Chapters authored
Role of Nasal Staphylococcus aureus Carriage in Transmission Among Contact Athletes
This chapter focuses on Staphylococcus aureus (SA) infections in athletes. Previous SA infection studies performed starting in the 1980s examined close physical contact athletes, with a focus primarily on injured skin. However, more recent studies of skin SA transmission in athletes were conducted using molecular epidemiology. When participants in sports having a greater duration of competition were examined, results indicated that there was prolonged contact between athletes on the same team and athletes from other teams. These findings demonstrate that effective measures for preventing SA infections are urgently needed. Factors that can affect skin SA infections include high rates of SA nasal colonization, the type of “position on a team,” repeated skin-to-skin contact, and perspiration that occurs during exercise in SA nasal carriers. Thus, it should be possible to utilize molecular typing methods to assess skin-to-skin contact in athletes. This study summarizes the current understanding of SA infections in athletes. In order to develop preventive strategies, it will be necessary to further elucidate the predisposing factors and mechanisms behind SA infections and the subsequent transmission in athletes.
Part of the book: Frontiers in Staphylococcus aureus
Physical Activity and Vaccine Response
Over the past decade, numerous research studies have shown that the immune system’s capacity for creating antibodies after getting vaccinated is better in those who exercise are physically active. Authoritative studies show that exercise is an important ally of the vaccine, amplifying its effectiveness. The immune response to vaccines is usually lower in the elderly population. Several strategies have been used to help overcome this problem. Recently, studies in humans and animals have shown that exercise increases antigen-specific blood antibody levels following vaccination. Exercise has been considered as an effective way to improve vaccine response in the elderly population. In this chapter, we will discuss the effect of exercise on vaccine response. This study summarizes the current understanding of exercise and antibody production. In order to develop intervention strategies, it will be necessary to further elucidate the predisposing factors and mechanisms behind exercise induce antibody response.
Part of the book: Exercise Physiology