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UTI can be uncomfortable and painful and believe it or not, 60 per cent of women will get the infection in their lifetime. However, if you’re dealing with frequent UTIs, your fridge might be playing a bigger role than you’d expect—at least according to a US study. It turns out that Escherichia coli (E coli) bacteria, also often found in contaminated meat, can be the culprit behind recurrent UTIs.
A 2023 study suggests that E coli-contaminated meat is responsible for approximately 500,000 UTIs each year in the US. (Photo: Unsplash)
In fact, the burden of UTIs has surged by nearly 70 per cent between 1990 and 2019, highlighting a significant rise in cases. But what’s causing this increase, and how can you lower your risk of developing one? Experts share what they think about the latest research.
But first
A urinary tract infection is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Most UTIs affect the lower urinary tract — the bladder and urethra — but more severe cases can spread to the kidneys.
UTIs commonly occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. The bacteria E coli, which normally resides in the intestines, is responsible for most of these infections. Factors such as poor hygiene, sexual activity, and certain health conditions can increase the risk of developing the infection.
UTIs commonly occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. (Photo: Unsplash)
“Frequent UTIs are often caused by anatomical factors, particularly in women, where the shorter urethra allows bacteria easier access to the bladder,” says Dr Tarun Singh, a general surgeon and urologist at Sharda Hospital, Delhi.
“Sexual activity can also introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, and certain contraceptives like diaphragms or spermicides increase the risk. Hormonal changes during menopause reduce the protective vaginal flora, further elevating the likelihood of infection,” he adds.
If left untreated, a UTI can progress to more serious complications. Symptoms of a mild UTI include a frequent urge to urinate and pain during urination. However, untreated infections can spread to the kidneys, leading to a condition called pyelonephritis, which is far more severe.
“Serious side effects of kidney infections include irreversible kidney damage and sepsis, a potentially life-threatening response to infection,” warns Dr Deepika Aggarwal, director of obstetrics and gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.
“In pregnant women, untreated UTIs can also increase the risk of low birth weight and premature labour,” she adds.
A 2023 study revealed that E coli-contaminated meat is responsible for approximately 500,000 UTIs each year in the US, making it a significant factor in the rise of these infections. Shockingly, between 30 and 70 per cent of meat products sold in stores are found to contain E coli.
Between 30 and 70 per cent of meat products sold in stores are found to contain E coli. (Photo: Unsplash)
Adding to the problem is the widespread use of antibiotics in livestock, contributing to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in humans. A National Geographic report highlights how this growing resistance may be linked to the increasing number of antibiotic-resistant UTI cases.
Dr Tripti Raheja, lead consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, explains, “Bacteria found in meat could potentially be a cause of recurrent UTIs. Consumption of E coli-contaminated meat can introduce these bacteria into the intestines, from where they may travel to the urinary tract, causing infection. Improper meat handling or consuming undercooked meat further increases this risk.”
If you have UTI, you need to rely on antibiotics to get over it, but antibiotic resistance can complicate the treatment making infections harder to manage.
Dr Aggarwal notes that, “The overuse of antibiotics in both humans and animals contributes to this resistance. Poor hygiene, dehydration, diabetes, and lifestyle changes also play a role, along with an ageing population that is more vulnerable to illness.”
Antibiotic resistance can complicate the treatment. (Photo: Unsplash)
While the study’s findings have stirred debate, the scientific community is cautious about drawing definitive conclusions. “At this point, it’s just an association,” explains Dr Matthew Sims, director of infectious diseases research at Corewell Health, speaking to The Mirror.
Women’s health specialist Dr Jennifer Wider adds, “There are many factors contributing to the rise in UTI cases, including higher rates of diabetes, an ageing population, and the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.”
While the link between meat and UTIs remains debated, experts also point out that Enteroinvasive E coli, a strain of E coli, can cause issues like diarrhoea. Since prevention is better than cure, it’s crucial to be extra cautious about what you consume to protect yourself from potential illnesses.