WO2004095927A1

WO2004095927A1 - Allomone repulsive compositions for the treatment of fleas

Info

Publication number: WO2004095927A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/004528
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick Pageat
Original assignee: Fideline
Priority date: 2003-04-30
Filing date: 2004-04-16
Publication date: 2004-11-11

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions of repulsive allomones derived from secretions around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of horses to treat or prevent fleas on mammals, as well as to prevent flea infestations in the interior of buildings.

Description

ALLOMONE REPULSIVE COMPOSITIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF FLEAS

PRIOR ART

Fleas are ectoparasites that live on or burrow into their hosts skin and live at least part of their life cycles at the expense of the host's organisms. Fleas can cause blood loss, skin irritations and allergies, as well as disease.

There are at least over 250 different species of fleas found in North America, but only a few species can be considered as pests for domestic animals and humans. These fleas include the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, the dog flea, Ctenocephalides canus, the oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis and the human flea, Pulex irritans. Other species such as the rabbit flea, Cediopsylla simplex, the ground squirrel flea, Diamanus montanus, the mouse flea, Ctenopsyllus segnis, as well as the prairie dog flea, Oropsylla hirsute, may achieve pest status when domestic animals or man are present around the areas where the fleas are present. Some fleas, such as the northern rat flea, the ground squirrel flea and the prairie dog flea are vectors for sylvati.c plague, bubonic plague and murine typhus.

Fleas are small, dark, reddish-brown, wingless, blood-sucking insects which have laterally compressed bodies permitting easy movement through hairs on the host's body. Their legs are long and well adapted for jumping. The body of the flea is hard, polished and covered with many hairs and short spines directed backwards. The mouthparts are adapted for sucking blood from a host.

Female fleas lay their eggs in groups of 1 to 18 on the hairs, feathers or in the habitat of the host after a blood meal. Some species, such as the cat flea, can deposit up to 25 eggs per day and over a thousand in a lifetime. The deposited eggs are generally brushed off the host and fall into cracks, crevices, bedding or furniture. Due to their size of about 1/32 "in diameter, they are not visible. The tiny eggs hatch in one to twenty-one days after being deposited. The larvae when hatched are generally white in color having fine hair, but lacking legs or eyes. However, these larvae possess biting mouthparts. Most larvae feed on dried blood from the host or particles of dead vegetable or animal matter present in the environment such as cracks and crevices on which they were deposited. They also feed on cast larval skins.

Within 7 to 14 days, the third larval stage is completed and the larvae pupate within cocoons spun from silk. After about one week's time, an adult flea emerges as a small brownish insect, flattened from side to side, having powerful jumping legs and no wings.

Adult fleas can live along time without feeding and under extreme conditions. However to reproduce adult fleas must feed on blood.

Outdoors, fleas are most abundant during humid, rainy summers, while indoors, warmth and relative humidity are conducive to large populations. Due to the onset of higher humidity and temperatures in mid-summer and fall, which permit larval development of fleas to accelerate, a sudden appearance of a large number of fleas takes place during these seasons. Fleas usually live and breed most heavily where pets and other animals live.

Pets and other non-human animals infected with fleas bite and scratch themselves constantly. The animals' coats become roughened and their skin can become infected. Moreover, cat fleas and dog fleas can be intermediate hosts for the dog tapeworm, since fleas when accidentally ingested can cause tapeworms in dogs and cats.

In humans, flea bites may cause short-lived itching welts or an overall rash, which symptoms may last for a short duration or even for a longer duration of over a year depending on the sensitivity of the individual. Commonly red spots appear on the skin after a flea bite, which is accompanied by a red halo of irritated skin which usually lasts for several hours to days. Intense itching can occur and some humans have severe allergic reactions to flea bites. Besides being a menace to the skin of animals and humans, fleas are vectors of several diseases important to human health such as the plague, murine typhus and tularemia.

The plague is known to be caused by the bacterium Yersina pestis and globally the World Health Organization reports from about 1 ,000 to 3,000 cases of the plague throughout the world per year. People usually get plague from being bitten by a rodent flea that is carrying the plague bacterium or by handling an affected animal. Once infected, the plague causes fever and a painful swelling of the lymph glands called buboes. The disease also causes spots on the skin that are red at first and then turn black. Once people are infected, they infect others quite rapidly.

