The invention relates to methods for treating bacterial infection of the respiratory tract, including pneumonias, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, and to methods for treating ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis, comprising administering an effective amount of a salt formulation as an aerosol to the respiratory tract of an individual in need thereof. The formulations can also be used to reduce transmission of pathogen which can infect the respiratory tract, cause pneumonia or cause ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis.
