Bacteria from Meat could be causing more than Half a Million UTIs in the US every Year.
This is according to a new study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.
While the most common cause of UTIs is the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), the study found that other bacteria, such as Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), may be contributing to the problem.
The study analyzed data from a national survey of UTI cases in the US. The researchers found that up to 69% of UTIs caused by E. faecalis and K. pneumoniae were associated with the consumption of contaminated meat. This suggests that meat may be an important source of these bacteria.
E. faecalis and K. pneumoniae are both common bacteria found in the intestines of animals, including cows, pigs, and chickens. These bacteria can contaminate meat during processing and can survive cooking, which means they can be present in meat that is not properly handled or cooked.
While E. coli remains the most common cause of UTIs, the study's findings suggest that other bacteria may be playing a larger role than previously thought. The authors of the study suggest that more research is needed to better understand the sources of these bacteria and to develop strategies to reduce their transmission.
In the meantime, it's important to take steps to reduce the risk of UTIs. This includes practicing good hygiene, such as wiping from front to back after using the bathroom, and avoiding prolonged periods of holding urine. It's also important to cook meat thoroughly and to handle it properly to prevent the spread of bacteria. By taking these steps, we can help reduce the incidence of UTIs and improve our overall health.
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