A randomised control trial of tea tree oil 5% body wash versus standard care body wash to prevent colonisation with meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in critically ill adults

Background To determine effectiveness of 5% tea tree oil (TTO) body wash in preventing colonisation with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in critically ill adults. A systematic review of the literature found that tea tree oil was effective in killing MRSA in the laboratory setting, and it was a promising intervention to treating MRSA colonisation in the clinical setting. However, there was no evidence of its effectiveness in preventing MRSA colonization. Methods To investigate this further, a prospective, randomized controlled trial was undertaken in a large intensive care unit in the United Kingdom (UK). Patients were assigned to one of two groups, to be washed daily with one of the following interventions: 5% TTO body wash or standard care body wash for the duration of their stay in Intensive Care. Nasal and groin swabs were taken on admission and discharge from the unit and the primary outcome measure was new MRSA colonization. Results There were 391 patients that completed the trail. The trial was terminated early due to low accrual and therefore the study was underpowered to detect a statistical difference. The results showed a 2.5% difference in colonization rates in favour of TTC but the difference was not statistically significant (95% Cl -8.95 to 3.94, p=O.50) nor clinically significant. Although TTO cannot be recommended for preventing MRSA colonization, this study adds to the body of nursing research in many ways. First, it is a useful pilot study that provides important insights for further research in this area. Second, it highlights that tea tree oil is safe to use and well tolerated.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo