral efficacy of Samples A-C against Rhinovirus 39 was also tested. A viral load of approximately 103 pfu was dispersed over the thumb, index and middle fingers of each treated hand and allowed to dry for 10 minutes. The fingers were then rinsed with viral recovery broth and the samples were serially diluted and cultured on Hl-HeLa cells. The viral titers were measured using the plate assay. For both Samples B and C, 100% of the hands were positive for rhinovirus, which indicates little efficacy of those compositions against rhinovirus. In contrast, Sample A demonstrates viral efficacy because only 63% of hands were found positive for rhinovirus.

Example 9 Example 7 demonstrated that synergism exists between polyacrylic acid and ethanol, which results in decreased skin pH and antiviral efficacy. The following compositions were prepared to examine the effectiveness of polycarboxylic acid mixtures and a composition with a single polycarboxylic acid, each in combination with polyacrylic acid and ethanol, on the antiviral efficacy. A preferred antiviral composition contains the least amount of organic acid required to demonstrate a persistent antiviral efficacy. The compositions were applied to the fingertips of clean fingers. After the indicated times, approximately 103 to 104 pfu of Rhinovirus 39 were applied to the hands and allowed to dry for 10 minutes. The virus was recovered by rinsing the hands with viral recovery broth. The samples were then serially diluted with viral recovery broth, and cultured with Hl- HeLa. The viral titers were determined by the plaque assay. The percentage of hands that were rhinovirus positive are summarized below.

A composition containing only 70% ethanol was not effective as an antiviral composition. Citric acid (1%) and malic acid (1%) lost effectiveness against rhinovirus after one hour because 100% of the hands were positive for rhinovirus. In contrast, when a composition containing 1% citric acid and 1% malic acid was applied to the hands in combination with polyacrylic acid and 70% ethanol, no viruses were detected in the the hands after four hours. A single acid (4% citric acid) in combination with a polyacrylic acid and ethanol was less effective against the rhinovirus because 91% of the hands were found positive for rhinovirus after four hours. These data demonstrate that the use of a polyacrylic acid and ethanol allows the use of a lower concentration of polycarboxylic acid to achieve a desired antiviral efficacy.

EXAMPLE 10 The use of a polyacrylic acid and ethanol in a composition decreases the pH of the skin to a value lower than the pH of the solution, as demonstrated in Example 7. To test whether the antiviral compositions containing acid citric acid, malic acid, polyacrylic acid and ethanol can be buffered to a higher solution pH and still provide a pH of the skin at or below pH 4 to obtain a persistent antiviral activity, the following compositions were prepared.

The compositions (1.8 mL) were applied to the thumb, index and middle finger of clean hands. The pH readings of the skin were measured before the treatment (basal), immediately after the fingers were dried, and again after four hours. The average pH values of the skin were plotted as above. The initial pH of the skin skin treated with Samples A-C decreased to between pH 2.9 and 3.6, where the lower the pH of the solution, the lower the initial pH of the skin. However, after four hours, the pH of the skin for all compositions was about 3.7.

Consistent with the previous examples, the pH of the solution did not predict the back pH of the skin. The viral efficacy of Samples A-C against Rhinovirus 39 was also tested. A viral load of approximately 103 ufe was dispersed over the thumb, index finger and middle finger of each treated hand and allowed to dry for 10 minutes. The fingers were then rinsed with viral recovery broth and the samples were serially diluted and cultured on Hl-HeLa cells. Viral titers were measured using the plate assay. No viruses were recovered from either hand indicating that all three A-C samples have antiviral efficacy. These data demonstrate that when citric acid and malic acid are used in a composition in combination with a polyacrylic acid and ethanol, the pH of the solution can be buffered at a higher pH, for example, moderate and safe for application to the skin, still retaining a capacity to decrease the pH of the skin and exhibit antiviral activity. The antimicrobial compositions of the present invention have several practical end-uses, including mouthwashes, surgical grasses, body washes, antiseptics, disinfectants, hand disinfectant gels, deodorants, dental care additives and similar personal product products. The additional types of compositions include foamed compositions, such as creams, mousses, and the like, and compositions containing organic and inorganic fillers, such as emulsions, lotions, creams, pastes, and the like. The compositions can also be used as antimicrobials for hard surfaces, for example, sinks and covers in hospitals, food service areas and meat processing plants. The antimicrobial compositions herein can be made as ready-to-use diluted compositions, or as concentrates that are diluted before use. The present invention, therefore, encompasses the application of an effective amount of the antimicrobial cleaning compositions of the present invention on surfaces other than those of the skin, such as household surfaces, for example, as covers, kitchen surfaces, surfaces for prepare food (cutting boards, plates, pots, pans, and the like); large home appliances, for example, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, washing machines, automatic dryers, ovens, microwave ovens, and dishwashers; cabinets; floors; bathroom surfaces; bathroom curtains, trash cans and / or recycling trays, and the like. The compositions can also be incorporated in a cloth material to provide an antimicrobial cleaning article. The cleaning article can be used to clean and sterilize animate or inanimate surfaces. In one embodiment of the present invention, a person who (a) is suffering from a rhinovirus cold, or is likely to be exposed to other individuals suffering from rhinovirus colds, or (b) is suffering from a rotavirus infection, ie likely to be exposed to other individuals suffering from a rotaviral infection, you can apply an antimicrobial composition of the present to your hands. This application eliminates bacteria and inactivates rhinovirus, rotavirus and other particles of unwrapped virus present in the hands. The applied composition, whether rinsed or allowed to remain in the hands, provides persistent antiviral activity. Non-enveloped viruses, such as rhinovirus and rotavirus particles, are therefore not transmitted to uninfected individuals via hand-to-hand transmission. The amount of composition applied, the frequency of application, and the period of use will vary depending on the level of disinfection desired, for example, the degree of microbial contamination and / or dirt on the skin. The antimicrobial compositions herein provide the advantages of a broad spectrum elimination of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, and a Broad spectrum viral control in short contact times. The short contact time for a substantial log reduction of bacteria is important in view of the typical 15 to 60 second time interval used to sterilize the skin and inanimate surfaces. The composition also imparts a persistent antiviral activity to the contact surface. The compositions herein are effective in a short contact time due to the synergistic effect provided by the combination and a disinfecting alcohol and an organic acid. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the invention can be made as set forth hereinbefore without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and therefore, only those limitations will be imposed according to what is indicated by the appended claims.

