Best Practice Case Studies-Infectious Disease in Contact Sports

Pdf Summary

This review focuses on managing and regulating infectious diseases in contact sport athletes, particularly wrestlers, due to the high prevalence of skin and soft tissue infections among them. Nearly 20% of wrestlers lose practice or competition time annually because of these infections, which also extend to other contact sports. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS) provide treatment guidelines before athletes can return to wrestling. These guidelines, however, may vary across regions. Apart from bacterial infections like those caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, other infections include herpes simplex virus (herpes gladiatorum), molluscum contagiosum, warts, tinea, scabies, lice, conjunctivitis, and vaccine-preventable illnesses. Though rarer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C also pose serious risks.<br /><br />The diagnosis of infections is crucial for preventing spread and ensuring athletes can minimize competition downtime. In the case of bacterial skin infections, both systemic and topical treatments are advisable, with recommendations adapted to local resistance patterns. Herpes gladiatorum is significant among wrestlers, transmitted largely through skin-to-skin contact, with outbreaks occurring frequently. Preventive use of antiviral medication like valacyclovir is effective in reducing herpetic outbreaks.<br /><br />Fungal infections such as tinea corporis gladiatorum (ringworm) primarily spread through contact and require careful management to balance infection control and athlete participation. The review advocates daily skin checks and proper hygiene to curb infections.<br /><br />Some infections, like conjunctivitis, can be controlled with appropriate antibiotic treatment. The transmission of blood-borne pathogens such as HIV is exceedingly rare in sports but still demands adherence to precautionary measures.<br /><br />Overall, monitoring, early diagnosis, and individualized treatments are vital in managing infections among contact sport athletes.

Meta Tag

Edition 3rd Edition

Related Case 3rd Edition, CASE 27

Topic Infectious Disease

Keywords

3rd Edition, CASE 27

3rd Edition

Infectious Disease

infectious diseases

contact sports

wrestlers

skin infections

NCAA guidelines

herpes gladiatorum

tinea corporis

antiviral medication

HIV risk

infection control