Who does the USPSTF recommend should undergo one-time screening for hepatitis C virus infection?

The recommendation for one-time screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection focuses on the specific cohort of adults born between 1945 and 1965. This birth cohort is identified as having a higher prevalence of hepatitis C compared to other populations. The USPSTF recognizes that many individuals within this age range may have been exposed to the virus in ways that were not well understood or well-screened for in the past, particularly during the era when blood transfusions and organ transplants were not as rigorously tested for HCV.

The inclusion criteria for this recommendation are based on epidemiological data showing that the majority of people with chronic HCV infection are from this generation. By screening this specific group, the USPSTF aims to identify individuals who may benefit from early diagnosis and treatment, thereby potentially preventing severe liver disease and complications related to chronic hepatitis C infection.

In contrast, while a family history of liver disease or a history of drug use are risk factors for HCV infection, they are not the sole criteria for blanket screening recommendations. Not all adults over the age of 65 are necessarily at elevated risk, and general screening for all adults in this age category may not be as effective or targeted as focusing on the defined birth cohort.