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The Types of Bacteria Exposed on Athletic Equipment

The typical sports locker room possesses a warm, humid environment in which bacteria flourish. Damp towels and sweaty sports equipment provide an ideal medium for several types of harmful bacteria. Players who wear the equipment may suffer infection themselves and pass the germs to other players who happen to brush against the exposed areas of the infected equipment. The risk of disease transmission increases in such contact sports as wrestling and football.

  1. Staphylococcus Aureus.

    • Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that causes both skin and respiratory infections. Several strains exist, some of which are more resistant to antibiotics than others. When a strain developed resistance to penicillin in the middle of the twentieth century, a new antibiotic called methicillin proved effective against staph infections for a while. But then a new strain developed resistance to methicillin. It was called Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Staphylococcus aureus can incubate on moist sports equipment and spread by contact, according to the California Department of Public Health. The resultant skin infections can be minor or serious.

    Group A Streptococcus

    • The bacterium streptococcus consists of spherical bodies joined together to form a sort of chain. Different kinds of streptococci exist, and the type that infects athletic clothing is called group A streptococcus or GAS. GAS causes a skin infection called erisypelas and streptococcal impetigo, according to "Exercise and Sport Science." Impetigo manifests itself in blisters that ooze pus. Good hygiene is the most effective preventative measure, and antibiotics provide relief, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The same bacteria cause strep throat.

    Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

    • An unusual bacterium called Pseudomonas aeruginosa imparts a green pigment to the skin. It especially infects the toenails and the feet in general. Athletes risk contracting this infection if a culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa grows in their shoes. Wet bathing suits can also lead to Pseudomonas infections, according to Emergency Medicine. Different species of Pseudomonas can also cause folliculitis, a condition in which hair follicles become red and fester with matter. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus can also cause folliculitis, according to Clinical Review.

    Other Bacteria

    • Other bacteria may be present on athletic equipment, and some will cause sickness if they gain entrance to the body. Salmonella choleraesuis, the common agent of food poisoning may infect sports equipment. But cleanliness will prevent sickness from occurring, according to MaryAnn Custer of Miramar College. Other bacteria contaminate athletic equipment in the form or hardy spores that are difficult to kill. The spores of Bacillus and Clostridium are good examples.

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