Merrill Field linked to MRSA infections

Merrill Field has been connected to MRSA infections among university athletes.

MRSA, or Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, is a severe antibiotic-resistant version of the more common staph infection. Caused by a bacteria, it is characterized by skin lesions that resemble boils or abscesses and is spread by skin-to-skin contact and contact with contaminated equipment.

Merrill Field, like any inanimate object, can become a repository for the bacteria, but it must first be contaminated.

"The infectious agent -- MRSA in this case -- just doesn't spontaneously appear," associate professor of biology Jean Cardinale said. "The most logical source of contamination is the players themselves. There are a tremendous amount of body fluids that end up on a turf."

Cardinale also explained that the normal human body contains a number of harmless bacteria, including some strains of Staphylococcus. When these bacteria are in their normal location, the host body suffers no symptoms. Societal overuse of antibiotics has caused some people to be carriers of MRSA instead of the typical Staphylococcus. Again, the host suffers no symptoms unless the Staphylococcus or MRSA moves into a location that it does not belong, such as a turf burn. The body then tries to force the bacteria out, creating the abscesses. At this point, however, the carrier's bacteria has also been released onto the turf itself (either through turf burn or through another wound that has released bodily fluid).

With some bacteria and viruses are killed by any significant amount of time outside of a human body. This out-of-body life, known as viability, is short for certain bacteria and longer for others. Research published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine has revealed that MRSA has a longer viability. A study performed by a professor of biology at the University of Central Missouri found that cotton towels, like those many athletes use, can retain substantial quantities of MRSA after 48 hours of initial exposure to a source. While the overall quantity did decrease in that two-day period, enough remained to infect someone else.

Another study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, has found that artificial turf increases the risk of MRSA infections. In their sample group, those that contracted MRSA did so only through skin abrasions known as turf burns rather than through other wounds received while playing. Teams that play on natural grass do not receive turf burns and have a much lower rate of contracting MRSA.

Athletic Trainer Jim Moretti explained in an email to the Fiat Lux that these turf burns are a "natural consequence" of playing any contact sport.

Athletic Trainer Andrea Wilkinson stated that the number of cases per year at the university ranges from 0 to 3. Moretti stated that, "We have students who test positive for MRSA every once in a while; the numbers aren’t linked to the age of the field, although that seems to be a common misconception. We have been fortunate enough to have manageable cases."

"Manageable" could be oversimplifying the problem; MRSA infections can be lethal and are very difficult to treat. The particular strain these athletes are contracting is known as community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) and while using some stronger antibiotics can be effective, there are cases that are not so easily handled. Furthermore, the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that repeat occurrences in the same athletes are not uncommon.

Moretti has also stressed that people should not "characterize MRSA management as a 'situation,' which seems to imply an acute problem that doesn't exist." Similarly, Wilkinson said, "It is important to note that AU is not unique in having MRSA occurrences; unfortunately MRSA is a skin infection that many athletic teams will encounter. MRSA is also not unique to the collegiate setting; it occurs in professional sports as well where the resources and equipment are unlimited."

The Athletic Department has set rigorous hygiene standards to minimize potential cases, which experts agree is the best defense tactic. Continued cleaning of equipment and facilities, forbidding sharing of equipment and requiring all wounds to be covered has undoubtedly prevented a number of athletes from getting the infection.

Despite all of this, statements from athletes who wished to remain anonymous indicated that the infections have been an issue for longer than a four-year period and are something to be concerned about.

Several alumni who played contact sports admitted under conditions of anonymity that a post-game tradition may also be a source of MRSA cases. This tradition consists of several players urinating on the 50-yard line of Merrill Field after consuming alcohol. Urine, like blood and pus, is another contaminant that could carry MRSA. Upon further questioning, the alumni said they were unsure if the tradition still exists or how many players participate, but knew that it had happened multiple times during their four years at Alfred and would be surprised if it was not ongoing.

President Edmondson has requested that the aging artificial turf and bleachers be replaced. He is scheduled to present a plan in May to the Board of Trustees regarding options to finance this project.

However, replacing the astroturf could have no effect on eliminating MRSA because turf burns are still an inevitable effect of use. Wilkinson confirmed as much via email to the Fiat Lux: "I don’t believe that you can place full blame on AU’s turf for MRSA occurrences. Our turf causes a large amount of turf burns because of the hard surface, however turf burn will still occur on new turf. The key is that when a wound occurs, it needs to be cleaned and covered until it is fully healed. Even new turf cannot protect an athlete from MRSA. The bottom line lies in the responsibility of each individual to utilize proper hygiene and wound care."