Teens and adults aged 15 to 65, as well as all pregnant women, should be tested for HIV, according to new draft recommendations issued Monday by an influential US government panel.

The draft recommendation from the US Preventive Services Task Force, a government-backed group of doctors and scientists, is far broader than its last recommendation in 2005, which called for screening only those at high risk.

"The draft recommendation reflects new evidence that demonstrates the benefits of both screening for and earlier treatment of HIV," said Task Force member Douglas Owens, who is a medical professor at Stanford University.

Beginning combined antiretroviral therapy (ART) earlier reduces the risk of developing AIDS-related complications. Treatment also has been shown to decrease the chance of transmission of HIV.

"Because HIV infection usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages, people need to be screened to learn if they are infected," Owens said. "People who are feeling well and learn they are infected with HIV can begin treatment earlier, reduce their chances of developing AIDS and live longer and healthier lives."

The best way to reduce HIV-related disease and death is to avoid getting infected. The new recommendation is aimed at helping people who are already infected stay healthy, delay the onset of AIDS, and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

Nearly 1.2 million people in the United States are infected with HIV, yet 20 to 25 percent of them are unaware of that.