Recent research has revealed that eating meat contaminated with certain types of bacteria can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs). A UTI is a bacterial infection that occurs in the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Symptoms of a UTI include painful and frequent urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and lower abdominal pain.

The study, published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, found that more than half a million UTIs in the United States each year could be attributed to antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria found in contaminated meat. The researchers estimated that each year, roughly 10,000 cases of UTIs in the U.S. are caused by E. coli from contaminated meat.

E. coli is a type of bacteria that normally lives in the intestines of humans and animals. While most types of E. coli are harmless, some strains can cause serious illness. The strain of E. coli that causes UTIs is known as uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). UPEC is responsible for up to 90% of all UTIs.

The researchers analyzed data from the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System, which tracks antibiotic resistance in foodborne bacteria. They found that from 2011 to 2015, E. coli samples from retail meat products in the U.S. were resistant to multiple antibiotics. The researchers also found that the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in retail meat samples varied widely depending on the type of meat.

Ground beef had the highest prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli, followed by pork chops and ground pork. Antibiotic-resistant E. coli was also found in samples of chicken and turkey. The researchers noted that the use of antibiotics in livestock farming may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animals, which can then be passed on to humans through contaminated meat.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Lee Riley, a professor of infectious disease at the University of California, Berkeley, said in a statement, “We found a clear association between the consumption of contaminated meat and the risk of UTIs. People who eat meat need to be aware of this risk and take steps to reduce their exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.”

One way to reduce the risk of UTIs is to avoid eating meat that is contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The researchers recommend that people cook meat thoroughly and wash their hands and kitchen surfaces thoroughly after handling raw meat. They also recommend that consumers buy meat from sources that do not use antibiotics in their livestock.

In addition to avoiding contaminated meat, there are other steps that people can take to prevent UTIs. Drinking plenty of water and urinating frequently can help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. Wiping from front to back after using the toilet can also help prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the urethra.

If you suspect that you have a UTI, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. UTIs can be treated with antibiotics, but it’s important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed to ensure that the infection is fully cleared.

Overall, the study highlights the importance of being aware of the risks associated with consuming meat contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. By taking steps to reduce exposure to these bacteria, individuals can help protect themselves from the potentially serious health consequences of UTIs.