Faculty Sponsor: Eleftherios Mylonakis

In the last decade, community-acquired, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) or flesh eating bacteria has emerged as a serious threat to public health. Staphylococcus aureus is known for intense virulence, antibiotic resistance, and universal presence. Athletes are considered a high-risk population for infection because frequent skin abrasions, sharing of equipment and facilities, and inadequate hygiene practices facilitate MRSA transmission. Yet, even in the face of notable risk, there is a lack of MRSA surveillance and awareness from coaches and athletes at every level. Tori will investigate the prevalence of MRSA colonization among a select group of elite athletes and examine the current prevention and control protocols used by the 2 Olympic Training Centers and National Team sites.