Unexpected danger of poultry meat identified

Nearly one in five urinary tract infections is linked to strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) transmitted through animal products. This conclusion was reached by scientists from George Washington University. The work is published in the journal mBio.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) include urethritis - inflammation of the urethra, cystitis - inflammation of the bladder, and pyelonephritis - inflammation of the kidneys. UTIs can be caused by various pathogens - fungi, parasites, viruses. But in the vast majority of cases, bacteria are the cause of the infectious process. It is triggered when the pathogen enters the urethra and rises through it into the bladder, and in the case of pyelonephritis - through the ureter into the kidney.

Scientists analyzed more than 5,700 samples of E. coli bacteria. Some of them were obtained from patients with infections, and some from stores selling meat and poultry. Genetic analysis showed that about 18% of UTI cases are associated with bacteria of animal origin. The dangerous strains were most commonly found in chicken and turkey meat.

The highest risk of infection fell on residents of poor areas - their probability of E. coli infection was 60% higher than that of people from affluent neighborhoods. Researchers attribute this to worse sanitary conditions and limited access to quality products.

The authors of the study call for systemic measures: improving control at meat processing plants and reducing social inequality. They advise consumers to thoroughly cook meat, prevent it from contacting ready-to-eat food, and always wash their hands after cooking.