One-Year Surveillance of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonization and Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in Collegiate Athletes

Abstract

During the athletic season, there is a considerable burden of MRSA colonization in student athletes; however, colonization alone appears to be insufficient to trigger an outbreak of staphylococcal infections. A combination of distinct molecular characteristics in the organism and specific host factors may govern the development of staphylococcal disease.