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. 2005 Apr;11(4):526-32.
doi: 10.3201/eid1104.041094.

Recurring methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in a football team

Dao M Nguyen  1 , Laurene Mascola, Elizabeth Brancoft
Affiliations

Recurring methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in a football team

Dao M Nguyen et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2005 Apr.

Abstract

An outbreak of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) occurred in a college football team from August to September 2003. Eleven case-players were identified, and boils were the most common sign. Linemen had the highest attack rate (18%). Among 99 (93% of team) players with cultured specimens, 8 (8%) had positive MRSA nasal cultures. All available case-players' MRSA isolates characterized had the community-associated pulsed-field type USA300. A case-control study found that sharing bars of soap and having preexisting cuts or abrasions were associated with infection. A carrier-control study found that having a locker near a teammate with an SSTI, sharing towels, and living on campus were associated with nasal carriage. Successful outbreak control measures included daily hexachlorophene showers and hygiene education.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Epidemic curve of clinical and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infections among players on a college football team by date of diagnosis, Los Angeles County, August–September 2003.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Football field positions; see Table 2 for position-specific attack rates. S, safety; LB, linebacker; CB, cornerback; L, lineman; WR, wide receiver; TE, tight end; QB, quarterback; TB, tailback, FB, fullback.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Distribution of locker locations for case-players, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal carriers, and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) nasal carriers.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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