Three Common Skin Infections in a Student Athlete and a Subsequent Outbreak of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Skin Infections in a Single Gym: a Case Report

Abstract

Individuals with frequent physical contact, such as wrestlers, are at an increased risk of developing infectious diseases, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Herein, we report the case of a student wrestler who developed three common skin infections and a subsequent outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin infections in a single gym. A 14-year-old male presented with a 2-week history of an edematous, painful skin lesion on the left outer ear. He responded poorly to empirical antimicrobial therapy. Examination revealed multiple crusts and oozing on the left ear helix. A solitary, erythematous firm nodule was also observed on the left posterior neck. Bacterial culture confirmed MRSA resistance to clindamycin and tetracycline. Further assessment confirmed the diagnosis of herpes labialis and tinea faciei. Within 3 weeks, six additional cases of MRSA skin infections were reported, all linked to the same wrestling gym. Most patients were effectively treated with oral cephalosporins combined with topical fluoroquinolones and occlusive dressing.