Murine typhus, caused by distinct rickettsiae, is another disease transmitted by fleas. The symptoms include chills, headache and fever, which last about twelve days. On the fourth to sixth day, a rash develops and spreads. Prostration is due to low blood which may followed by vascular collapse.

Tularemia is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. Symptoms of tularemia could include sudden fevers, chills, headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, dry cough, progressive weakness and pneumonia. Persons with pneumonia usually have chest pain, bloody spit, have trouble breathing and can even stop breathing. Other symptoms can include ulcers on the skin or mouth, swollen painful lymph glands, swollen and painful eyes and a sore throat. After exposure to the bacterium, symptoms generally appear 3 to 5 days afterwards, but can take as long as 14 days.

The control of fleas is often difficult to resolve since not only the animal or pet must be treated, but also the premises. Many natural remedies are known to prevent flea infestation such as treating animals with peppermint, lemongrass, cedar oil, lavender and cloves to give a few examples. Feeding garlic to animals supposedly repels fleas. Yet another method described in the literature is placing well-used horse blankets in the animals bedding. Supposedly horses are known to have fewer fleas. In fact, there is some controversy in the literature that horses do not get fleas. However, it has also been reported that horses can pick up fleas in flea infested barns or stables and that sticktight fleas (Echidnophaga gallinacea) can infest horses.

Besides natural products, insecticide products such as products based on amitraz, coumaphos, diazinon, pyrethrins, permethrin, d-limonen, chlorpyrifos, flumethrin, carbaryl and the like are known in the art. These insecticides are usually formulated in products such as soaps, shampoos, powders, dusts, spray-on liquids and dips. Some of these products are not safe for some pets, such as permethrin for some cats. Moreover, small children should be kept away from the pet or area treated with any of these chemical insecticides, since studies have shown that some home insecticides may be the cause of childhood cancers such as leukemia or brain cancer.

A hand sprayer or an aerosol is used to disperse the insecticides. However, insecticides do not kill the pupae of fleas and hence additional treatment is necessary. Moreover, fleas are known to build up resistance to insecticides and hence supplemental sprays with other methods of control are needed.

Due to the toxicity of the known chemical insecticides for treating fleas, a second generation of products was developed. These products include insect growth regulators (IGRs) such as methoprene (Precor) or pyriproxyfen (Nylar) and insect development inhibitors such as lufenuron (Program). Insect growth regulators work by preventing the flea larvae from turning into adults, while insect development inhibitors work by preventing the eggs from hatching. The insect growth regulators are currently available as flea collars or spot-ons which are applied to one or two places on the pet's coat. Insect development inhibitors are generally administered orally. If properly applied before and during flea season, these products can prevent flea infestation. However, these products are applied only to the animal and are not used in areas that have been already infested with fleas such as baseboards and bedding of the animals. Moreover, insect growth regulators (IGRs) can cause adverse side effects in cats and dogs such as vomiting, depression, lethargy and loss of appetite. In fact, controlling flea populations should be done where flea populations are highest; i.e., where pets normally sleep. Flea larvae populations are normally not found in areas where heavy pedestrian traffic occurs or where there is excessive sunlight. Vacuuming these areas thoroughly is effective in picking up adults and stimulating preemerged adults from their cocoons. Crevices and surfaces around baseboards should be vacuumed to remove food sources. Vacuuming should take place every day or every other day and the vacuum cleaner bags should be destroyed by burning or placing them in a tightly sealed plastic trash bag to prevent the fleas from escaping.

Thus, there is a need in the art to provide a composition that can be used effectively on animals such as household pets that kills and prevents flea infestations, as well as preventing infestations of the fleas without adverse side effects to children or pets. There is another need in the art to provide a product that can be effectively used indoors, that is nontoxic and that the fleas are non-resistant to.

Therefore, in one aspect the present invention provides an allomone repulsive composition for treating or preventing fleas in a mammal said composition comprising secretions derived from around the sebaceous and sweat glands of the horse.

