Chlorine inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7. |
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| Authors: | E W Rice R M Clark C H Johnson |
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| Affiliation: | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, USA. rice.gene@epa.gov |
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| Abstract: | 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. |
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