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Review
. 2019 Jan/Feb;11(1):47-58.
doi: 10.1177/1941738118789954. Epub 2018 Aug 14.

Infectious Disease in Contact Sports

Andrew R Peterson  1   2   3   4 , Emma Nash  1   4   5 , B J Anderson  6   7
Affiliations
Review

Infectious Disease in Contact Sports

Andrew R Peterson et al. Sports Health. 2019 Jan/Feb.

Abstract

Context:: Infections are common in contact sports. This review aims to describe the epidemiology, presenting signs and symptoms, treatment guidelines, and regulations for several common infections seen in contact sport athletes. The conditions discussed include bacterial skin infections, herpes simplex virus, molluscum contagiosum, common warts, tinea, scabies, head lice, conjunctivitis, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, and vaccine-preventable illnesses.

Evidence acquisition:: Searches were performed across PubMed and MEDLINE research databases. In addition, general internet search engine results and reviews of reference lists of relevant papers were used to identify additional sources of evidence.

Study design:: Clinical review.

Level of evidence:: Level 4.

Results:: The most common infections seen in contact sport athletes include bacterial skin infections, herpes simplex virus, molluscum contagiosum, common warts, tinea, scabies, head lice, conjunctivitis, and vaccine-preventable illnesses. Other infections, including human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C, are uncommon but potentially life threatening.

Conclusion:: Infections are common in contact sport athletes. The provider who cares for these athletes should be aware of the most common infections and their appropriate management. Early diagnosis and appropriate clinical management are important for treating the infected athlete, minimizing risk of transmission, minimizing time lost from competition, and preventing large outbreaks.

Keywords: contact sports; infectious disease; skin infection; wrestling.

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Conflict of interest statement

The following authors declared potential conflicts of interest: Andrew R. Peterson, MD, MSPH, has a research grant from University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center and receives textbook royalties from McGraw-Hill and B.J. Anderson, MD, received payment for lectures and clinical research from GlaxoSmithKline, provided expert testimony for the states of New York and Arizona, and is the CEO of The Mat Doc, LLC.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Primary herpes gladiatorum. Note multiple areas of involvement and regional adenopathy.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Recurrent herpes gladiatorum. Smaller area of involvement and fewer systemic symptoms.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Tinea corporis gladiatorum. Note the circular perimeter with flakiness and central clearing.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Kerion. Raised central area with purulent drainage. Also, hair loss over the central area.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Molluscum contagiosum. Two- to 10-mm-diameter dome-shaped lesions with a slight dimple on the surface with no surrounding erythema.
None
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Adams BB. Tinea corporis gladiatorum: a cross-sectional study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000;43:1039-1041. - PubMed
    1. Agel J, Ransone J, Dick R, Oppliger R, Marshall SW. Descriptive epidemiology of collegiate men’s wrestling injuries: National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance System, 1988-1989 through 2003-2004. J Athl Train. 2007;42:303-310. - PMC - PubMed
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