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Ecas4 technology successfully reduces Legionella risk in an Australian healthcare facility

<h6>Latest News</h6><h1 style="color: #00b1bf;">Ecas4 technology successfully reduces Legionella risk in an Australian healthcare facility</h1>This article reports on a successful Legionella risk mitigation in an Australian healthcare facility following the installation and optimisation of an on-site electrochemical water disinfection system (Ecas4 technology).<img class="blog-image" src="https://www.ecas4.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Tony-Amorico_Scott-Williams_Sergio-Ferro_Erica-Donner.jpg">Left to right: Tony Amorico (Director of Ecas4), Scott Williams (CEO of the NECH), Sergio Ferro (Technical Manager of Ecas4) & Dr Erica Donner (UniSA).In May 2016, an in-line Ecas4 water disinfection system (WDS) was installed at the North Eastern Community Hospital (NECH) in Adelaide, where microbiological water quality monitoring had indicated systemic Legionella contamination of the water distribution system.Installation was preceded by baseline sampling of the tap water throughout the hospital, and of the biofilms on the internal surfaces of copper and plastic water distribution pipes, in order to determine the initial contamination level and facilitate appropriate verification monitoring of the disinfection process and other water management activities. Total microbial counts and Legionella plate counts (Legionella pneumophila serogroups and other Legionella species) were conducted by a NATA-Legionella laboratory used by the hospital for regular monitoring, while complementary diagnostic and verification monitoring was carried out by researchers at the University of South Australia.As proven by the hospital’s regular NATA-accredited testing laboratory using the heterotrophic colony count (HCC) and the Legionella plate count methods, the water quality throughout the system consistently improved by the third post-installation sampling event (Day 22 post installation), with no sample points returning positive Legionella plate counts since that time.The positive effect on the water quality following installation of the WDS was further confirmed by Legionella qPCR analysis, a method that is very specific to Legionella species as it directly targets a DNA sequence that is characteristic of these bacteria. In this case study, the qPCR data (which are expressed in genomic units per mL of water, Figure 1.) show very clearly that the Legionella counts (from the same 11 rooms sampled repeatedly throughout the case study) decreased significantly following installation of the Ecas4 in-line dosing system. <img class="blog-image" src="https://www.ecas4.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Ecas4_AHE_Vol39-No-3_Figure-1.jpg">Figure 1. DNA-based Legionella species quantification data for water sampled from the hot water taps of basins in 11 hospital rooms; the same 11 basins were sampled on each occasion.The large error bars on the baseline samples to the left of the graph indicate the extremely variable water quality that was typical in this water distribution system prior to the installation of the WDS. This is common under such conditions as the water quality can vary significantly depending on the length of time since the tap was last used.The improvement in water quality illustrated in Figure 1. is linked to the establishment of increased chlorine residual in the water supply network as a result of the anolyte dosing.Although potable water suppliers in Australia aim to deliver a suitable chlorine residual for disinfection purposes, this varies between buildings depending on their distance from the treatment plant. Moreover, on-site water management within healthcare facilities may inadvertently exacerbate this situation (eg, water softeners, often installed with the intention of improving water quality, also remove active chlorine present in the system, thereby adding to the challenge of maintaining adequate microbiological quality in the water supply).By adding the Ecas4-Anolyte, a significant improvement in chlorine residual is readily obtained, although it take time for free chlorine levels to stabilise throughout the system.As HOCl is uncharged and has a relatively low molecular weight, it is better able than other chlorine species such as OCl- to penetrate cell walls. It also reacts more rapidly than other chlorine species, in both oxidative and substitution reactions, with organic matter, including critical components of bacterial cells. In contrast with other biocides (eg, chlorine dioxide, which is often considered the most powerful disinfectant), hypochlorous acid is more likely to oxidise the polysaccharides that constitute biofilms and may help decrease this ongoing source of microbial contamination within the pipe network.Water management optimisation at this facility is ongoing, and the next steps will include the treatment of cooling towers. At present, the Ecas4 WDS has allowed the hospital to reduce its hot water temperature from about 80°C down to about 60°C, allowing savings in the hospital’s gas bill by about one third (about $7000 a month).

