Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for treating bacterial infections. It is demonstrated herein that bacteria cell wall materials stimulate germination of spores of Gram-positive bacteria, and that such activity requires Ser/Thr kinase PrkC. By modulating one or both, spores (which can be antibiotic resistant) can be stimulated or inhibited from germination, which can be exploited in various methods of therapeutic treatment. Also provided is a method of modulating germination of a spore of a Gram-positive bacterium. Also provided is a method of decontaminating an environment.