TRANSMISSION OF BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS DURING SPORTS - RISK AND PREVENTION

Publicity about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in athlet es has focused attention on the potential for transmission of blood-bo rne pathogens during sports and athletic competitions. Existing inform ation suggests that the potential risk for such transmission is extrem ely low and that the principal risks athletes have for acquiring HIV a nd hepatitis B virus are related to off-the-field activities. Therefor e, efforts to prevent transmission of blood-borne pathogens among athl etes should emphasize prevention in off-the-field settings. We summari ze technical and other information about this issue, and provide recom mendations for the education of sports participants, for infection con trol in athletic settings, and for training of coaches and officials.