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Updated: Feb 6, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Community-associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection Rates and Management among
1Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID.
Purpose:
Although community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections have reduced among inpatient populations, the incidence in athletics continues to range greatly dependent on the sport. Over the 2015 to 2016 and 2016 to 2017 school years, we assessed the annual CA-MRSA incidence, sport risk, referral practices, and management protocols or interventions among high school and intercollegiate athletics.
Methods:
This study targeted high school and intercollegiate athletic programs across the United States. For the 2015 to 2016 study, 269 athletic trainers completed a one-time questionnaire. In the 2016 to 2017 study, 217 athletic trainers reported data bimonthly during the academic year. Each questionnaire targeted demographic information, physician-confirmed CA-MRSA infection occurrence, and management of CA-MRSA infections and bacterial skin lesions.
Results:
The CA-MRSA infection incidence was 26.8 per 10,000 athletes (95% confidence interval [CI], 24-30) in 2015-2016 and 20.3 per 10,000 athletes (95% CI, 18-23) in 2016-2017. The CA-MRSA infection incidence was high in wrestling and football compared to the general student-athlete population. During the 2015 to 2016 study, the wrestling incidence rate was 248.3 per 10,000 (95% CI, 204-302); the football incidence rate was 71.0 per 10,000 (95% CI, 60-85). In the 2016 to 2017 study, the wrestling incidence rate was 100.0 per 10,000 (95% CI, 66-151); the football incidence rate was 81.8 per 10,000 (95% CI, 68-99). At least 23% of respondents denoted at least one physician-confirmed CA-MRSA infection within their populations (2015-2016, 39%, n = 105; 2016-2017, 23.5%, n = 51). In the 2015 to 2016 survey, respondents indicated that athlete education and environmental decontamination were the most used management steps (51.8%, n = 582).
Conclusions:
Despite increased awareness of CA-MRSA, more educational efforts focusing on best practices and education are needed, especially with athletes and the medical community involved in their care.
Insights
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections remain a concern in sports, particularly wrestling and football. Enhanced education and management strategies are crucial for athletes and healthcare providers to combat these infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections have decreased in hospitals but persist in athletic populations.
- Incidence varies significantly by sport, necessitating targeted surveillance and intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the annual CA-MRSA incidence in high school and intercollegiate athletics.
- To identify high-risk sports, referral practices, and management protocols for CA-MRSA infections.
Main Methods:
- Two-year study (2015-2017) involving athletic trainers from US high school and intercollegiate athletic programs.
- Data collected via one-time and bimonthly questionnaires on CA-MRSA occurrence, demographics, and management.
Main Results:
- CA-MRSA incidence was 26.8/10,000 athletes in 2015-2016 and 20.3/10,000 in 2016-2017.
- Wrestling and football showed significantly higher CA-MRSA rates compared to the general athlete population.
- At least 23% of programs reported physician-confirmed CA-MRSA infections; athlete education and environmental decontamination were common management strategies.
Conclusions:
- Increased awareness of CA-MRSA is noted, yet further educational efforts are required.
- Targeted education for athletes and medical professionals on best practices is essential.
- Improved management protocols are needed to mitigate CA-MRSA transmission in athletic settings.
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