[Sports-induced infections--an overview]

Abstract

Sportive activities are playing an increasing role for the spare time in our society. Subsequently, practicing of various kinds of sport can lead to direct and indirect exposures to and transmission of microorganisms between athletes and also passive observers. As a result, different microbial pathogens can be transmitted and might lead predominantly to cutaneous or mucosal infections. These include both bacteria--Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci and gram-negative bacteria, like Pseudomonas, viruses--herpes simplex virus, human papilloma virus--and, last but not least, also dermatophytes--e.g. Trichophyton tonsurans as particular pathogenic agent of tinea gladiatorum. Beside single cases of infections outbreaks through various virus-, bacteria- and dermatophytes-induced infections might happen and have indeed been reported. Surprisingly, there is only limited knowledge among physicians concerning sport-induced infections. Therefore, sport-induced infections are reviewed giving details about their route of transmission. Awareness of these infections might facilitate implementation of early treatment and preventive measures.