Introduction
Staphylococcus
aureus is a bacterium that
is a common inhabitant of
human skin and can cause
various types of skin or
soft tissue infections (Marples,
et al, 1990). S. aureus
has also been implicated
in certain types of food
poisoning (Bennet and Lancette,
1998) and in serious medical
problems such as toxic shock
syndrome. Strains of S.
aureus that are resistant
to common antibiotics are
becoming more common, particularly
in medical settings. There
have been reports recently
of methicillin-resistant
S. aureus causing infection
in athletes (Begier, et
al, 2004). With the increase
in athlete infections, there
is growing concern regarding
the role of infilled turf
systems (Seppa, 2005). While
there is some indication
that the source of these
bacteria may be more closely
associated with locker room
activity than with the infill
system (Begier, et al, 2004;
Kazakova, et al, 2005),
conclusive evidence is not
currently available.
The objective
of this survey was to determine
the microbial population
of several infilled synthetic
turf systems as well as
natural turfgrass fields.
In addition, other surfaces
from public areas and from
an athletic training facility
were also sampled. Colonies
suspected to be S. aureus
were positively or negatively
identified.
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Main Infill Study 
