Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a single species, but it is highly diverse with over 700 identified serotypes and at least 11 major pathotypes (strains) that cause disease.

While primarily classified as one species, it includes six main phylogenetic clades (A, B1, B2, D, E, F) and five additional "cryptic" clades.

Key details about E. coli diversity:

Strains/Serotypes: There are hundreds of different strains, often classified by their O, H, and K antigens.

Pathotypes: E. coli is often categorized into 6-11 distinct pathotypes (e.g., ETEC, EPEC) that cause different types of illness.

Phylogroups: Molecular analysis often breaks E. coli into 7-8 major phylogroups (A, B1, B2, C, D, E, F, and clade I/cryptic lineages).

Genomic Diversity: The species has a very high level of genetic diversity, with a large "open" accessory genome.

While they are all considered E. coli for clinical purposes, some researchers argue that the five cryptic clades are distinct enough to potentially be considered separate species. 

Because there are so many species, it is difficult to treat. It comes from contaminated water emanating from human waste and various animal waste sources that enter a water stream that is utilized for drinking.

E. coli is found in all countries and requires a proper water treatment process. Water-borne illnesses are part of Water Security; water is life.

We have been working with our partners in the Philippines to provide a better quality of life to the most we can. This is accomplished  by working in rural areas to afford people with potable water, and to some that do not have water.

We rehabilitate wells, install rainwater catchment for others, and install anaerobic and anaerobic septic systems, and package plants for larger projects.

This is done because the Philippines being a tropical climate they have in climate weather that possess a danger to water sources. With a vast area of land utilized for agriculture, animal husbandry supported by pigs, cattle and foul, the waste matter from them as well as humane waste is present on land and in water sources.

Here is the News:

E. coli water contamination in the Philippines is a significant issue, with studies indicating high rates of bacterial presence, particularly in rural or post-disaster areas. Key findings show that 44% to 65% of drinking water samples in certain areas are contaminated with E. coli, with nearly 58% of groundwater contaminated overall.

Key Findings on Water Contamination:

Post-Typhoon/Disaster: Studies after Typhoon Haiyan found that 44% of water samples were contaminated with E. coli within three weeks, rising to 65% after 10 months.

Rural vs. Urban: In specific rural areas, such as Los Baños, Laguna, studies found that roughly 10% to 26% of samples from artesian wells (poso) were contaminated with E. coli.

Groundwater: Approximately 58% of groundwater in the Philippines is contaminated, contributing to the high risk.

Consumption Points: In some instances, even water from filling stations and school water dispensers has been found to contain coliform, with some samples failing to meet Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW).

Contributing Factors:

Water Treatment: 78% of households do not treat their water, with 20% relying on sources with high E. coli levels.

Infrastructure: Only 10% of wastewater is treated, and only 5% of the population is connected to a sewer network. This means that human waste is either going onto or into the ground or into a water source.

Chlorination: Roughly 74% of water samples in certain areas do not comply with the minimum residual chlorine level of 0.3mg/L by their national standards.

Worse Yet:

This situation is compounded by the collosal about of plastic pollution on land and predominately surface water sourses.