MRSA IN THE HIGH SCHOOL

A hot topic of discussion in the last few years has been the incidence of Community Associated Methicillin-Resitant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA or staph) among athletes.  This has been discussed in various publications such as Sports Illustrated.  I want to address the basics of this condition and present some logical answers, however please understand that this is a serious condition that requires early medical attention and prescription drug interaction.

Staph has been around for decades.  Over the years our society has been given antibiotic medications to treat various illnesses.  I remember going to my pediatrician every time I was sick and getting prescriptions of penicillin or another one of the “cillin’s”.  Penicillin and its immediate relatives amoxicillin and methicillin, are all members of a class of drugs known as Beta-Lactams.  These were once widely prescribed for viral infections and small bacterial infections, both which would clear up on their own without help from medications.  Viruses and bacteria are evolutionary machines that have become more resistant to treatment over time.  It’s important to remember that most viruses such as the one causing the common cold, and some bacterial infections are not treated with medication and are simply allowed to run their course.  We can treat the symptoms of these conditions with over the counter medications, but there is no medicine “cure.”  By taking these prescribed medications, the “bugs” that cause illness have in a sense become “super bugs” or resistant to medications.  This is in no way the fault of physicians or parents.  Medicine evolves in practice, much like everything else.  We become smarter and better the more we practice.  You can’t expect to hit the game winning free throw without spending countless hours practicing in the gym, or without proper instruction.

Now that we’ve discussed how MRSA has evolved, it’s important to understand how it’s transmitted.  Staph is a bacteria commonly found on the skin.  It is transmitted by person to person, skin to skin or skin to object contact.   MRSA can also be transmitted from sharing personal items such as towels, razors, soap, equipment, uniforms or among athletes who practice poor personal hygiene. The few cases I have seen in the high school setting have all been with football players.  All of these athletes had skin abrasions around their knees and the signs manifested at that location.  MRSA can move quickly through a team because of the contact and nature of sports.  Early detection is the key to battling this infection.

The signs of MRSA are sometimes difficult to distinguish from other skin aliments.  It may begin with a small pimple type blemish.  They skin may turn red and be swollen or sensitive.  A larger boil or cluster of pimples may also be present.  The pustules may or may not drain or have discharge.  If left untreated, the staph may leak into the bloodstream and cause more serious infections.  This is particularly dangerous in young athletes whose immune systems aren’t fully developed or in athletes with weaken immune systems from illness.  If you have a rash or some type of skin aliment, make sure you get it checked by your physician.

Once diagnosed by a physician, there are a few treatment options.  A high level antibiotic may be prescribed.  The physician may opt to have the patient admitted to a hospital to have these drugs delivered intravenously.   Your physician may also opt to have the site lanced and drained while at the hospital.  Again, this is a nasty bacterium and may be aggressive once it’s entered the body.

There are many ways to discourage the growth of these bacteria.  The practice of good personal hygiene is where we begin.  Showering after practice and games shouldn’t be optional.  Never share your towels, razors, soap or other personal effects.  Take your practice gear home and wash it on a regular basis.  Bring in antibacterial wipes and clean other practice equipment.  Keep your locker room clean.  Ask your Athletic Director to purchase cleaner for the showers and locker room that kills MRSA.  (Many different types are available.  It will state that it kills MRSA on the label). Always wash your hands or use antibacterial gel when soap and water aren’t available.  Keep all abrasions covered with sterile bandages while practicing or competing.  Washing your bed sheets regularly will also help to keep the bacteria from returning once it begins to clear up.  Most importantly, take care of yourself by eating well, getting restful sleep and seeing your physician if you develop any symptoms.

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