Recurring Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections in a Football Team

• Main Authors: Dao M. Nguyen, Laurene Mascola, Elizabeth Bancroft
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2005-04-01
• Series: Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Subjects: disease outbreaks; Methicillin Resistance; Staphylococcus; Football; Hexachlorophene; research
• Online Access: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/11/4/04-1094_article

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.