Meat linked to urinary tract infections

MONTREAL, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- A Canadian researcher says she has discovered strong evidence of a link between eating contaminated chicken and the E. coli that cause urinary tract infection.

Amee Manges of McGill University in Montreal found chicken sold in supermarkets, restaurants and other outlets in the Montreal area between 2005 and 2007 contained E. coli.

E. coli such as O157:H7 can cause serious intestinal disease but eating contaminated meat or food does not usually lead directly to a urinary tract infection, Manges says.

The study found evidence that E. coli bacteria originating from these food sources can cause common urinary tract infections.

Some E. coli bacteria can live in the intestine without causing problems but the bacteria can travel from the anus to the vagina and urethra during sex, which can lead to the infection.

The research team is investigating whether livestock may be passing anti-microbial-resistant bacteria on to humans due to the use of antibiotics to treat or prevent disease in the animals. The wide use of antibiotics may lead to developing resistance to the medication.

When animals are slaughtered and their meat is processed, the meat can be contaminated with E. coli, Manges says.