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Research into how horses manage to naturally eliminate a liver virus related to the hepatitis C virus from their system has the potential ultimately benefit humans, according to researchers.
Equine hepacivirus (EHCV) is the closest known relative to hepatitis C virus.
The hepatitis C virus causes a blood-borne infectious liver disease affecting an estimated 2.7 to 3.9 million people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Until recently, few cases of EHCV infection had been reported in horses because the virus cannot be detected without blood work. Also, horses are often capable of eliminating the virus on their own. The ability of horses to do this is an impressive feat and the secret to their strong immune systems could help prevent the disease in humans.
Read more: http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2016/10/09/study-liver-pathogen-horses-hepatitis-c-humans/#ixzz4MW2KcaCv