Antibiotic-resistant Urinary Tract Infection-causing food
Chicken and the Risk of Urinary Tract Infections
A recent study by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shed light on a potential link between eating undercooked chicken and urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by antibiotic-resistant E. coli.
The study found that E. coli, a type of bacteria that can cause serious UTIs, is commonly found in chicken, particularly in undercooked or contaminated meat. This bacteria can colonize the human gut and potentially infect the urinary tract, especially in vulnerable groups like pediatric patients.
The mechanism involves dietary exposure: contaminated chicken acts as a reservoir for E. coli strains that cause UTIs. Once ingested, E. coli can migrate from the intestinal tract to the urinary tract, where they adhere to the bladder lining and multiply, causing infection.
This link is important because the same strains found in chicken meat have been isolated from human UTI cases, suggesting a zoonotic transmission route. Moreover, the presence of multidrug-resistant E. coli in chicken meat complicates treatment options for UTIs caused by these strains, as they don't respond to common antibiotics.
To prevent the spread of E. coli, the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides guidelines for safe handling and cooking of chicken. These include always refrigerating chicken until ready to cook, washing hands before and after handling raw chicken, and avoiding rinsing chicken. Cooking chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F is also essential to ensure safety.
Additionally, washing hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken can help reduce the risk of contamination. Never use the same dish for raw chicken and ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.
Interestingly, studies show that chicken raised without antibiotics contain less antibiotic-resistant E. coli. Organic chicken has also been found to have less of the harmful E. coli bacteria compared to conventional chicken.
In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of food safety and proper cooking practices to prevent UTIs associated with E. coli originating from chicken meat. By following these guidelines, individuals can help protect themselves and their families from this potentially harmful bacteria.
[1] Riley, L., et al. (2021). Zoonotic transmission of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli associated with urinary tract infections. Journal of Infectious Diseases.
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Food. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/arb/index.html
[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/diseases-and-conditions/uti.html
- In light of the study, individuals may opt for natural remedies like probiotics or foods rich in wellness-promoting nutrients for supporting urinary health, especially when dietary exposure to E. coli through chicken consumption is a concern.
- Science continues to explore the efficacy of CBD in managing inflammation and pain associated with medical-conditions like urinary tract infections, although more research is needed to fully understand its role in health-and-wellness.
- Fitness-and-exercise, along with a balanced diet, can help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of various health issues, including urinary tract infections. Regular physical activity can also aid in detoxifying the body and supporting overall wellness.
- To combat ongoing antibiotic resistance issues, the focus on holistic health has grown, encompassing the use of natural remedies and supporting fitness and wellbeing, as opposed to relying solely on medical interventions for treating conditions like urinary tract infections.
