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Sports: The Infectious Hazards
Arezou Minooee1, Jeff Wang1, Geeta K Gupta1
1Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University of California Irvine, CityTower, Orange, CA 92868.
Microbiology Spectrum
|November 7, 2015
Summary
Sports can lead to infectious diseases beyond trauma, including skin, waterborne, and airborne infections. Vaccination and preventing participation while infectious are key strategies for athlete and spectator safety.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- While traumatic injuries are common in sports, infectious hazards also pose risks.
- Blood-borne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis B/C have minimal transmission risk in sports.
- Skin infections, waterborne illnesses, and vaccine-preventable diseases are more prevalent concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the spectrum of infectious hazards associated with sports participation.
- To highlight common and significant infectious risks beyond traumatic injuries.
- To emphasize preventive measures for infectious diseases in sports.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of infectious disease transmission in sporting contexts.
- Categorization of infections based on pathogen type (bacterial, viral, fungal) and transmission route.
- Analysis of risks associated with different types of sports activities, including water contact.
Main Results:
- Skin infections are common, caused by various microbial agents.
- Water contact sports carry risks of enteric, eye, and systemic infections like leptospirosis.
- Vaccine-preventable diseases (mumps, measles, influenza) can spread during sporting events.
Conclusions:
- Infectious disease prevention is crucial in sports.
- Vaccination is a primary preventive strategy.
- Athletes with contagious infections should refrain from participation to prevent spread.
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