Education and debate

ABC of Sports Medicine: Infections in sport

The widening range of sports and the ever increasing number of participants have meant that almost every type of infection may be acquired, directly or indirectly, in the pursuit of sport.

Though few if any of the more traditional sport associated infections, such as septic cuts, athletes foot, herpes gladiatorum, etc, have decreased in their occurrence, some new ones have recently emerged. Herpes has acquired an entirely new importance. There is also considerable concern regarding the possible risks of HIV infection while participating in sport, particularly in combat and contact sports where blood may be spilt.

Increased attention has also been given to viral infections and their effect on athletic performance, and in particular to the debilitating effects of the Epstein-Barr virus (glandular fever) and coxsackievirus B infections, both of which have been associated with the chronic fatigue syndrome. In addition, premature return to active physical activity after influenza . . . [Full text of this article]

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• Jones, S J, Lyons, R A, Evans, R, Newcombe, R G, Nash, P, McCabe, M, Palmer, S R (2004). Effectiveness of rugby headgear in preventing soft tissue injuries to the head: a case-control and video cohort study. Br. J. Sports. Med. 38: 159-162 [Abstract] [Full text]  
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• Sim, F, Sharp, J C M, Hay, K, Monsell, R M (1994). Sports medicine Booster doses are not needed. BMJ 309: 474-474 [Full text]