Further investigation is needed. “This result suggests that livestock may serve as a reservoir contributing to the E.coli pool infecting humans, but it doesn’t establish that contaminated meat directly caused these UTIs,” says Jason Kim, MD, a urologist specializing in female urology at Stony Brook Medicine in Lake Grove, New York, who was not involved in the study.
Turkey and chicken are most likely to be contaminated
Researchers examined more than 5,700 urine samples from Southern California adults diagnosed with a UTI between 2017 and 2021, as well as E.coli samples of meat found in local grocery stores, including chicken, turkey, pork and beef. Most participants were women (88%) and had an average age of 50.
The researchers used genomic DNA sequencing to analyze all samples and match bacterial strains specific to animals or humans, and discovered the following:
- About 1 in 5 (17.7%) UTIs were linked to E.coli strains of animal origin – suggesting likely foodborne infections.
- Women were more likely than men (19.7 percent versus 8.5 percent) to have a positive urine test for a E.coli animal-related strain.
- Among men, older men were more likely to have a positive urine test for E.coli animal-related strain.
- People living in low-income areas had a 60% higher risk of food-borne UTIs than those living in higher-income areas.
- Turkey and chicken represented the most E.coli contamination of meat samples.
A limitation of the study is that the genomic model used was not developed with E.coli DNA from beef samples, which may have resulted in an underestimate of how E.coli from beef may contribute to human infection.
How Could Eating Meat Lead to a UTI?
Sometimes these infections can occur via a zoonotic route, meaning the bacteria moves from animals to humans through the food chain, Dr. Kim says. “When people handle or consume contaminated meat, these bacteria can colonize the intestine and then travel up the urinary tract, causing infection,” he explains.
This can happen in several ways, says Francisco Diez-Gonzalez, PhD, professor and director of the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia in Athens, who was not involved in the new study:
- Eating undercooked meat
- Going to the toilet after handling meat without washing your hands first
- Wiping from back to front after using the toilet, which can cause bacteria from your anal area to travel to your urethra (the opening where urine comes out)
What to do about urinary infections
As a common factor of bacterial infection, E.coli It is estimated to be responsible for millions of cases of urinary infections per year, most often in women.
- Pain or burning during urination
- Increased frequency or urgency of urinating
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen
Kim recommends seeing a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you experience any of these issues. The outlook is “excellent,” he says, for most simple UTIs that are diagnosed and treated early.
“Although usually benign, UTIs impose significant costs on health care and productivity and can lead to serious complications. E.coli “Sepsis cases start with urinary tract infections,” he says. Sepsis occurs when the body begins to fight too hard against an infection, leading to dangerous inflammation that can cause poor blood flow and blood clots. If not treated promptly, sepsis can be fatal.
“They are therefore a significant concern for the general population, particularly for women, the elderly and those who are immunocompromised.”
Minimize the transmission of E. coli to help prevent urinary infections
To reduce your risk of food poisoning E.coli urinary tract infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you:
- Wash your hands after handling raw meat.
- Disinfect all kitchen surfaces exposed to raw meat.
- Cook meat to the recommended internal temperature to kill any bacteria.
“Avoid cross-contamination between raw meats and poultry and other foods, especially anything ready to eat, in the kitchen as well as in the refrigerator,” says Dr. Diez-Gonzalez.
Although other research has already linked E.coli and urinary tract infections, the new findings suggest that foodborne infections disproportionately affect people living in low-income areas – which the study authors say should help inform public health strategies.
“In short, the magnitude of overlap is unexpected and important for public health, but it represents a correlation rather than a proven cause and effect,” says Kim. “But from a public health perspective, the study also emphasizes improving food safety standards, reducing E.coli contamination of the meat supply and addressing socioeconomic disparities that increase the risk of infection.
