USPSTF advises HBV screening for US groups at high risk of infection

摘要

Individuals at high risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection should be screened for such infection, according to a draft recommendation statement from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). HBV screening could identify individuals with chronic infection who may benefit from antiviral treatment or other interventions, such as surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma.The USPSTF's proposal, issued February 11 and made available for public comment until March 10, applies to individuals at high risk for HBV infection; asymptomatic, nonpregnant adolescents; and adults who have not been vac-cinated against HBV infection (http: //tinyurl.com/86anrq2). The USPSTF said this advice merits a B recommendation, meaning that based on available evidence, it had moderate certainty that screening individuals at high risk for HBV infection has "moderate net benefit,"