<h5>This article appears in<a href="https://www.ecas4.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/AHHB-winter-2017.pdf" target="_blank"> The Australian Hospital Healthcare Bulletin, Winter, 2017 (pg 56-57)</h5>

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Ecas4 treatment significantly extends the shelf life of fish fillets

<h6>Journal Article</h6><h1 style="color: #00b1bf;">Ecas4 treatment significantly extends the shelf life of fish fillets</h1>Efficacy evaluation of a new water sanitizer for increasing the shelf life of Southern Australian King George Whiting and Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon fillets.<img class="blog-image-main" src="https://www.ecas4.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Ecas4-technology_salmon_L-1.jpg"><h3>Highlights</h3><ul class= "plus-bullet-blue"><li>A HOCl-containing water sanitization product (Ecas4) for fish fillets is described.</li><li>Ecas4 significantly reduced specific spoilage and total bacterial load on fillets.</li><li>Ecas4 treatment significantly extended the shelf life of fish fillets.</li><li>Use of Ecas4 sanitization did not diminish the raw or cooked qualities of fillets.</li></ul>The product has potential for widespread use in the overall food industry. The bacterial species and specific spoilage organisms associated with the Southern Australian King George Whiting (KGW) and Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon (TAS), and the efficacy of a HOCl-containing water-based sanitization product (Electro-Chemically Activated Solution, by Ecas4) in extending the shelf life of KGW and TAS fillets were evaluated. Fillets were washed with an Ecas4 solution containing either 45 ppm or 150 ppm of free chlorine and bacterial species enumerated on selective and non-selective media, followed by identification of pure isolates by 16 S rRNA gene sequencing.The dominant spoilage microbiota in KGW and TAS fillets stored at 4 ± 1 °C were Pseudomonas spp. and Shewanella spp. At either concentration, Ecas4 significantly reduced total bacterial load and specific spoilage organisms on KGW and TAS fillets (approx. 1–2 log colony-forming units) during storage and significantly extended the shelf life of the fillets by 2 and 4 days, respectively.The significant increase in shelf life and quality of fillets was corroborated by raw and cooked sensory evaluation. Ecas4 sanitization could have a significant impact on the overall food industry, translating into health and economic benefits through reduction of food spoilage bacteria and potentially, foodborne pathogens without many of the disadvantages of currently approved biocides. in extending the shelf life of KGW and TAS fillets were evaluated.<h5>Authors</h5><ul style="list-style: none; padding-left:0;"><li>Manouchehr Khazandi a</li><li>Permal Deo b</li><li>Sergio Ferro c</li><li>Henrietta Venter b</li><li>Hongfei a</li><li>Simon Crabb c</li><li>Tony Amorico c</li><li>Abiodun D. Ogunniyi a</li><li>Darren J. Trott a</li></ul>a Australian Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Ecology, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy 5371, Australia b School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australiac Ecas4 Australia, Unit 8 / 1 London Road, Mile End South 5031, Australia

<h5>This article appears in<a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S074000201631022X" target="_blank"> Food Microbiology, Vol 68, December 2017 (pg 51-60)</h5> <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S074000201631022X"><img class="blog-image-main" src="https://www.ecas4.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Food-Microbiology_Vol-68-Dec-2017.jpg"></a>

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Australian Certified Organic

<h6>Announcement</h6><h1 style="color: #00b1bf;">Australian Certified Organic</h1>The Ecas4-Anolyte has now been approved by Australian Certified Organic as a BFA Registered Product making it suitable for use in the organic food industry.<img class="blog-image-main" src="https://www.ecas4.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Aus-Cert-Organic_Banner-Image.jpg">The Ecas4-Anolyte solution is applied as sanitiser in the food industry. The application process is suitable for farm or nursery through to the food processing and retail facilities for organic or non-organic surfaces.<ul class="plus-bullet-blue"><li>Poultry, red meat and seafood</li><li>Fresh fruit and vegetables and plants</li><li>Food processing equipment surfaces</li><li>Drinking water treatment</li></ul>The main advantage of the Ecas4-anolyte is its safety: it can be used without particular precautions and once it has exerted its biocide activity, the solution spontaneously reverts to diluted brine.The Ecas4-anolyte is non-corrosive, non-hazardous and biodegradable; it has received approvals for its application in potable water disinfection as well as in the food industry (FSANZ).

