E. coli (Escheria coli)

What is E. coli?

To explain why good hygiene and control of E. coli is important, first we will answer the question: what is E. coli? The full name of this bacterium is Escheria coli. Popularly known as poop bacteria or coliform bacteria. It is a group of bacteria and they are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans. In that place, they have a function: protection from other harmful bacteria. E. coli bacteria are the most common pathogens of urinary tract infections, and there are some types that cause foodborne infections. The best known of these are EHEC and STEC. Most types of E. coli bacteria do not cause disease in humans under normal conditions.

E. colibacteria

The danger of the poop bacteria has mainly to do with that minority of E. coli species that produce a toxin. This is called shigantoxin or verocytotoxin. The symptoms of such an infection are usually diarrhea and abdominal pain. Bleeding may also occur in the intestines. Most people get better after a few days. Also for the intestinal bacteria E. coli, as with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, there are high-risk groups for whom the bacteria have more serious consequences.

Just like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli bacteria feel at home in biofilm. That is a collaboration with other microorganisms in the form of a slippery layer in a moist place, such as a water pipe or stagnant surface water, for example. In biofilm, poop bacteria are even stronger. Biofilm can also be present in the intestines.

The health of the cow suffers. In the worst cases, the cow has pain and fever. She also eats and ruminates less. Meanwhile, milk production goes down. The disease thus costs dairy farms a lot of money. Nationwide, the damage is estimated at more than 100 million euros.

The poopbacteria as indicator in the food and livestock industry

Despite the fact that the damage caused by E. coli bacteria is not that bad, it is often tested for in the food industry as part of quality control. The NVWA (Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) also tests for E. coli. They have contaminated food taken off the market and also check for compliance with HACCP hygiene rules and whether companies work according to proper food safety plans. E. coli is clearly detectable and rarely comes alone. If an E. coli bacteria is detected on a product or, for example, in a drinking water system within a livestock operation, it indicates more pathogens. Think salmonella, which is a lot less harmless than the poop bacteria. In most cases, something goes wrong in terms of hygiene and it's time for action.

Contamination with bacteria also comes by another route. Stagnant water in a drinking trough, for example, is a source of germs. Many bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeasts are found in drinking troughs and water system pipes. Together, they form a slippery layer called biofilm. Biofilm is actually a collaboration of all these microorganisms. Together, they are stronger and pose a danger to your livestock.

E. coli in water

In the food industry and also in the livestock industry, the source of the bacteria or route of infection is often through a wet spot, but it also occurs in dry manure. When using process water, there are often piping systems that bring the water to the right place in the production process. Water pipes are places where biofilm forms. Especially if the water stands still regularly and bacteria have a chance to attach to the surface. In animal husbandry, watering systems face the same danger. Controlling E. coli bacteria with antibiotics on edible products is not an option. Moreover, there are many types that are antibiotic resistant. Animal husbandry does use antibiotics, with little effect. If drinking water becomes contaminated and all animals drink from the same nipples or troughs, that route of infection remains intact.

With Watter we have a solution that is cut out for these specific situations. It is a system that allows you to make your own biodegradable and potable disinfectant from water, salt and electricity. The Watter system converts these ingredients into disinfectant through electrolysis. The agent contains HOCl as its most active ingredient. Together, they clean out those microorganisms E. coli and salmonella. Viruses, fungi, yeasts and many other bacteria disappear from the water. Watter Disinfection Solution is an excellent remedy for humans, animals and the environment and can be used for process water, drinking water for livestock, but also as a disinfectant in health care, or anywhere else..

See first then believe? You may.

Watter is currently used as:

• Drinking water and disinfectant on livestock farms;
• Disinfectant on eggs by fogging;
• Disinfection of surfaces and rooms in nursing homes;
• Process water in potato processing (including washing and cutting);
• Process water and ingredient in glue and paint production.

Potato products have a longer shelf life. Livestock is healthier and production of meat and milk goes up. Working with disinfectants is safer and saves time. Eggs go salmonella-free into the store and children no longer get sick from tinkering. These are the results we do it for. Besides these, there are the test results that show Watter works on many microorganisms. TNO tested Watter and the drug is officially registered on the European Article 95 list for active substances (PT1-5).

Wanna find out what Watter can improve for your company or health care institution? Contact us here!