Researchers at University of Galway have developed a new, portable technology for on-the-spot testing of water quality to detect one of the most dangerous types of bacteria.
Researchers at University of Galway have developed a new, portable technology for on-the-spot testing of water quality to detect one of the most dangerous types of bacteria.
Ireland regularly reports the highest crude incidence rates of the pathogen Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli - STEC for short - in Europe over the recent years.
The bacteria produces the harmful Shiga toxin, which, if ingested by humans, can cause severe stomach illnesses and, in some cases, life-threatening complications especially in children under 5 years, older people and immunocompromised individuals.
A work led by Dr Zina Alfahl, lecturer in bacteriology in the University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, and Dr Louise O’Connor, senior research fellow with the University’s College of Science and Engineering, developed a technology for rapid, sensitive and accurate testing of STEC in water sources, including rivers, lakes and wells.
Read more at University of Galway
Image: Dr Louise O’Connor and Dr Zina Alfahl, University of Galway (Credit: Martina Regan)
