Superbugs. It is a common term these days. But what are they?
Since antibiotics were developed, they have been used to treat bacterial infections. But sometimes too much of a good thing can be bad. Over time, bacteria learn how to change themselves so they can avoid the things that will stop them, like the body’s immune system and the antibiotics we use to treat them. At that point, they have become “antibiotic-resistant.”
One of those bacteria is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA was first identified in the 1960s, but has become more widespread in recent years. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deemed MRSA a “serious threat.” The CDC estimates that MRSA is responsible for more than 70,000 life-threatening infections and 9,000 deaths per year in the U.S. alone.
The effects of MRSA
Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to as staph, is actually a common bacteria. Approximately one-third of people have this bacteria on their skin or in their nose at any given time, and for most people this bacteria does not cause any problems. MRSA is unique, however, as it is a type of staph that is resistant to some of the more common antibiotics that we use to treat infections. MRSA can spread into wounds, the bloodstream, bones, lungs, and more. MRSA infections can be serious and even life threatening.
Who is at risk for MRSA?
Anyone can get MRSA, although certain groups are at higher risk of developing colonization, which can lead to an active infection. “Colonization” means the bacteria is in your nose or on your skin, but you have no signs of infection.
Some groups that are at a higher risk of developing MRSA include:
- daycare and school students
- people living in close quarters, such as military personnel in barracks
- patients receiving inpatient medical care, having surgery or with medical devices inserted
- people who inject drugs
One group that has been singled out as having a high rate of MRSA colonization is college athletes.
Researchers at Brown University Health have looked at this previously and found a high rate of MRSA colonization among athletes who had no symptoms. One study showed that 6 percent of asymptomatic athletes were colonized with MRSA.
This colonization prevalence increased to 8 percent among U.S. athletes and reached a remarkable 13 percent among collegiate athletes. The sports with the highest colonization rates among collegiate athletes were wrestling, with 22 percent of athletes, followed by football and basketball, both with 8 percent.
MRSA spreads easily among athletes because they:
- have increased skin-to-skin contact
- may experience frequent cuts and scrapes that, if left uncovered, can become infected
- often train and/or receive medical treatment in crowded spaces, including locker rooms, athletic training rooms, or weight lifting facilities
- are sometimes unable to shower immediately after practices
Although contact sport athletes are more likely to be colonized, non-contact sport athletes are also at risk for infection. This is because it is common for them to share training rooms and athletic facilities with other athletes, including those who are involved in contact sports.
Even in student athletes who do not have any symptoms, the prevalence of MRSA is comparable to that of individuals who have chronic illnesses. In fact, colonization in this population can be twice as high as patients with chronic conditions that require stays in a hospital intensive care unit. When colonization happens, it is associated with a seven-fold increase in the occurrence of MRSA infection.
Preventing the spread of MRSA
Studies have shown that the precautions that prevent the spread of MRSA are often ignored by athletes. But there are basic hygiene habits that can go a long way in preventing the spread of bacteria. Athletes should always be reminded to do the following:
- Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer before and after playing sports and doing activities such as using weight-training equipment, caring for wounds or using the toilet.
- Shower immediately after exercise, and avoid sharing soap, towels and razors.
- Wash uniforms, towels and clothing after each use.
- Wear protective clothing or gear to prevent skin injuries.
- Get prompt care for any wounds and cover wounds with dressing.
The high rate of MRSA colonization among collegiate athletes raises serious concerns that personal hygiene, proper sanitation, and education on prevention of infections are lacking.
Even though these young adults may be at the peak of their athletic prowess, they are still susceptible to MRSA colonization and infections. Steps should be taken to prevent the spread of this superbug. Given these findings, implementing MRSA surveillance, infection control, and decolonization in this group of athletes may also be ways of reducing the spread of MRSA.
For more information, visit the CDC website.
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