Disease Transmission Classifications of Diseases Bacterial Staphylococcus MRSA

Disease Transmission

Classifications of Diseases �Bacterial – �Staphylococcus � MRSA �Streptococcus �Viral – �Herpes Simplex �Warts �Fungus – �Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis) �Ringworm

Bacterial Infections

Staphylococcus/Streptococcus �Definition of Staphylococcus: � Genus of gram-positive bacteria normally present on the skin and in the upper respiratory tract and prevalent in localized infections. �Definition of Streptococcus: � Genus of gram-positive bacteria found in the throat, respiratory tract, and intestinal tract. �As a group, these types of bacteria that can cause a multitude of infections. �Staph and strep bacteria can cause: � Folliculitis � Boils � Cellulitis � Impetigo

What to look for. �Signs and Symptoms �Redness �Swelling �Pus �Streaks �Warmth �Pustules �Muscle Pain �Fever (Seek immediate medical attention for any skin reaction that is coupled with a fever. )

Types �Folliculitis – infection of hair follicle

Types �Boils – infection of hair follicle that usually results in pustule formation that becomes enlarged, reddened, and hard from internal pressure.

Types �Cellulites – a spreading bacterial infection of the skin and tissues beneath the skin.

Types �Impetigo - begins as tiny blisters that eventually burst to reveal small wet patches of red skin that may weep fluid. � May form a honey-colored crust. � Extremely contagious skin infection!!!

Bacterial Infections �Treatment �Consult Physician � Antibiotics (oral / topical) �Don’t squeeze � Squeezing forces infection into adjacent tissues � Will spread infection �Warm Compress �Keep area clean �Cover area when in contact with others

MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) �MRSA is a strain of the common Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria that has mutated and become unable to be killed by commonly used antibiotics. � Previously it was found almost exclusively in hospitals, but now is a rapidly growing problem in athletics. � It is estimated that Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are carried by 30 -50% of the population. � It is very easily passed from one person to another. � This is especially troublesome in contact sports and school playgrounds.

MRSA �MRSA will present as any other bacterial skin infection. �Only physician testing can diagnose MRSA from other staph infections. �Because penicillin type antibiotics cannot treat MRSA, it must be treated properly and promptly or it can become life threatening!!! �PREVENTION IS THE KEY!

Viral Infections

Herpes simplex �Strain of virus that is associated with skin and mucous membrane infection. �Easily transmitted directly through a lesion in the skin � Type 1 – affects body (ex. Cold sore) � Type 2 – affects genitals � Herpes Zoster – Chicken Pox �Highly contagious �Herpes virus can not be cured �Once infected the virus remains dormant in body between outbreaks. � Virus can be transmitted in dormant stage �Treatment – Antiviral drugs (OTC or Rx)

Common Wart (Verruca vulgaris) � Common on hands or fingers � Warts appear small, round, and elevated with rough dry surfaces � Not highly contagious � Treatment – � OTC meds or by a physician

Plantar Warts �Commonly found on the sole of the foot �Generally uncomfortable and point tender �Appear like cluster of small black seeds �Treatment – � See a physician � Pad the area around the wart to allow for comfort during activity

Fungal Infections

Athlete’s Foot �Common form of superficial fungal infection �Characterized by itchy, dry, scaling infection of the sole of the foot �Treatment – �Topical antifungal meds �Maintain good foot hygiene

Tinea Cruris �Located in the groin area �Commonly called “Jock Itch” �Itchy red-brown scaling plaque on the skin in a outline of a butterfly shape around the groin �Treatment – �OTC or Rx ointments or topical creams �Avoid using hydrocortisone �Keep area clean and dry �Wear loose fitting clothing when infection is present

Tinea Unguim/Onychomycosis �Fungal infection of the toe or finger nail �Common with water sports or chronic athlete’s foot �Nail becomes thickened, brittle, and separated from its bed �Treatment – � See physician for antifungal cream or removal of nail

Ringworm �Highly contagious especially during close contact �Presents an itchy, redbrown, scaling, annular (“ring-shaped”) infection �Treatment – � Topical antifungal cream

PREVENTION

Who is at risk? �Anyone who is in physical contact with other people on a regular basis �Athletic facilities provide the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, as they are warm and humid. �Athletes also become more susceptible as their immune system temporarily lowers after a hard workout.

Prevention �Personal hygiene is key in the prevention �Thoroughly wash any open wound with soap and water, no matter how minor it appears. �Wash hands frequently -- especially before touching any wound. �Shower/change clothing after practice/games. �Keep open wounds covered.

Prevention �Avoid sharing towels, razors, combs, soap, and items that touch skin. �Avoid sharing equipment. �Regularly wash/clean uniforms AND equipment �Have antibacterial cleaners available on sidelines/dugouts/etc.

Proper Hand Washing �Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. � Use warm water if it is available. �Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces. �Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing "Happy Birthday" twice through to a friend! �Rinse hands well under running water �Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer.

Hand washing alternatives �Soap and Water is always preferred. �Alcohol-based hand sanitizer – �Apply product to the palm of one hand rub together until hands and fingers are dry.

For Additional Information… �Belmont University MRSA prevention Policy �Contact Belmont University Athletic Training Room � 615 -460 -5585

References �Prentice, W E. Arnheim’s principles of Athletic Training: A Competency-Based Approach. 12 th edition. Mc. Graw-Hill Inc. New York, NY. 2006

Pictures � Folliculitis � www. revolutionhealth. com � www. visualdxhealth. com � Boils � Medicine. Net, Inc. � health-speak. blogspot. com � Cellulites � www. medhelp. org � commons. wikimedia. org � Impetigo � www. impetigodoctor. com � www. visualdxhealth. com � Warts � Medicine. Net, Inc. � www. nlm. nih. gov � Athlete’s Foot � markhamfootclinic. com � Nail � www. answers. com � www. nlm. nih. gov � Ringworm � www. askdrsears. com � www. nlm. nih. gov