Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and athletes

published online 12 June 2008.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections have become an increasingly common condition among athletes. Physical contact, shared facilities and equipment, and hygienic practices of athletes all contribute to methicillin-resistant S aureus transmission among sports participants. This review elucidates the risk factors predisposing to methicillin-resistant S aureus infection in athletes and provides guidance for treatment and prevention.

Abbreviations used: CA-MRSA, community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HA-MRSA, hospital-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, IDSA, Infectious Diseases Society of America, MRSA, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MSSA, methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, NCAA, National Collegiate Athletic Association, RR, relative risk

a Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio

b Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio

c Section of Dermatology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio

Reprint requests: Brian B. Adams, MD, MPH, PO Box 670592, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0592.

Funding sources: None.

Conflicts of interest: None declared.

PII: S0190-9622(08)00522-7

doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2008.04.016

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