Coffee, Tea Ward Off MRSA

CHARLESTON, S.C.Drinking hot coffee and tea may protect against contracting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), according to a new study published in the Annals of Family Medicine. The findings may lead to new, inexpensive methods to reduce infection rates.

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina analyzed nationally representative data from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They found individuals who reported consuming hot tea or coffee were 50% less likely to have MRSA nasal carriage compared to individuals who drank no hot tea or coffee.

They said while the mechanism behind the possible effect of coffee and tea is not completely understood, the research points to increasing evidence to suggest that both coffee and tea have antimicrobial characteristics.