MRSA as a health concern in athletic facilities.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a group of bacteria resistant to antibiotic treatment. Open abrasions, therapeutic whirlpools, treatment tables, locker rooms (LR), and athletic equipment are identified as potential areas of transmission in athletic training rooms (ATR) and LR facilities. To determine the prevalence of MRSA and to identify control measures in ATR and LR, the authors collected samples from nine surfaces at seven high schools over a four-month period. Initial analyses considered both suspected colonies and confirmed MRSA colonies with analyses of variance revealing significant differences of suspected colonies based on regular cleaning product and facility surface. Further results, however, focused on MRSA colonies as the primary variable, rather than suspected colonies. Results indicate a need for more effective cleaning products and schedules in LRs.