CA-MRSA. The new sports pathogen

Orthop Nurs. 2007 Sep-Oct;26(5):310-4; quiz 315-6. doi: 10.1097/01.NOR.0000295958.48709.5c.

Abstract

Skin infections in athletes caused by community-associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) have been observed within many cities throughout the United States and within many countries throughout the world (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2003). As the incidence rises in the athletic population, clinicians must learn to identify risk factors for CA-MRSA, diagnosis and treat infections with judicious use of antimicrobial agents and facilitate strategies to limit transmission. Recently, a new consensus guideline for handling CA-MRSA outbreaks in sports has been released by the CDC (Gorwitz et al., 2006). This article includes a review of the evolution of MRSA; distinguishes between healthcare associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA) and CA-MRSA; and reviews the diagnosis, management, and prevention strategies to limit transmission of CA-MRSA.

MeSH terms

  • Education, Continuing
  • Humans
  • Methicillin Resistance*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sports*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / epidemiology*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / prevention & control
  • Staphylococcal Infections / transmission
  • Staphylococcus aureus / pathogenicity*
  • United States / epidemiology