25 Oct , 09:33
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Research: Every Fifth Case of Urinary Tract Infection is Associated with Food Sources of E. coli
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) include urethritis - inflammation of the urethra, cystitis - inflammation of the bladder, and pyelonephritis - inflammation of the kidneys. UTIs can be caused by various pathogens - fungi, parasites, viruses. But in the vast majority of cases, bacteria are the cause of the infectious process. It starts when the pathogen enters the urethra and rises through it to the bladder, and in the case of pyelonephritis - through the ureter to the kidney.
In a large-scale study, scientists from George Washington University analyzed more than 5,700 samples of E. coli bacteria. The material was obtained both from patients with diagnosed infections and from grocery stores selling meat and poultry. Genetic analysis revealed a shocking fact: about 18% of all urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria of animal origin. Chicken and turkey meat were found to be the most common sources of dangerous strains.
The social aspect of the problem proved particularly alarming: residents of economically disadvantaged areas are 60% more at risk of infection compared to the population of affluent neighborhoods. Specialists attribute this pattern to unsatisfactory sanitary conditions and limited access to quality food products.
The researchers insist on the need for a comprehensive approach to solving the problem: strengthening control at meat processing plants and reducing social inequality. They recommend that ordinary consumers follow simple but effective rules: thoroughly heat-treat meat products, prevent contact between raw meat and ready-to-eat foods, and strictly observe hand hygiene after handling raw products.
