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By Joe Elia
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for hepatitis B virus in people at high risk.
In draft recommendations, the USPSTF says four groups should be screened:
People born in regions with a high prevalence of HBV infection (Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the eastern and northern countries in South America)
U.S.-born children of parents born in the above regions
HIV-positive people, users of injection drugs, and men who have sex with men
Patients with a weakened immune system or undergoing hemodialysis
The task force is inviting comment on the recommendations until March 11.
Comment
LINK(S):
USPSTF website (Free)
Background: NEJM Journal Watch summary on hepatitis B in the U.S. (Your NEJM Journal Watch registration required)