In another aspect the present invention provides an allomone repulsive composition for treating or preventing fleas in a mammal said composition comprising:

about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal; or derivatives thereof or isomers thereof or mixtures of said derivatives and/or isomers and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for treating or preventing fleas in a mammal said method comprising administering to the mammal in need of such treatment a pharmaceutically acceptable amount of an allomone repulsive composition derived from secretions around the sebaceous and sweat glands of a horse.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for treating or preventing fleas in a mammal said method comprising administering to the mammal in need of such treatment a pharmaceutically acceptable amount of an allomone repulsive composition said composition comprising one or several of the following components:

about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/ %) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal; and derivatives thereof or isomers thereof or mixtures of said derivatives and/or isomers and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for preventing or treating indoor infestation of fleas, said method comprising placing an allomone repulsive composition derived from secretions around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of horses in areas indoors in places in which flea's habitat.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for preventing or treating indoor infestation of fleas, said method comprising placing an allomone repulsive composition comprising one or several of the following components: about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal; or derivatives thereof or isomers thereof or mixtures of said derivatives and/or isomers and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal indoors in places in which fleas or their larvae habitat.

These and other objects are achieved by the present invention as evidenced by the summary of the invention, description of the preferred embodiments and the claims

Summary of the Invention

The present invention thus provides an allomone repulsive composition for treating or preventing fleas in a mammal said composition comprising secretions derived from secretions around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of a horse.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an allomone repulsive composition for treating or preventing fleas in a mammal, wherein said composition comprises one or several of the following components:

about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal; or derivatives thereof or isomers thereof or mixtures of said derivatives and/or isomers and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal.

A method of treating or preventing fleas said method comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a pharmaceutically acceptable amount of a flea repulsive allomone derived from secretions around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of horses in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle is also provided by the present invention.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating or preventing fleas in mammals by administering a pharmaceutically acceptable amount of a composition comprising one or several of the following components: about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal; or derivatives thereof or isomers thereof or mixtures of said derivatives and/or isomers and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal.

Besides the compositions, solutions containing the flea repulsive allomone of the present invention are also provided.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of preventing flea infestation in an indoor area, said method comprising placing the flea repulsive allomone of the present invention and described herein in an area in which fleas and larvae habitat. Use of a flea repulsive allomone described herein and being part of the present invention to prevent or treat fleas in a mammal is also encompassed by the present invention, as well as use of the present invention to prevent or treat flea bites and allergies associated with the flea bites.

Finally, use of a flea repulsive allomone described herein and being part of the present invention in the preparation of a medicament to treat or prevent fleas in a mammal is also provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy spectrum profile of the components found in the secretions around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of horses, dogs and cats.

Fig. 2 is another gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy spectrum profile of the components found in the secretions around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of horses, dogs and cats.

Fig. 3 is yet another gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy spectrum profile of the components found in the secretions around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of horses, dogs and cats.

Fig. 4 is yet another gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy spectrum profile of the components found in the secretions around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of horses, dogs and cats.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

As used herein, the word "mammal" encompasses any group of vertebrates the females of which have milk-secreting glands, including man. Examples of mammals include, but are not limited to, cats, humans, dogs, pigs, rats, cattle, horses, apes, chimpanzees and the like.

By "allomone" is meant a semiochemical that is produced by one organism to induce a response in an organism of another species. It produces a response favorable to the emitter. For example, some plants produce allomones that repel insects and keep them from feeding.

By the term "solution" is meant a solid that is dispersed through a liquid either by being dissolved in it or being in suspension. By "enhancer composition" is meant an active composition that is species- species specific in a mammal and which can be used to enhance or act synergistically with the allomone composition to increase the effectiveness in specific species of the composition. Some examples of the enhancer compounds that can be used in the present invention include lavender, citronella, cedar oil, cloves, cinnamon, mint, rosemary, thyme basil and the like.

As used herein, the term "treat" means to give medical care or medical attention to. It will be appreciated that in the context of the present invention, the mammals already have acquired fleas and therefore need to be treated.

As used herein the term "prevent" means to stop something from happening. In this regard, the composition of the present invention prevents fleas from accumulating on mammals.

As used herein the term "indoors" refers to inside a building or structure.

