Recurring methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in a football team.
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.
Nguyen
Dao M
DM
Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California 90012, USA. daonguyen@ladhs.org
Mascola
Laurene
L
Brancoft
Elizabeth
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002353:Carrier State; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005538:Football; D006582:Hexachlorophene / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000382:microbiology; D012008:Recurrence; D013207:Staphylococcal Skin Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects*
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D006582:Hexachlorophene