Tea and Coffee Drinkers May Have Lower MRSA Risk

If you’ve ever worried about picking up dangerous germs—especially those tough-to-treat superbugs—here’s a surprising lead. Scientists have found that people who regularly drink tea or coffee may be less likely to carry a notorious antibiotic-resistant bacterium in their noses.

The quick answer? Regular consumption of hot tea or coffee is linked to about a 50% lower chance of carrying MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in the nose, according to a U.S. study of over 5,500 people. That’s a significant drop, though researchers aren’t certain how it works.

What Is MRSA and Why Does It Matter?

MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that has become resistant to many antibiotics, including methicillin. While Staphylococcus aureus is common and usually harmless on the skin or in the nose, MRSA can cause serious infections, especially in hospitals or among people with weakened immune systems. It became a major concern after strains evolved to resist beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillin. Once controlled by penicillin, some Staphylococcus aureus developed enzymes that break down the beta-lactam ring, leading to resistant forms such as MRSA.

The Study: Tea, Coffee, and MRSA Carriage

Researchers at the University of South Carolina, led by principal investigator Eric Matheson, analyzed data from a government survey involving more than 5,500 Americans. They found that individuals who reported regularly drinking hot tea or coffee had roughly half the likelihood of carrying MRSA in their nasal passages compared to those who didn’t.

At any given time, about 1% of the U.S. population carries MRSA on their skin or in their nose without showing symptoms. The study didn’t prove that tea or coffee directly prevent MRSA, but it highlighted a strong statistical link: regular drinkers were significantly less likely to be carriers.

How Might Tea and Coffee Help?

While the exact mechanism remains unknown, the researchers pointed to prior lab studies. Both tea and coffee contain compounds that show some level of antibacterial activity. In lab settings, topical or inhaled tea extracts have demonstrated mild anti-MRSA effects. These findings suggest that certain components in hot tea and coffee might help suppress MRSA, at least in the nasal environment.

“Our findings suggest a promising, safe, affordable, and accessible new approach to combating MRSA,” said Matheson. However, the team stopped short of recommending tea or coffee as a preventive measure, since the protective effect’s cause hasn’t been confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much less likely are tea and coffee drinkers to carry MRSA?

According to the study, regular drinkers of hot tea or coffee are about 50% less likely to carry MRSA in their nasal passages compared to those who don’t consume these beverages regularly. This figure comes from a survey of over 5,500 Americans.

Does drinking tea or coffee prevent MRSA infections?

The study shows a correlation, not causation. While tea and coffee drinkers had a lower chance of carrying MRSA, researchers haven’t proven that the beverages directly prevent MRSA infections or colonization. The exact protective mechanism remains unclear.

What is MRSA and why is it a concern?

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria resistant to many antibiotics. It can cause serious infections, particularly in hospitals or for those with weakened immunity, and is harder to treat than regular Staphylococcus aureus due to its antibiotic resistance.

How many people carry MRSA without knowing?

About 1% of the U.S. population carries MRSA in their nose or on their skin without showing symptoms or getting sick. Most carriers are not infected, but they can potentially spread the bacteria.

Could drinking more tea or coffee protect me from superbugs?

The study suggests a possible link, but it’s too early to recommend drinking tea or coffee specifically to avoid MRSA. More research is needed to confirm how or why this effect occurs, and whether it translates into real-world infection prevention.

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