Caffeine triggers changes in bacterial genes, decreasing production of the OmpF protein — a key entry point for antibiotics — making it harder for drugs to penetrate and kill bacteria.

Antibiotic resistance is a major global crisis, projected to cause 10 million annual deaths by 2050. While overuse of antibiotics is a known factor, everyday chemicals like caffeine may also contribute silently.

Experts caution that human implications are still unclear, and there's no evidence that drinking coffee directly impacts infection treatment. However, the lab findings highlight a concerning interaction needing further study.