Attention athletes and “gym rats”: It is time to study the offensive line-up of microbes in the locker room

It “feels like autumn” and the cool temps and shortening days are putting me in the mood for outdoor athletic events.  Loyal spectators watch and enjoy all that competition on the field expecting that consistent practice will contribute to the success of our favorite teams.  But as an infection preventionist, I am aware of the unobservable competition of microbes that takes place in the locker rooms and athletic areas of high schools, colleges and even professional teams.  So, it is time to study their game plan and offensive line-up. There are about a dozen microbes I like to call, “the locker room nanobugs”, that are anticipating a successful “season” this year, also. 

Here’s the usual line-up (in alphabetical order):

athlete’s foot fungus

community-associated MRSA

Herpes gladiatorum

Molluscum contagiosum

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Trichophyton tonsurans (nickname: “ringworm”)

These are the key players.  They represent the microbial categories of bacteria, fungi and viruses. But they often call in some second string players like, Streptococcus pyogenes, Influenza virus, Rhinovirus and even Cryptosporidium. 

Some of these members of the offensive team of pathogenic microbes are already nanobug characters.  Now our design team is working to personify the others. Then I will create a powerpoint training program for coaches, athletes, and school nurses with relevant information for parents and school custodians.

The training of coaches and athletes should include each of the potential offenders (pathogenic microbes) but the critical element of our game plan is the list of “Locker Room Rules.  These rules are helpful to mothers, school custodians and athletic directors who develop all the other rules for athletics.  

1. Wash practice clothing, bags, knee pads and head gear after every practice.
2. Shower immediately after every practice, match or game.
3. Refrain from cosmetic shaving, i.e. chest, arms, legs or pubic regions.
4. Shower with liquid soap from dispensers- not bar soap.  Use your own personal hygiene products -don’t share. Use your own towels.
5. Always shower before using whirlpools
6. All wrestling mats should be cleaned before each practice and before every competition
7. Consider multiple cleanings during tournament play
8. Refrain from walking across mats with street shoes
9. Consider cleaning wrestling shoes before accessing the mat 
10. Wear clothing to cover arms and legs.  Consider leggings as part of uniform for competition to reduce skin exposure
11. Perform skin checks every day and before all meets or games

This entry was posted on September 11th, 2008 at 12:00 am. RSS | Back to Blog Homepage.

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