Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Within Spring Arbor University Fall Athletes

Abstract

Spring Arbor University fall athletes were tested for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriage by culturing nasal swabs shortly after their arrival on campus. Should an athlete test positive, they were contacted and recommended to receive treatment provided at the Holton Health Center on the Spring Arbor University campus. The athletes were again tested in the middle and towards the end of their seasons, and the results compared to the first tests. Data comparison of these three testing periods will help us better understand how these bacteria are transmitted between athletes and how preventative measures can be implemented to reduce transmission.