Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections in the Athlete

CONTEXT: Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has become of increasing concern in the athletic setting. Appropriate recognition, treatment, and prevention measures are all paramount to protect individual athletes and teamwide outbreaks. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Relevant electronic databases (Medline or PubMed) through 2008 were searched. Articles and studies relevant to this topic were reviewed for pertinent clinical information. STUDY TYPE: Clinical review. RESULTS: CA-MRSA is an increasing problem both in the community at large and in the athletic population. CONCLUSION: Early infections based on methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus are often misidentified, leading to delay in appropriate treatment. A high level of suspicion, prompt recognition, and appropriate treatment can minimize morbidity associated with CA-MRSA. Careful selection of antibiotics in suspected cases is important, with more severe infections requiring hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. Eradication of bacteria in colonized patients has not yet proven to be effective. Prevention of infections is multifaceted, and it includes education, proper personal hygiene, routine cleaning of equipment, and proper wound care.