Final answer:
The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is most commonly transmitted through IV drug use. HCV is linked to parenteral transmission and chronic carriage, with effective treatments available but no preventive vaccine.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hepatitis virus that is most commonly transmitted via IV drug use is Hepatitis C virus (HCV). This virus is primarily associated with parenteral transmission, particularly through contact with infected blood. IV drug users are at a significantly higher risk due to the sharing of needles, which can facilitate the direct blood-to-blood transmission of HCV. Chronic HCV infection can become serious, with 75%-85% of infected individuals becoming chronic carriers.
Advancements in medical treatment for HCV have been significant, with new medications tailored to the virus showing great effectiveness. However, there is still no vaccine available for HCV, unlike hepatitis A and hepatitis B, for which vaccinations can prevent infection.