Ecas4 will be exhibiting at Foodpro 2017

<h6>Upcoming Event</h6><img class="blog-image-main" src="https://www.ecas4.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Food-Pro-2017_02.jpg"><h1 style="color: #00b1bf;">Ecas4 will be exhibiting at Foodpro 2017</h1>16-19 July 2017, International Convention Centre Sydney, Darling HarbourThe iconic event for the food and beverage manufacturing industry returns to Sydney in July 2017 to showcase the latest technology and innovations in food processing, packaging, science and technology.For over 50 years, foodpro has supported Australia’s food manufacturing industry. This unrivalled event provides a unique platform for food industry professionals to meet face to face with suppliers of cutting edge processing, packaging and plant technology as well as the latest in food science. foodpro runs once every three years and co-locates with the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology’s Annual Convention.

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Water purification system used to kill bateria in flowers helps Adelaide hospital virtually wipe out legionella

<h6>Announcement</h6><h1 style="color: #00b1bf;">Water purification system used to kill bateria in flowers helps Adelaide hospital virtually wipe out legionella</h1>IT started as flower power — now a water purification system is ridding a hospital of legionella bacteria and slashing power bills in the process.<img class="blog-image-main" src="https://www.ecas4.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/NECH-scott-williams-tony-amorico.jpg">A trial of the Ecas4 water treatment system at North Eastern Community Hospital has virtually eliminated legionella bacteria in their pipes and cut their gas bill by $7000 a month.Tony Amorico, of Tony’s Flowers, started using the Italian system to extend the shelf life of his flowers, using it in farms and greenhouses to kill bacteria in water.The system uses an electrochemical process to destroy the organic biofilm habitat of bacteria — including the legionella bacteria — leaving a potable water product.When a friend of Mr Amorico’s died of a bacterial infection in a public hospital, he decided to try to have it tested in health care through his company Ecas4 Australia.The hospital’s chief executive, Scott Williams, said legionella bacteria was virtually always present in hospital water systems at low levels.He said chlorine and high water temperatures were traditionally used to kill it.“It came out of a bit of random conversation about Tony’s use of the system to attack the biofilm habitat of the bacteria,” Mr Williams said.“It was working for him with better quality and longer lasting flowers so we decided to trial it here — we may be a small hospital but we are innovative.“We had low legionella counts which were not a risk but anything we can do to improve safety is worth looking at so we became the first hospital in Australia to trial it. Our count is now virtually at zero.”The change has allowed the hospital to reduce its hot water temperature of about 80C down to about 60C, which lessens the chance of scalding.It has also reduced the hospital’s gas bill by about one-third. The trial ends in May and will be independently evaluated by UniSA.Mr Williams said he was thrilled North Eastern Community was the first hospital in Australia to implement the technology.“We offer the safest and cleanest water of any hospital in Australia,” he said.Ecas4 national business manager Simon Crabb said the system also eliminated pathogens such as E. coli, listeria, salmonella, campylobacter and MRSA (golden staph).“The simplest way to describe the process is to say the end product is 99.5 per cent water anolyte which is a derivative of water that has been electrochemically produced,” he said.“You can brush your teeth in it, shower in it, drink it.”Mr Amorico is speaking to other hospitals about using it and also has plans to use it to extend shelf life for foods such as fruit and fish.The not-for-profit private North Eastern Community Hospital at Campbelltown agreed to a 12-month trial using UniSA for independent assessment of results.(<a href="http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/water-purification-system-used-to-kill-bateria-in-flowers-helps-adelaide-hospital-virtually-wipe-out-legionella/news-story/1b8d6ba0926a585e4a09361a92d4d069" target="_blank">Article courtesy of the Sunday Mail,</a> by medical reporter, Brad Couch, 19th February 2017. Photography: Keryn Stevens)

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Ecas4 technology successfully reduces Legionella risk in an Australian healthcare facility

Ecas4 treatment significantly extends the shelf life of fish fillets

Australian Certified Organic

Ecas4 will be exhibiting at Foodpro 2017

Water purification system used to kill bateria in flowers helps Adelaide hospital virtually wipe out legionella

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