As used herein the term "habitat" means the natural home or environment of an animal.

By "infestation" means that the fleas are present in large numbers so as to cause damage or disease.

More specifically, the present invention relates to the identification of an allomone repulsive composition that is derived from secretions around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of horses which can be used to prevent or treat flea infestation in mammals.

The flea repulsive allomone composition of the present invention comprises a mixture of one or several of the following components: about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal; or derivatives thereof or isomers thereof or mixtures of said derivatives and/or isomers and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal.

These flea repulsive allomone compositions can also be attached to a chemical carrier provided that the bioactive structure of the composition is preserved. Such carrier molecules include, but are not limited to, resins, liposomes, crown compounds, carrier proteins, Transuctol® (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether), anti- oxidants such as alpha and beta carotenes, lutein and lycopene and anti-ultrviolet light compounds such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, magnesium silicate, para- aminobenzoic acid (PABA) PABA esters, salicylates, cinnamates, anthranilates and benzophenones.

The compositions can also be formulated as an emulsion.

The compositions can be used in their pure form, as well as their derivative form such as esters, or salts, as well as alcohols, ketones, ethers, sterols and amides. Isomers of the compositions of the present invention can also be used. These derivatives and/or isomers of the compositions can replace one or more or all of the chemical components in the compositions of the present invention and have the same effects.

In another aspect the present invention comprises the composition in solution. Thus the present invention provides in solution a flea repulsive allomone comprising one or several of the following components: about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal; derivatives thereof or isomers thereof or mixtures of said derivatives and/or isomers and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal; and a solution.

The allomone compositions can be diluted in any nonaqueous solvent to form the solution of the present invention. Solvents such as, alcohol, diethyl ether, chloroform, ethanol, benzene, propyl alcohol, isopropanol, 2-propanol, acetone and the like. Combinations of these solvents can also be used.

These compositions and solutions can be used separately as a flea repulsive allomone composition to treat or prevent fleas in mammals or to treat an area indoors that has been infested by fleas or their larvae.

The composition may be in the form of a solution, aerosol spray, gel, slow release matrix, shampoo, soap, lotion, spot-ons ointment and the like. It can also be used as a spot-on medication. The composition can also be placed in liposomes, in a diffuser and be microencapsulated. Any anti-U.V. compound can also be added to the composition that is applied to the skin of the mammal.

The flea repulsive allomone solution and compositions of the present invention can also be placed in feedstuff and be fed to animals. It can also be placed in water and drunk by animals. In the case of the composition being placed in feedstuff, generally an antioxidant is added to the composition or solution; it being appreciated that any antioxidant can be used that is compatible with ingestion by a mammal.

When the allomone repulsive compositions are administered in food, they are generally dissolved in an aqueous solution that can be ingested such as water or in vegetal or animal oil or any kind of fat product used to prepare animal or human food. They can also be added as a solid composition directly to the foodstuff.

The present allomone repulsive compositions can be applied to a variety of objects that fleas come in contact with such as walls, floor boards, molding, tents, beds, carpets, clothes and the like. Moreover, the present flea repulsive allomone composition can be applied topically on mammals including humans to treat or prevent flea infestation.

The present invention also relates to a method of treating or preventing fleas or flea infestation said method comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a pharmaceutically acceptable amount of a composition that is derived from secretions around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of horses.

In another aspect, the flea repulsive allomone that is used in the method to treat or prevent fleas or flea infestations comprises one or several of the following components: about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal; derivatives thereof or isomers thereof or mixtures of said derivatives and/or isomers and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal.

In another aspect the present invention provides a method to prevent flea bites on mammals, as well as preventing allergic reactions associated with flea bites said method comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a pharmaceutically acceptable amount of a flea repulsive allomone composition or solution of this composition derived from secretions around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of horses. In this aspect of the invention, the composition or solution containing the allomone to be administered in this method comprise one or several of the following components:

about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal; derivatives thereof or isomers thereof or mixtures of said derivatives and/or isomers and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal.

