The Escherichia coli (E-coli) outbreak in
Germany shows that it is a strain seen for the first time, according to
the World Health Organisation.
However, the latest findings indicate that copper can halt
infections spread by E-coli bugs which contaminate food by releasing
toxins.
E.coli is a rod-shaped bug commonly found in the lower
intestines of humans and warm blooded animals. Even the presence of a
small number of E.coli bugs in the gut can cause life threatening
infections.
One of the strains can also cause hemorrhagic colitis and
post-diarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome (D+HUS). HUS is a syndrome
that is defined by the destruction of red blood cells, low platelet
count and acute kidney failure.
An estimated 85 percent of E.coli O157:H7 strain are food borne
as a result of contamination and can survive from several weeks to a
year, according to US Centres for Disease Control.
Study leader Bill Keevil, professor and head of microbiology at
the University of Southampton, explains: 'Although it (the study) did
not specifically look at O104:H4 (strain), all the strains investigated
have died rapidly on copper.'
On a dry copper surface, the study shows that 10 million E. coli
bugs are eliminated within 10 minutes. On its wet surface, it takes 45
minutes for a total kill.
This anti-microbial property is inherent to the metal, and shared with
alloys such as brass and bronze, according to a Southampton statement.
In the wake of this outbreak, hand washing and careful food
preparation have been highlighted as key concerns, as has
cross-contamination.
Any raw food placed on a work surface can contaminate other food, or
have bacteria transferred onto it from previous items resting there.
Deployed as a touch surface in food preparation areas, copper will
continuously kill any pathogens that settle on it, reducing the risk of
cross-contamination, and helping to prevent the spread of infection. IANS
