New Study Found - E. Coli in Meat Cause Urinary Tract Infection

A new study, according to a recent article in One Health, found that meet-born E. coli may be the cause of half a million or more urinary tract infections in the United States every year.

The team of scientists from the George Washington University (GWU) Milken Institute School of Public Health, developed a new genomic approach for tracking the origins of E. coli infections.

Researchers found that approximately 8% of E. coli urinary tract infections in the United States (or between 480,000 to 640,000) were caused by bacteria strains present in and consumed through meat. Urinary tract infections are often mild but can progress to kidney disease and even sepsis. Antibiotic use in animals on farms also contributes to antibiotic resistance. 

When animals slaughtered for food, the bacteria that inhabit their guts – including E. coli – can contaminate the meat products.

A diet free of animal products reduces exposure to these foodborne bacteria strains, reduces antibiotic use, and lowers the risk of many chronic diseases. 

References

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