Infectious Disease and Boxing

Abstract

There are no unique boxing diseases but certain factors contributing to the spread of illnesses apply strongly to the boxer, coach, and the training facility. This article examines the nature of the sport of boxing and its surrounding environment, and the likelihood of spread of infection through airborne, contact, or blood-borne routes of transmission. Evidence from other sports such as running, wrestling, and martial arts is included to help elucidate the pathophysiologic elements that could be identified in boxers.

Healthcare Scientists in Primary Care: Is Now the Right Time for Healthcare Scientists in Primary Care-A Systematic Review

“…The most vulnerable seem to be sports teachers, whose exposure time is the longest, several hours a day. However, more serious adverse health effects may arise when students become professional athletes [27][28][29].…”

Infectious Disease in Athletes

“…Other infectious causes include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes-simplex virus (HSV), group A beta hemolytic streptococci (GABS), and rarely, mycoplasma and gonococcus (23). Symptoms include sore throat, pain with swallowing, fever, and URTI symptoms.…”

“…Viral pharyngitis signs include pink-red tonsils and nasal congestion but usually no fever. GABS pharyngitis, 5% to 15% of cases, demonstrates bright red, swollen tonsils with white exudates and cervical adenopathy in the absence of URTI symptoms (23). Abdominal pain and headache may be present.…”

Infectious Disease in Sports

“…The rash is characteristic of an erythematous lesion with central clearing. Diagnosis is based on history and physical with ELISA and Western blot and is treated with antibiotics (1,2,9).…”

“…Constitutional symptoms include fatigue and fever. Treatment consists of antibiotics and return to play for mild infections can be seen 48 to 72 h after systemic antibiotics have been started (8,9).…”