Abstract
Although once considered only a nosocomial pathogen, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a rapidly emerging, problematic infection in the community. Community acquired
MRSA (CA-MRSA) is notably becoming more prevalent in athletic environments and unfortunately,
can be easily transmitted via superficial abrasions and minor skin trauma. CA-MRSA
infections are highly contagious and are associated with significant morbidity, with
published reports of up to 70% of infected team members requiring hospitalization
and intravenous antibiotics [7]. Risk factors for athletic related environments include contact sports with repeated
close physical contact with other competitors, open abrasions, and sharing of personal
equipment. Failure to correctly diagnose and appropriately treat skin and soft tissue
lesions infected with CA-MRSA may contribute to large scale MRSA infections in athletic
environments. The purpose of this review article is to help sports medicine physicians
prevent, identify, and treat MRSA skin and superficial soft tissue infections in athletic
environments.
Key words
sports - infection - soft tissue - prevention - treatment
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Correspondence
Dr. D. E. RedziniakMD
Department of Orthopedic Surgery
The Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center
108 Forbes Street
21409 Annapolis
United States
Telefon: +410/268/88 62
Fax: +410/268/03 80
eMail: redziniak@verizon.net
