Prevention of hepatitis B virus in athletic training.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is highly communicable and is the leading cause of acute and chronic liver disease worldwide. In recognition that 10,000 to 15,000 health care workers are becoming infected with HBV annually, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration has instituted strict regulations and guidelines concerning the handling of blood-borne pathogens. Due to the exposure to blood-borne pathogens and potentially infectious materials, athletic training is an allied health care profession that has an increased risk of exposure to HBV. Therefore, it is essential that athletic trainers employ extensive preventive strategies to decrease the exposure to this health-and life-threatening infection.