Infectious disease outbreaks in competitive sports, 2005-2010.
BACKGROUND
Old, evolving, and new infectious agents continually threaten the participation of competitors in sports.


OBJECTIVE
To provide an update of the medical literature on infectious disease outbreaks in sport for the last 5 years (May 2005-November 2010).


METHODS
A total of 21 outbreaks or clusters were identified.


RESULTS
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (n = 7, 33%; mainly community acquired) and tinea (trichophytosis: n = 6, 29%) were the most common pathogens responsible for outbreaks. Skin and soft tissue was the most common site of infection (n = 15, 71%).


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of outbreaks reported occurred in close-contact sports, mainly combat sports (ie, wrestling, judo) and American football. Twelve outbreaks (57%) involved high school or collegiate competitors. Common community outbreak pathogens, such as influenza virus and norovirus, have received little attention.
Central Pathology Laboratory, Trinity College Dublin, St. James's Dublin, 8, Ireland. collinc6@tcd.ie
Cathal James
CJ
Collins
Brian
B
O'Connell
D056352:Athletes; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology; D012874:Skin Diseases, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018461:Soft Tissue Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013177:Sports; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D013207:Staphylococcal Skin Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D014005:Tinea / Q000453:epidemiology; D014249:Trichophyton