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UTIs are on the rise -

Urinary tract infections are on the rise and, according to experts, may be becoming more dangerous. Between 1990 and 2019, the overall disease burden associated with UTIs has increased by more than 68%.

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Resistance to antibiotics -

The bacteria that cause UTIs have developed resistance to the common drugs used to treat the infection. This happens when the bacteria are exposed to antibiotics repeatedly or improperly, allowing some bacteria to survive the treatment and develop the ability to resist the effects of the drugs.

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Elderly patients -

For elderly patients, especially those with multiple health conditions, the antibiotics that fight a UTI are essential. Failing to get these antibiotics contributes to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people around the world annually.

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A strain on resources -

Even when a UTI is relatively mild, the more than 400 million annual worldwide UTI cases put a significant strain on limited medical resources.

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A burden on the US healthcare system -

UTIs are a costly burden on the US healthcare system, contributing to well over US$2 billion annually in healthcare costs.

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A surprising culprit -

Upon scientists seeking to identify and understand lesser-known contributing factors of a UTI, they found that meat contaminated by Escherichia coli bacteria, or E. coli, may be a culprit.

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What are UTIs? -

A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

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Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI -

Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI because a woman's urethra is shorter than a man's, making it easier for bacteria to get into the bladder.

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How common are UTIs? -

UTIs are the most common infection treated outside of hospitals in the United States.

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Symptoms of UTIs -

Symptoms of UTIs include a strong urge to pee that doesn't go away, a burning feeling when peeing, and urinating often but passing small amounts of urine.

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When UTIs spread -

UTIs usually resolve without treatment, though antibiotics are frequently prescribed to speed up the healing process. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, bloodstream, or other parts of the reproductive system, it can lead to complications like kidney damage and sepsis.

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Why are the number of UTIs increasing? -

As the population increases, experts expect more UTIs and more of the disease burden associated with UTIs because there are more people.

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Why are the number of UTIs increasing? -

Some of the conditions associated with UTIs, such as kidney stones and type 2 diabetes, are also increasing.

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What part does meat play? -

Meat consumption can lead to UTIs in two ways: by introducing infection-causing bacteria to the urethra, and because the antibiotics introduced in meat sources can increase resistance to the medications administered to treat a UTI.

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Farm animals and antibiotics -

In the US, farm animals are often given antibiotics for disease protection, which is known to drive antibiotic resistance.

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Meat treated with antibiotics -

Eating meat that has been heavily treated with antibiotics may be why more and more people are developing resistance to the drugs used to treat UTIs.

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E. coli -

E. coli, which is commonly found in ground beef, can populate in your gut and spread to the urinary tract.

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UTIs from E. coli in women -

In women, the bacteria from E. coli-contaminated meat have only a short distance to travel to the urethra once they pass through the digestive system and are excreted.

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What the research tells us -

A 2023 study estimates that contaminated meat causes almost half a million UTIs in the US on a yearly basis.

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What the research tells us -

Research also reveals that 30-70% of retail meat products in the US have been shown to be contaminated with E. coli.

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The cooking process -

Bacteria are usually killed during the cooking process, so infections could likely stem from behaviors related to food preparation.

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Be careful when handling meat products -

Take precautions when handling meat products, especially chicken, turkey, and pork, as they are commonly associated with infections related to E. coli.

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How to avoid UTIs -

Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after handling meat. Always clean and sanitize food preparation areas and utensils after each use.

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How to avoid UTIs -

Reduce your exposure to drug-resistant E. coli by consuming meats that are labeled as "USDA Organic," "Raised Without Antibiotics," or "Animal Welfare Approved."

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Hygiene practices -

To lower the risk of contracting a UTI, wash your hands frequently, wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom, and drink plenty of water.

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When to see your doctor -

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you notice any concerning symptoms of infection or if your UTI seems to worsen.

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Risk factors -

After menopause, the decline in estrogen causes changes in the urinary tract, which can increase the risk of UTIs.

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Complications -

In pregnant people, an untreated UTI can lead to delivering a low birth weight or premature baby.

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Complications -

Repeated infections, defined as having two or more UTIs within six months or three or more within a year, are common in women. Men may develop a narrowed urethra as a result of repeated UTIs.

Sources: (National Geographic) (Mayo Clinic)

See also: The most common infectious diseases in the US

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