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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Colonization With Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Risk for Infection Among Asymptomatic Athletes: A
Styliani Karanika1, Tori Kinamon1, Christos Grigoras1
1Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence.
Background:
Athletes are a vulnerable population for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Our aim was to determine MRSA colonization in asymptomatic athletes and estimate the risk for subsequent MRSA infection.
Methods:
We searched the PubMed and EMBASE (through 29 October 2015) for studies on MRSA colonization among asymptomatic athletes.
Results:
The pooled prevalence of MRSA colonization among athletes was 6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1,13), and it was higher in the United States (8%; 95% CI, 2,17). USA300 was the most common strain detected (22%), and 62% and 36% of isolates were resistant to clindamycin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, respectively. The prevalence of MRSA colonization among collegiate athletes reached 13% (95% CI, 4,25). Sports with the highest prevalence among collegiate athletes were wrestling (22%; 95% CI, 0,85), football (8%; 95% CI, 3,15) and basketball (8%; 95% CI, 0,28). The risk for MRSA skin and soft tissue infection within 3 months after documented colonization among MRSA-colonized athletes was significantly higher than for noncolonized athletes (relative risk = 7.37, 95% CI, [2.47,21.94]). Decolonization treatment among colonized athletes decreased significantly the risk for infection (relative risk reduction = 0.33; 95% CI, .03,4.28).
Conclusions:
The prevalence of MRSA colonization among asymptomatic athletes is comparable to that among individuals with chronic illness, it is higher among collegiate athletes and can be twice that for patients in intensive care units. Importantly, colonization is associated with a >7-fold increase in the incidence of subsequent MRSA infection. Infection control and decontamination protocols for this population need to be studied and implemented with urgency.
Insights
Asymptomatic athletes have a 6% prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization, increasing their risk for infection. Prompt decolonization can significantly reduce this risk.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Athletes are identified as a high-risk group for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.
- Understanding MRSA colonization prevalence and associated infection risks in athletes is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MRSA colonization in asymptomatic athletes.
- To estimate the risk of subsequent MRSA infection among colonized athletes.
- To evaluate the impact of decolonization on infection risk.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and EMBASE up to October 29, 2015.
- Studies focusing on MRSA colonization in asymptomatic athletes were included.
- Meta-analysis techniques were used to pool prevalence and risk estimates.
Main Results:
- The pooled prevalence of MRSA colonization in athletes was 6%, with higher rates in the United States (8%) and among collegiate athletes (13%).
- Wrestling, football, and basketball showed the highest colonization prevalence in collegiate athletes.
- MRSA colonization significantly increased the risk of skin and soft tissue infections (RR=7.37), while decolonization reduced this risk.
Conclusions:
- MRSA colonization rates in athletes are comparable to those with chronic illnesses and higher than in ICU patients.
- Colonization poses a substantial risk (>7-fold increase) for subsequent MRSA infections in athletes.
- Urgent implementation and study of infection control and decontamination protocols for athletes are recommended.
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