Provided herein are methods for treating and preventing infections caused by microbial pathogens, methods for treating or preventing diseases caused by, or associated with, a microbial pathogens, and methods for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, the methods comprising the administration or application of compositions one or more strains of Lactobacillus parafarraginis, Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus rapi, Lactobacillus zeae, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, the bacterial strain designated NMI Accession Number V12/022850 and the bacterial strain designated NMI Accession Number V12/022849.