PROTEUS and Escherichia coli are the pathogenic bacteria that were detected in the January and February water samples tested by a Bacolod-based clinical laboratory from the faucet of the Talisay Water District.
The first sample was taken in January 11 at 210 ml (at least one glass), and after three days or 72 hours incubation through multiple tube fermentation technique, it was disclosed that the result was positive of escherichia coli, (commonly abbreviated E. coli) which is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms.
Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on February 27, 2010.
Most E. coli strains are harmless, but some can cause serious food poisoning in humans.
The harmless strains are part of the normal flora of the gut, and can benefit their hosts by producing vitamin K2, and by preventing the establishment of pathogenic bacteria within the intestine.
Vitamin K2 provides major protection from osteoporosis, cardiovascular blockages and pathological calcification.
E. coli are not always confined to the intestine, and their ability to survive for brief periods outside the body makes them an ideal indicator organism to test environmental samples for fecal contamination.
Another sample taken last February 12 at 460 ml (at least 2 glasses) was positive with proteus organisms that can be opportunistic human pathogens.
Proteus includes pathogens responsible for many human urinary tract infections. This type of microorganism naturally thrives in the intestines of humans and a wide variety of animals, as well as manure, soil and polluted waters.
Proteus, once attached to urinary tract, infects the kidney more commonly than E. coli.
The management of the city’s water district could not be reached for comment as of Friday. (GMD)