According to a report by Newsweek“Between 1990 and 2019, the number of UTIs reported around the world increased from 252 million to 405 million, with 237,000 deaths recorded in 2019 alone (up from 99,000 in 1990.)”

National Geographic added: “A 2023 study estimates that Contaminated meat causes nearly half a million UTIs in the United States annually — a small fraction of the more than eight million UTI-related healthcare visits in the country each year, but enough to merit concern.”

What is causing a rise in UTIs across the world?

Dr Suri Raju V, senior consultant urologist and director at Regal Super Specialty Hospital Bengaluru, mentions, “Urinary tract infections (UTIs) have become a growing global concern, with increasing incidence and antimicrobial resistance posing significant challenges to public health. While traditional risk factors like hygiene and sexual activity are well-established, recent research is shedding light on a surprising contributor to this rising tide, which is contaminated meat.”

He adds that chicken and turkey products, frequently contaminated with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. colican act as ‘food reservoirs’ for these drug-resistant strains. “Consumption of undercooked or improperly handled poultry can introduce these bacteria into the gut, where they can further evolve and potentially spread to the urinary tract.”

“Pork products have also been implicated as carriers of multidrug-resistant E. coli strains. Research suggests that the prevalence of these strains in pork may be linked to the widespread use of antibiotics in pig farming,” he says.

Employing separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods, along with thorough hand washing after handling raw meat, minimizes the risk of cross-contamination. (Source: Freepik)

Migration of bacteria from the gut to urinary tract

The journey of UTI-causing bacteria from contaminated food to the bladder involves several key steps:

Ingestion and Colonization: Consumption of contaminated food introduces uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) into the gastrointestinal tract. These bacteria adhere to the intestinal lining, establishing a foothold for potential invasion.

Translocation and Urethral Entry: UPEC can translocate from the gut to the perineal region through fecal contamination. From there, they can easily enter the urethra, particularly in women, due to the shorter distance between the urethra and anus.

Ascension and Adherence: UPEC possesses specialized fimbriae (hair-like appendages) and adhesins that allow them to attach to the urothelial cells lining the urinary tract. This adherence prevents them from being flushed out with urine and enables them to establish an infection.

Invasion and Inflammation: The bacteria then invade the bladder lining, triggering an inflammatory response and causing the characteristic symptoms of a UTI.

How to handle food safely

Safe food handling and storage practices are paramount in preventing foodborne UTIs. Adhering to guidelines set forth by organizations like the FDA can significantly reduce the risk of contamination and subsequent infection.

Thorough Cooking: Cooking poultry and meat to their recommended internal temperatures effectively eradicates harmful bacteria.

Cross-Contamination Prevention: Employing separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods, along with thorough hand washing after handling raw meat, minimizes the risk of cross-contamination.

Refrigeration: Promptly refrigerating perishable foods below 40°F (4°C) inhibits bacterial growth and prolongs shelf life. However, discard such products within their recommended storage time, even if they appear safe. Consuming food past its prime increases the risk of bacterial contamination and potential UTIs.