Infectious Disease in Contact Sports

Overview

Journal Sports Health

Publisher Sage Publications

Specialty Orthopedics

Date 2018 Aug 15

PMID 30106670

Citations 13

Authors

Andrew R Peterson

Emma Nash

B J Anderson

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Context:: Infections are common in contact sports. This review aims to describe the epidemiology, presenting signs and symptoms, treatment guidelines, and regulations for several common infections seen in contact sport athletes. The conditions discussed include bacterial skin infections, herpes simplex virus, molluscum contagiosum, common warts, tinea, scabies, head lice, conjunctivitis, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, and vaccine-preventable illnesses.

Evidence Acquisition:: Searches were performed across PubMed and MEDLINE research databases. In addition, general internet search engine results and reviews of reference lists of relevant papers were used to identify additional sources of evidence.

Study Design:: Clinical review.

Level Of Evidence:: Level 4.

Results:: The most common infections seen in contact sport athletes include bacterial skin infections, herpes simplex virus, molluscum contagiosum, common warts, tinea, scabies, head lice, conjunctivitis, and vaccine-preventable illnesses. Other infections, including human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C, are uncommon but potentially life threatening.

Conclusion:: Infections are common in contact sport athletes. The provider who cares for these athletes should be aware of the most common infections and their appropriate management. Early diagnosis and appropriate clinical management are important for treating the infected athlete, minimizing risk of transmission, minimizing time lost from competition, and preventing large outbreaks.

Citing Articles

Possible viral agents to consider in the differential diagnosis of blepharoconjunctivitis.

Musa M, Bale B, Suleman A, Aluyi-Osa G, Chukwuyem E, DEsposito F World J Virol. 2024; 13(4):97867.

PMID: 39722756 PMC: 11551683. DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v13.i4.97867.

Primary Care Considerations for the Adolescent Wrestler.

Schultz C, McGinley J, Clark V, Hawkins N, Radel L, Jones J Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2024; 17(10):422-433.

PMID: 39085676 PMC: 11371977. DOI: 10.1007/s12178-024-09920-z.

Cross-sectional study on exercise-related skin complaints among sports students at two German universities.

Drewitz K, Hasenpusch C, Kreuzpointner F, Schwirtz A, Klenk A, Apfelbacher C Sci Rep. 2024; 14(1):11829.

PMID: 38783013 PMC: 11116371. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62357-9.

Case Series of Infestation in Non-Perineal Regions.

Nie J, Shen X, Li Y, Wang W Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023; 16:2277-2281.

PMID: 37635737 PMC: 10460172. DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S422318.

Open-Label Observational Study of a Topical Formulation of Calcium Spirulan Contained in a Defined Extract of the Microalga in the Treatment of Children with Molluscum Contagiosum.

Jungclaus K, Mascarenhas R, Tellechea O, Reich J, Reich K Dermatol Res Pract. 2023; 2023:8871299.

PMID: 37564134 PMC: 10412400. DOI: 10.1155/2023/8871299.

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