All over the world, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are becoming a cause of concern for many scientists and researchers as infections continue to rise. To make matters worse, these infections are gaining resistance to antibiotics, making it further challenging to treat. Although UTIs aren’t typically fatal, its symptoms can be incredibly uncomfortable for the person experiencing it and even more difficult to manage, putting a significant strain on global Healthcare as a result.
Understanding Urinary Tract Infections
Although STIs can affect various parts of the urinary system, it mostly affects the bladder. However, the kidneys, bloodstream, and uterus can be impacted by these infections too. Common symptoms of UTIs include frequent urges to urinate with a full or even empty bladder or the feeling of a burning sensation when urinating. In general, UTIs can be triggered by genetic factors, sexual contact, and inadequate hygiene practices such as improper wiping techniques, which leads to various health issues.
According to Standard University urologist, Craig Comiter, UTIs can cause symptoms of fever, cramping, or bad odors. Not only that but these infections can infect the urinary tract due to bacteria entering the urethra, leaving blood in the urine. Although men and women can get UTIs, these infections tend to harm women more. In the U.S. alone, around 50 to 60 percent of women are expected to experience a UTI at some point in their lives. As a result, UTIs are usually the most treated infections for women outside hospital settings.
Double-Threat of Contaminated Meat
Most recently, scientists made a shocking discovery on a potential cause of the rise of UTIs globally. Evidently, the lesser-known contributor of the increasing UTIs had been found in Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria contaminated meat. In a statement by Natural Geographic, they suggest the consumption of this meat may pose as a double threat to humanity and increase UTIs even more.
Antibiotics on Farm Animals
Not only can contaminated meat introduce harmful bacteria to the uterus, but the antibiotics used in livestock can strengthen resistance against medications used for treatment. For instance, the common practice of using antibiotics on healthy farm animals for disease prevention is hindering the treatment progress. This challenge to treat STIs is mostly due to these animals developing antibiotic resistance as a result of these practices.
Furthermore, other research suggests the reason why antibiotics used for livestock are a key factor to these challenges are the result of being overused. When consuming meat treated with antibiotics, it alters the human microbiome, which contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance. Although this consumption doesn’t directly cause UTIs, it increases the risk of infection from multi-drug resistant organisms.
E. Coli Contaminated Meat
Often present in contaminated meat, e. coli bacteria infects the gut and spreads to the urinary tract. Ultimately, this is done when the digested meat travels throughout the digestive system. For women, in particular, this bacteria passes dangerously close to the vagina wall, increasing their risk of infection.
Although scientists have been aware of the issue of contaminated meat, its increasing frequency is alarming. In a National Geographic cited 2023 study, researchers estimated that contaminated meat could be responsible for causing nearly half a million UTIs annually in the U.S. While this number is only a small fraction compared to the over eight million UTI-related healthcare visits worldwide, its still raising concerns among scientists and researchers.
Proper Cooking and Cleaning Solutions
Co-author of the study and the Antibiotic Resistance Action Center’s chief medical officer highlighted a troubling statistic. She noted that between 30 to 70% of retailed meat is considered contaminated with E. coli. Despite this alarming figure, following proper cooking procedures tends to eliminate this harmful bacteria.
However, Liu explains that these infections are a problem due to lapses in hygiene practices and food preparation. What’s more? Cross-contamination during handling and inadequate cleaning allow bacteria to spread as well. Even with the addition of cooking safeguards, these lapses can still create opportunities to spread UTIs until much stricter hygiene practices are put into place.
Final Thoughts
To lower the risk of getting UTIs, the director of Central Park Urology’s Dr. David Kaufman recommends a few good practices. If engaged in sexual activity, urinating after and not just before sex is highly important as a forceful stream can push out bacteria left in the urinary tract. Following a messy bowel movement, showering or rinsing can prevent fecal material containing E. coli from entering the bloodstream.
Surprisingly, however, scientists haven’t made any recommendations regarding meat consumption despite the E. coli contamination. In fact, scientists have stated that meat consumption is basically a non-factor in rising infections as it’s common knowledge that frequent antibiotic use in agriculture can create antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, developing proper cooking and handling techniques is the best way to eliminate this harmful bacteria before consumption.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician or other medical professional. Please speak with your doctor or therapist if you have any questions or concerns.