Also encompassed by the present invention is a method to prevent the infestation of other parasites that are associated with fleas. In this regard, the composition or solution of the present invention can be used to treat or prevent other parasites such as lice, ticks, mites, tapeworms, mosquitoes, parasitic flies such as Stomoxy calcitrans and Simuliidae associated with fleas by administering a pharmaceutically acceptable amount of a flea repulsive allomone composition or solution of this composition derived from secretions around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of horses. In this aspect of the invention, the composition or solution containing the repulsive allomone to be administered in this method comprises one or several of the following components:

The physiologically acceptable amount that is to be administered to the mammals (i.e., the concentration) of the above-mentioned allomone repulsive compositions may vary depending upon the final form of use and the weight of the mammal that is treated. However, the concentrations of these compositions that are utilized and their concentration may be ascertained and tested according to acceptable medical or veterinary practice which is known in the art. As an example, 0.5 to 5.0 ml of a 0.015% solution in Transcutol® using the following posology scale:

A method of preventing flea infestation in an indoor area, said method comprising placing the flea repulsive allomone composition that is derived from secretions around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of horses in an area in which fleas habitat.

In another aspect, the flea repulsive allomone that is used in the method to prevent fleas or flea infestations indoors comprises one or several of the following components:

about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/ %) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal; derivatives thereof or isomers thereof or mixtures of said derivatives and/or isomers and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal. To prevent the fleas reproduction indoors, an electronic plug-in diffuser containing a 2% solution of the composition of the present invention in mineral oil is used.

The above-described compositions were discovered after detailed analysis of the chemical compositions obtained from secretions around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of horses, as well as cats and dogs.

More particularly, this procedure involved swabbing around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of horses with a sterile compress and analyzing the composition of the secretions with gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. From the chromatographs the chemical compositions that were prevalent in the secretions were further analyzed using a computer database, which is known in the art and the chemical make-up was determined for the allomone repulsive composition.

In order to fully illustrate the present invention and advantages thereof, the following specific examples are given, it being understood that the same are intended only as illustrative and in nowise limitative.

Example 1

Isolation and Analysis to identify the Repulsive Allomone from Horses, Cats and Dogs

The samples were obtained from horses by applying a sterile compress around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of horses and rubbed thereafter over a maximum of the surface of the animal. The compress was then placed in an organic solvent of dichloromethane (DCM) and the flask was agitated at a regular interval such that the secretion was deabsorbed. In the same manner as described above, samples were also taken from dogs and cats.

After obtaining the samples from 2 horses, 2 cats and 2 dogs, 5 ml of sample was taken from each extracted compress and diluted with 5 ml of dichloromethane solvent. This sample was then concentrated by a factor of ten by evaporating under a stream of air until a volume of 1.0 ml was attained.

The sample was then analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). The column utilized was a JW type DB5 MS having a length of 30 m, a width of 0.25 mm and a film of 0.25 μm. The split used was 1/20 and the split/splitless used was 45 seconds. 2.0 μl was injected.

The detection was effectuated on impact using a positive electronic impact (EI+) at an energy of 70 eV at 180°C. This technique was used to separate the molecules in a reproducible and characteristic manner.

A data base, known in the art was then interrogated to interpret what molecules in the samples were the closest to the spectra obtained.

To confirm the structure of different molecules, positive Chemical lonization (CI+) was then performed in methane. This technique is known in the art and is less energenic and thus permits in certain cases, the visualization of the molecular (mass molar) peaks.

The chromatographic profiles are shown in Figures 1 to 4. As can be seen these chromatographic profiles are different for horses, cats and dogs. The identification of the molecules that were very precise for the composition were present in the samples from the horse and absent in the samples taken from the dog and cat. Table 1 below illustrates the composition obtained from the horse samples. Table 1

After complete examination of the chromatographs, the repulsive allomone for fleas was composed of the following composition:

about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal.

Example 2 -Testing of Product obtained in Example 1on dogs and cats

To determine whether the repulsive allomone for fleas was in fact effective to treat and prevent flea infection, the following example was undertaken at various veterinarian offices with the consent of the owners of the pets tested.

