India contributes significantly to the reported number of UTI cases worldwide. What causes UTI? What's refrigerated food's connection to it?
Published Oct 01, 2024 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 07, 2024 | 11:59 AM
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Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can be more than just a nuisance, especially if you find yourself dealing with them regularly. While many factors contribute to UTIs and they tend to cause more discomfort for women, recent research suggests that your diet—specifically, certain foods in your fridge—could be playing a role.
A study suggests that Escherichia coli (E. coli) from meat products may be responsible for hundreds of thousands of urinary tract infections in the United States every year. A team of scientists from the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health estimated that between 480,000 and 640,000 urinary tract infections in the United States annually may be caused by foodborne E. coli strains.
The most common cause of UTIs is the entry of bacteria, particularly E. coli, into the urinary tract. While E. coli is normally found in the gastrointestinal tract, it can spread to the urinary system.
Women are more prone to UTIs due to their shorter urethra and the closer proximity of the urethral opening to the vagina and anus, which are common sources of bacteria.
“We’re used to the idea that foodborne E. coli can cause outbreaks of diarrhoea, but the concept of foodborne E. coli causing urinary tract infections seems strange – that is, until you recognise that raw meat is often riddled with the E. coli strains that cause these infections,” said the author of the study in a statement.
“Our study provides compelling evidence that dangerous E. coli strains are making their way from animals to people through the food supply and making people sick – sometimes really sick,” he added.
Even the Indian doctors are agreeing to the study. “Refrigerated food, especially animal products like chicken and pork, can be a source of E. coli, which is a major cause of UTIs. E. coli can be found in these animal products, and consuming undercooked or improperly handled poultry can introduce the bacteria into the gut, where they proliferate and spread to the urinary tract, particularly in women,” Senior Consultant Nephrologist at Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology Hyderabad Dr. K Kranthi Kumar told South First.
He added that due to the shorter urethra in females, the bacteria can easily migrate from the perianal area to the urethra, causing a urinary tract infection.
It should be noted that out of approximately 404 million cases of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) reported globally in 2019, India accounted for around 100.8 million cases, representing nearly one-fourth of all new UTI cases worldwide that year.
Additionally, India recorded the highest number of UTI-related deaths, with approximately 55,558 fatalities, and 1.59 million disability -adjusted life years (DALYs) lost due to these infections. The age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) of UTIs in India has shown a significant upward trend, with a 60.40 percent increase in cases from 1990 to 2019.
E Coli is by far the most common cause of UTIs, responsible for upwards of 85 percent of cases annually. Women are at greater risk of developing UTIs, which can range from simple bladder infections to life-threatening bloodstream infections.
“People often dismiss bladder infections as minor annoyances, but the bladder is a major gateway to patients’ kidneys and bloodstream,” said Cindy Liu, another author of the study. “People over 55 and vulnerable populations, such as cancer and transplant patients, are at the highest risk for life-threatening blood infections, but young, healthy people are also at risk.”
Dr Kumar added that there are two key factors: temperature and duration of the food stored in refrigerator. Refrigerating foods promptly below 40°F (4°C) helps inhibit bacterial growth and extends shelf life. However, it’s important to discard food after the recommended storage time, typically within 48 hours for most meat products. Beyond that, the risk of bacterial contamination increases.
“While there are no strict guidelines for fresh-cut meat, it’s generally advisable to consume the meat within 48 hours if it’s stored at the proper refrigeration temperature. However, it’s important to follow the general safety guidelines on temperature and shelf life, even for locally purchased fresh meat,” he said.
Dr. K Kranthi Kumar said that it’s rare for vegetarian products to cause UTIs. The risk is primarily associated with animal products, especially undercooked pork and chicken. Chicken and pork that are stored for long periods or not properly cooked can harbor E. coli, which acts as a food reservoir in these products.
Doctor also explained that people who are older, diabetic, or immunocompromised are at a higher risk of developing more severe infections that could spread to the kidneys and bloodstream. In such cases, the infection can progress into full-body sepsis.
“The first and most important step is thorough hand washing. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods, and always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat. Cooking poultry and meat to the recommended internal temperatures is also crucial to effectively kill any bacteria present,” the doctor told South First.
“We don’t typically advise patients that one specific food is responsible for their UTIs, as many factors can contribute, including compromised immunity, kidney stones, obesity, and uncontrolled diabetes. However, we do inform patients that foodborne bacteria can be one of the contributing factors in the development or worsening of infections. Safe food handling practices can help reduce this risk,” he added.
The doctor advised cooking meat thoroughly to kill any bacteria and washing hands well after handling raw meat. It’s crucial to keep raw meat separate from other foods in the fridge and to clean the fridge regularly, not just when something smells funky. While the link between meat and UTIs is still being researched, these simple food safety habits can help reduce your risk of UTIs from contaminated meat stored in the refrigerator. Additionally, staying hydrated and practicing good hygiene are important to protect oneself from contracting UTI.
(Edited by Neena)
