Hyderabad: Pool-lovers should watch out for E. coli

HYDERABAD: Patients across the city are affected by unclean water with traces of E.coli. A recent study conducted by University of Exeter Medical School in the UK showed that water lovers should be careful as they are at the risk of swallowing ten times more contaminated water than others, leaving behind traces of E.coli in their bodies. 

Dr Hari Charan, a senior general physician, said that E. coli is a rod shaped bacteria that causes diarrhoea, pneumonia and other ailments.  The water bodies in the city are polluted due to unhygienic practices of people and contain E. coli in it. 

“E.coli is present in faecal matter and some strains cause disease. In beaches, lakes and small water bodies, people pollute water. The problems associated with the bacteria can be mild to severe,” Dr Hari Kishan, a senior general physician, said. 

Although the bacteria mainly enters our body through water, it can also spread through contaminated hands. “Having your food without washing hands after swimming or a visit to a water body can lead E.coli to enter your body. In most cases, patients respond well to medicines quickly. However, it is better to take preventive measures,” Dr. Hari Kishan said. 

Most swimming pools in the city are also infected due to lack of regular monitoring and cleaning. Swimmers, including children, relieve themselves in the pool and there is no check for urea content in the water. As the water is cold, excess blood flows throughout the body to keep vital organs and parts of the body warm which results in the body sending a signal to the kidneys to get rid of the excess water in the body. Most swimmers drink a lot of water before entering the pool, fearing dehydration. Finally, they relieve themselves in the pool, causing pollution of the water that can lead to health problems if the water is not recycled properly. 

 Dr Kishore Kumar, a gastroenterologist said that one should be very careful about swallowing water from public water bodies. 

“Properly washing hands, clean vessels and clean drinking water supply can help ensure that E.coli does not enter one’s body,” the doctor said. 

Although most strains can be cured, the study claimed that some strains of E.coli were showing anti-bacterial resistance. “Anti-microbial resistance builds in one’s own body and therefore more study needs to be conducted on the same,” Dr. Kishore said.