A recent study suggests that the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), commonly found in undercooked meat, may be responsible for hundreds of thousands of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the United States, with women being disproportionately affected.

E. coli is a large and diverse group of bacteria present in the environment, food, and the intestines of people and animals. While most strains are harmless, some can cause illnesses such as UTIs, pneumonia, and others.

Researchers at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health used a novel genomic approach to trace the origins of E. coli infections in the US. They estimated that E. coli may cause between 480,000 and 640,000 UTIs annually. Women are up to 30 times more likely to develop UTIs than men, with millions of women impacted by UTIs yearly.

Lance B. Price, a professor of environmental and occupational health and the founder and co-director of the GW Antibiotic Resistance Action Center, states that “our study provides compelling evidence that dangerous E. coli strains are making their way from food animals to people through the food supply and making people sick – sometimes really sick.”

The study, published in One Health, involved isolating E. coli from raw chicken, turkey, and pork purchased at major grocery store chains in Flagstaff, Arizona. The researchers also collected E. coli isolates from urine and blood samples of patients hospitalized for UTIs in the same city.

By analyzing the genomes of E. coli from both meat and UTI patients, the researchers developed a new predictive model to determine the source of the bacteria. The foodborne E. coli strains identified in the study were also found to cause serious kidney and bloodstream infections, which can be fatal.

E. coli, often associated with diarrhea, is the leading cause of UTIs in the US, accounting for around 85% of cases. UTIs can range from simple, antibiotic-treatable bladder infections to life-threatening bloodstream infections.

Common signs and symptoms of UTIs include:

1. A strong, persistent urge to urinate
2. A burning sensation during urination
3. Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
4. Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strong-smelling urine
5. Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen
6. Feeling tired or shaky
7. Fever or chills (a sign that the infection may have reached the kidneys)

To prevent E. coli infections, follow food safety guidelines when cooking:

1. Wash hands with soap and water before, during, and after preparing food, and before eating.
2. Wash hands after touching uncooked meat, poultry, seafood, flour, or eggs. Clean counters, cutting boards, and utensils after they touch any of these products.
3. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water.
4. Ensure food is cooked at a safe minimum temperature.
5. Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and their juices separate from other foods while grocery shopping, cooking, and storing in the refrigerator.
6. Avoid consuming raw dough or batter.

While many factors contribute to UTIs, taking simple E. coli precautions can help minimize the risk of infection.