The present invention pertains to the use for preventing or treating intestinal infections caused by gram-positive bacteria in animals of an antibacterial compound selected from lactylate in accordance with formula 1,R2-COO—[—CH(CH3)—COO]n—R1 Formula 1or a Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe(II), Zn, NH4, or Cu(II) salt thereof,a glycolylate of formula 2,R2-COO—[—CH2-COO]n-R1 Formula 2or a Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe(II), Zn, NH4, or Cu(II) salt thereof,a lactate ester of formula 3,HO—CH(CH3)—COO—R2 Formula 3and/or a glycolic acid ester of formula 4,HO—CH2—COO—R2 Formula 4wherein R1 is selected from H, n stands for an integer with a value of 1-10, and R2 stands for a C1-C35 alkyl or alkenyl chain which may be branched or unbranched.The compound, which preferably is a lactylate or a Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe(II), Zn, NH4, or Cu(II) salt thereof, is particularly useful in the treatment or prevention of Clostridia. An animal nutrition composition and a method for preventing or treating infections are also claimed.
