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Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(8): 557-562
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1214382
Review

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the Athlete

D. E. Redziniak 1 , D. R. Diduch 2 , K. Turman 2 , J. Hart 2 , T. L. Grindstaff 3 , J. M. MacKnight 4 , D. J. Mistry 4
  • 1The Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Annapolis, United States
  • 2Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States
  • 3Department of Athletic Training, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States
  • 4The University of Virginia, Clinical Internal Medicine and Sports Medicine, Charlottesville, United States
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision February 9, 2009

Publication Date:
25 May 2009 (online)

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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

Phone: +410/268/88 62

Fax: +410/268/03 80

Email: redziniak@verizon.net

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