Claims (62)

1. CLAIMS 1. A method for reducing a population of viruses and bacteria on a surface, characterized in that it comprises contacting the surface with a composition for 30 seconds to achieve a log reduction of at least 2 against S. aureus, and a log reduction of at least 2.5 against E. coli, and a log reduction of at least 4 against non-enveloped viruses, the composition comprising: (a) from about 25% to about 75% by weight of a disinfecting alcohol; (b) an effective virucidal amount of an organic acid; and (c) water, wherein the composition has a pH of about 5 or less at 25 ° C.
2. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the virus is an acid labile virus.
3. 3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the acid labile virus comprises a serotype of rhinovirus.
4. 4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-enveloped virus comprises a serotype of rotavirus.
5. 5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a step of rinsing the composition of the surface.
6. 6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface is the skin of a mammal.
7. 7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the composition decreases the pH of the skin to less than 4 after drying on the skin.
8. 8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface is a hard, inanimate surface.
9. 9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface has a persistent antiviral activity.
10. 10. The method of compliance with. Claim 1, characterized in that the disinfectant alcohol is present in the composition in an amount of from about 30% to about 75% by weight of the composition. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the disinfectant alcohol comprises one or more Ci_6 alcohols. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the disinfecting alcohol is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butanol, n-propyl alcohol and mixtures thereof. 13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the composition comprises from about 0.05% up to about 6% by weight, of an organic acid. 14. The method according to the claim 1, characterized in that the organic acid in the composition has a log P of less than one. 15. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the organic acid in the composition has a log P of one or more. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the organic acid comprises a first organic acid having a log P of less than one and a second organic acid having a log P of one or more. 17. The method of compliance with the claim 1, characterized in that the organic acid comprises one or more of a monocarboxylic acid, a polycarboxylic acid, a polymeric acid having a plurality of carboxylic, phosphate, sulfonate and / or sulfate moieties, anhydrides thereof, or mixtures thereof . 18. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the organic acid comprises a monocarboxylic acid having a structure RC02H, wherein R is Ci_6 alkyl, Ci-6 hydroxy alkyl, Ci-6 alkyl halo, phenyl or phenyl replaced. 19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the monocarboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, propionic acid, hydroxyacetic acid, lactic acid, benzoic acid, phenylacetic acid, phenoxyacetic acid, zyranic acid, 2- acid, 3- or 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, anilic acid, o-, m- or p-chlorophenylacetic acid, acid or-, m- or p-chlorophenoxyacetic acid and mixtures thereof. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the organic acid comprises a polycarboxylic acid containing from 2 to 4 carboxylic acid groups, and optionally contains one or more hydroxyl groups, amino groups, or both. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the polycarboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, citric acid, aconitic acid, and mixtures thereof. 22. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the organic acid comprises an anhydride of a polycarboxylic acid. 23. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the organic acid comprises an acid polymeric having a molecular weight of from about 500 to about 10,000,000 g / mol. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the polymeric acid is soluble in water or dispersible in water. 25. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the polymeric acid is selected from a group consisting of a polymeric carboxylic acid, a polymeric sulfonic acid, a sulfated polymer, a polymeric phosphoric acid and mixtures thereof. 26. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the polymeric acid comprises a homopolymer or a copolymer of acrylic acid. 27. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the organic acid comprises a polycarboxylic acid and a polymeric carboxylic acid. 28. The method of compliance with the claim 27, characterized in that the polycarboxylic acid comprises citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid and mixtures thereof, and the polymeric carboxylic acid comprises a homopolymer or a copolymer of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. 29. The method of compliance with the claim 28, characterized in that the polymeric carboxylic acid comprises a homopolymer or a copolymer of acrylic acid. 30. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that the composition further comprises a gelling agent. 31. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the composition has a pH of from about 2 to less than about 5. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the skin of the mammal has a pH of the skin less than 4 four hours after contact. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the composition further comprises from about 0.1% up to about 30% of the polyhydric solvent selected from the group consisting of a diol, a triol and mixtures thereof. 34. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the composition further comprises from about 0.1% up to about 30%, by weight, of a hydrotrope. 35. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the composition further comprises about 0.1% to about 3% by weight of a gelling agent. 36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that the gelling agent comprises a natural gum, a synthetic polymer, a clay, an oil, a wax or mixtures thereof. 37. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that the gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of cellulose, a cellulose derivative, guar, a guar derivative, algin, an algin derivative, a Cg-C2o alcohol insoluble in water, carrageenan, a. Demectite clay, a polyquaternium compound, and mixtures thereof. 38. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the composition is free of an anionic, cationic and ampholytic surfactant. 39. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the composition is free of an active antimicrobial agent. 40. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the composition imparts a log reduction of at least 3 against a non-enveloped virus at least about four hours after contact. 41. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the composition imparts a log reduction of at least 2 against non-enveloped viruses approximately six hours after contact. 42. A method for inactivating viruses and eliminating bacteria, characterized in that it comprises the step to topically apply a composition to a surface that need such treatment, the. composition comprises: (a) from about 25% to about 75%, by weight of a disinfectant alcohol; (b) an effective virucidal amount of an organic acid; and (c) water, wherein the composition has a pH of about 5 or less at 25 ° C. 43. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that a persistent antiviral efficacy is imparted to the surface. 44. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that the surface is animated. 45. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that the surface is inanimate. 46. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that non-enveloped viruses are inactivated. 47. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that the rhinoviruses, picornaviruses, adenovirus, rotavirus, herpes virus, respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus, enterovirus, and similar pathogenic viruses are inactivated. 48. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that acid labile viruses are inactivated. 49. The method of compliance with the claim 48, characterized in that picornaviruses are inactivated. 50. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that rhinoviruses are inactivated. 51. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that rotavirus are inactivated. 52. A method for improving the overall health of a mammal by reducing exposure to viruses and bacteria, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) topically applying a composition to a surface which is prone to viral and / or bacterial contamination; and (b) allowing the surface to dry, the composition comprising: (i) from about 25% to about 75%, by weight of a disinfecting alcohol; (ii) an effective virucidal amount of an organic acid; and (iii) water, wherein the composition has a pH of about 5 or less at 25 ° C. 53. A method for protecting an individual against rhinovirus and rotavirus infection, characterized in that it comprises the step of applying a composition to the hands of the individual in an amount sufficient to eradicate rhinovirus and rotavirus, the composition comprises: (a) from about 25% to about 75%, by weight of a disinfecting alcohol; (b) an effective virucidal amount of an organic acid; and (c) water, wherein the composition has a pH of about 5 or less at 25 ° C. 54. The method according to claim 53, characterized in that the composition is applied before the individual is exposed to the rhinovirus or rotavirus. 55. The method according to claim 53, characterized in that the composition is applied multiple times within a period of twenty-four hours. 56. The method according to claim 53, characterized in that the composition is rinsed from the hands. 57. The method according to claim 53, characterized in that the composition is allowed to dry and remains on the hands. 58. An antimicrobial composition, characterized in that it comprises: (a) from about 25% to 75%, by weight of a disinfecting alcohol; (b) from about 0.05% to about 6%, by weight of an organic acid comprising an acid monocarboxylic, a polycarboxylic acid, a polymeric acid having a plurality of carboxylic, phosphate, sulfonate and / or sulfate moieties, anhydrides thereof, and mixtures thereof; and (c) water, wherein the composition has a pH of about 5 or less at 25 ° C. 59. The composition according to claim 58, characterized in that it further comprises from about 0.01% up to about 5% by weight of a gelling agent. 60. The composition according to claim 58, characterized in that the organic acid is present in an amount from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of the composition. 61. The composition according to claim 58, characterized in that the organic acid comprises a polycarboxylic acid and a polymeric acid having a plurality of carboxylic acid groups. 62. The composition according to claim 61, characterized in that the polycarboxylic acid comprises malic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, or a mixture thereof, and the polymeric acid comprises a homopolymer or a copolymer of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid.