A new McGill University study suggests a link between contaminated chicken and urinary tract infections (UTI). Each year, consumers endure six to eight million UTIs in the United States alone. McGill’s study found that nearly 85% of these afflictions are caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacteria commonly found in factory farmed chicken, beef, and pork.
The study compared the genomes of the E. coli responsible for these infections to the genomes of E. coli present in meat sources and found a match between the UTI bacteria and strains particularly found in chicken.
Researchers expressed concern over the spread of antibiotic resistance in farmed animals fueled by excessive doses of antibiotics given to overcrowded, maltreated, and chronically ill animals in lieu of simple measures to improve basic living conditions and provide proper veterinary care. Because of this antibiotic resistance, it will only become more difficult to treat bacterial infections like UTIs, especially when the bacteria genomes are linked to disease-ridden animals raised for food.
Fortunately, consumers can improve their health and help prevent animal cruelty by adopting a kind and compassionate vegetarian diet. Visit ChooseVeg.com for a multitude of delicious recipes, instructional videos, and tips on transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle.
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