Chlorine inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7.
We analyzed isolates of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (which has recently caused waterborne outbreaks) and wild-type E. coli to determine their sensitivity to chlorination. Both pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains were significantly reduced within 1 minute of exposure to free chlorine. Results indicate that chlorine levels typically maintained in water systems are sufficient to inactivate these organisms.
Rice
E W
EW
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, USA. rice.gene@epa.gov
Clark
R M
RM
Johnson
C H
CH
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D002713:Chlorine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004203:Disinfection; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission / Q000662:veterinary; D019453:Escherichia coli O157 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014871:Water Microbiology
D002713:Chlorine