Positive Health Online

Abstract

FLAXMAN and GRIFFITHS, Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, Kent, debbie.flaxman@qms.nhs.uk, have reviewed (24 references) the efficacy of tea tree oil in eradicating the 'superbug', MRSA.

Background

Studies show that tea tree oil is capable of killing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a laboratory setting. The aim of this review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to find out whether it is effective at eradicating MRSA colonization compared to standard mupirocin-based regimens in colonized patients.

Methodology

A wide range of databases and internet sources were searched to identify published and unpublished studies.

Results

Two RCTs were found that researched the effectiveness of tea tree oil preparations against MRSA. One small RCT (n = 30) showed a large but non-significant improvement at eradicating MRSA compared to traditional treatment, whereas a larger study (n = 224) demonstrated little difference in rates of eradication overall (41% for tea tree and 49% for mupirocin, p = 0.286). However, the larger study found that those with nasal colonization receiving a tea tree regimen were more likely to remain colonized with MRSA in the nose (absolute risk increase 31%, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Currently there is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of tea tree oil in clinical practice for eradication of MRSA colonization.

References

Flaxman D, Griffiths P. Is tea tree oil effective at eradicating MRSA colonization? A review. British Journal of Community Nursing 10 (3): 123-126, Mar 2005.

Comment

As MRSA becomes ever more lethal, this type of research into other means of controlling superbugs may assume global significance.