The present invention provides methods for treating or preventing diseases anddisorders caused by iron-dependent pathogenic microorganisms/ such asbacteria, fungi, and parasites, by applying a gallium compound to an affectedarea. In particular, the present invention provides methods for treating orpreventing dental caries, vaginal infections, skin infections, and so forth.Gallium compounds can be formulated as toothpaste, mouthwash, cream, ointment,gel, solution, eye drops, suppository, and the like. Furthermore, theinvention provides methods for controlling microbial growth on environmentalsurfaces, including those of toothbrush, denture, dental retainer, contactlens, catheter, food stuff, and so forth. In addition, the present inventionprovides animal feeds which contain gallium compounds that promote the animalgrowth and prevent the animals from infections as well as protect consumersfrom post processing infections.
