Escherichia coli (E. coli) comprise a
group of strains of bacterium commonly found in the intestines of
cattle, sheep and humans. Although most strains are harmless to
humans, several strains are known to be toxic. Verocytotoxigenic
E. coli (VTEC), particularly E. coli O157: H7 is a
food-borne pathogen, which has caused several outbreaks of hemolytic
colitis. In the elderly and children, VTEC infections can lead to
hemolytic uremia syndrome, a life-threatening condition usually
treated in intensive care and often requiring blood transfusion and
kidney dialysis. It is believed that the number of organisms
required to produce infection is quite low and ingestion of as low
as 10 to 50 individual bacteria may be sufficient. Thus, very small
numbers of pathogens can contaminate work surfaces, with the
potential to transfer to uncontaminated raw, processed or precooked
foods. Consequently VTEC infections represent a significant and
serous public heath problem. The chart below indicates the speed in
which pure copper kills off bacteria. |
Copper |
|
Rep |
Initial Drop-off
|
Zero Count
|
Rep |
Initial Drop-off
|
Zero Count
|
C11000 |
100 |
6 |
75 |
90 |
4 |
180 |
270 |
Stainless Steel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S30400 |
00.0
|
6 |
not seen
|
not reached
|
2
|
not seen
|
not reached
|
References
- C.W. Keevil, J.T.
Walker and A. Maule, Copper surfaces inhibit
Escherichia coli O157, Various
Pagination. In: Seminario Cobre y Salud, 20
de Noviembre del Ano 2000. CEPAL/Comision
Chilena del Cobre/International Copper
Association, Ltd.; Santiago, Chile, 2000.
- S.A. Wilks and C.W.
Keevil, Improved work surfaces to prevent
cross-contamination and spread of
Listeria monocytogenes, 103rd General
Meeting, American Society for Microbiology,
May 17-22, Washington, D.C., 2003.
Remember, if you are looking at a copper
sink, make sure there is no lacquer, wax or any other coating over the copper. The lacquer
will eliminate the antibacterial properties of the
copper. The best choice is a copper sink with no a natural copper
interior or an interior that has been weathered with organic
materials and left with no coating on the copper.. |