Final answer:
The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common bloodborne pathogen in the US today, known for its potential to cause chronic infection and significant liver damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common bloodborne pathogen in the US today is the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). This is not to be confused with Hepatitis B (HBV) or Hepatitis A (HAV). Unlike HAV, which is primarily transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water, and HBV, which is preventable by vaccine, HCV is most often spread through blood-to-blood contact. This can occur through the sharing of needles, unsafe injection practices, and the transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products.
Hepatitis C is particularly widespread because it can become a chronic infection, leading to long-term liver issues like cirrhosis and liver cancer. It has been estimated that millions of people in the United States are living with chronic Hepatitis C, many of whom are unaware of their infection due to the disease often showing no symptoms until liver damage becomes apparent. Therefore, Hepatitis C is currently the most prevalent bloodborne pathogen in the US.