Virus in bats may be linked to hepatitis C

Healthcare experts report that following the discovery of a microorganism in bats, researchers may be closer to understanding the origins of hepatitis C.

During a recent study, scientists from the Wildlife Trust, an international conservation health group, found GBV-D, the new virus, in blood samples taken from bats. The team took samples from more than 100 species of bats that were found in Bangladesh, one of the world's best known regions for these animals and emerging viruses.

They then compared the new virus to strains related to hepatitis C that were found only in monkeys and humans and found them to be related. This trial is among many studies overseen by the organization, which specializes in examining various species of animals for diseases that could lead to health scares among humans.

"With our preliminary research it's too early to tell if GBV-D could cause disease in human populations. Our next steps will require testing people that come in contact with these bats to gauge possible infections," said Jonathan Epstein, a researcher with the Wildlife Trust.

Despite the fact that few cases are reported each year, the number of people who contract hepatitis C is still on the rise. In 2007, a total of 849 cases of hepatitis C were reported in the U.S., but researchers suggest that an estimated 17,000 people had contracted the virus.