8 dogs and 6 cats having a flea infestation (pullicose) and ringworm were treated using a chemically made composition of sample 1 ,. called A003. The veterinarians applied a spot of A003 on each animal in this example, the amount varying with the weight of the animal, a screen of dosage was provided to each veterinarian in this study. For the eight dogs that were treated with the A003 composition, three dogs had follow-up check-ups with the veterinarian that confirmed the disappearance of all of the symptoms associated with the parasitic elements of fleas and ringworms. The five other dogs did not return for an additional consultation at the veterinarian, but the owners were contacted by telephone, two or three weeks after the composition was applied. The owners of the dogs confirmed that all of the fleas disappeared in their treated animals.

For the six cats that were treated, one cat was examined by a veterinarian after 18 days of treatment. No fleas was observed for this cat, but the veterinarian found 1 flea of inferior size, which could not permit the vet to classify the flea to determine whether it was in the class Ctenocephalides sp.The five other cat owners did not return to the veterinarian for a consultation, but were consulted by telephone. The owners of these cats confirmed the disappearance of fleas etc. after the treatment.

Example 3-lndoor testing of Product of Example 1

This example demonstrates that the allomone repulsive composition can be used in an indoor area which is infested with fleas. The bedroom of a house which contained dogs and cats having a flea infection and which the owner is bitten by fleas is installed with an electric plug-in diffuser containing a 2% solution of the composition of the present invention in mineral oil. More specifically, the composition contained about : about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal. Several diffusers are placed near the bedding, the carpeting and the moldings in the bedroom. Also the bedding around the cats and dogs has a diffuser placed nearby.

One week later the owners are questioned whether there is any evidence of remaining fleas in the house as previously due to various flea bites on the owners. The owners deemed that he house and the animals are free from fleas.

While the invention has been described in terms of various preferred embodiments, the skilled artisan will appreciate that various modifications, substitutions, omissions and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present invention be limited by the scope of the following claims, including equivalents thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An allomone repulsive composition for treating or preventing fleas in a mammal said composition comprising secretions derived around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of a horse.

2. The allomone repulsive composition for treating or preventing fleas in a mammal according to Claim 1 , wherein said composition comprises one or several of the following components:

about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w% %) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal; or derivatives thereof or isomers thereof or mixtures of said derivatives and/or isomers and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/ %) 4-cis Decenal; and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal.

3. The composition according to Claim 2, wherein said derivatives are esters, or salts, alcohols, ketones, ethers, sterols and amides of bis(2- ethylhexyll) adipate and 2,2,4-trimethyl 1 ,3 pentanediol diisobutyrate.

4. A method of treating or preventing fleas said method comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment a pharmaceutically acceptable amount of a flea repulsive allomone derived from secretions around the sebaceous glands and sweat glands of horses in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said flea repulsive allomone comprises one or several of the following components: about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal; or derivatives thereof or isomers thereof or mixtures of said derivatives and/or isomers and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Nonanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Decanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Undecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) Dodecanal; about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 4-cis Decenal; and about 13 to 20 (w%/w%) 10-Undecenal.

6. The method according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein said administering comprises oral administration.

7. The method according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein said administering comprises a topical administration.

8. The composition according to any one of Claims 5 to 7, wherein said derivatives are esters, or salts, alcohols, ketones, ethers, sterols and amides derivatives of 1-heptadecene, hepatdecane, 9-octadecene (oleyl alcohol) and octadecane.

9. A solution comprising a flea repulsive allomone of Claim 1.

10. A method to prevent flea bites on mammals and preventing allergic reactions associated with flea bites said method comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a pharmaceutically acceptable amount of the flea repulsive allomone of Claim 1 or the solution of Claim 9.

11.A method to prevent the infestation of other parasites that are associated with fleas said method comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a pharmaceutically acceptable amount of the flea repulsive allomone of Claim 1 or the solution of Claim 9.

12. A method of preventing flea infestation in an indoor area, said method comprising placing the flea repulsive allomone of Claim 9 in an area in which flea's habitat.

13. Use of a flea repulsive allomone of any on of Claims 1 to 9, to prevent or treat fleas in a mammal.

14. Use of a flea repulsive allomone of Claim 1 , in the preparation of a medicament to treat or prevent fleas in a mammal.

15. Use of a flea repulsive allomone of Claim 2, in the preparation of a medicament to treat or prevent fleas in a mammal.