Description: Scientists are unraveling the secrets of a virus found in prostate cancer patients that might spur the disease.

In a new study, a U.S. team of researchers says the virus appears to be an infectious retrovirus with the ability to hijack body cells. Retroviruses are a family of viruses that include HIV.

There's no indication yet that the virus could cause or worsen prostate cancer, but the study authors are intrigued by the prospect.

"We have a long way to prove that it's a cause-and-effect, but it's a possibility," said study co-author Robert H. Silverman, a professor and researcher at the Cleveland Clinic. "Another question is whether the virus is associated with other kinds of cancer besides prostate cancer."

It's not uncommon for contagious