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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Multiclonal outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections on a collegiate football team

A J Hall1, D Bixler, L E Haddy

  • 1Epidemic Intelligence Service, Office of Workforce and Career Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA. ajhall@cdc.gov

Epidemiology and Infection
|April 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

An outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infected a college football team. High-contact positions and shared equipment increased infection risk, but education and hygiene policies controlled the spread.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreaks pose significant risks in close-contact settings.
  • Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are common manifestations of MRSA.
  • College athletic teams are vulnerable populations due to shared facilities and physical contact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiology of an MRSA SSTI outbreak in a college football team.
  • To identify risk factors associated with MRSA transmission within the team.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of control measures implemented.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort investigation involving interviews with 88% of the team roster.
  • Culture confirmation of suspected MRSA cases.
  • Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for strain typing of MRSA isolates.
  • Risk factor analysis including playing position, skin trauma, and equipment use.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-five MRSA SSTI cases were identified among 109 players.
  • PFGE identified two distinct MRSA strains linked to the outbreak.
  • High-risk positions included offensive linemen, defensive linemen, and tight ends (RR 5.1).
  • Additional risk factors: recent skin trauma (RR 1.9), hydrocollator pack use (RR 2.5), and training equipment use (RR 2.1).

Conclusions:

  • The outbreak was associated with specific playing positions and shared equipment.
  • Improved hygiene and infection control practices were crucial for outbreak control.
  • Targeted interventions can effectively manage MRSA outbreaks in athletic teams.

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