Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy pathophysiology
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Overview
Unlike other kinds of infectious disease which are spread by microbes, the infectious agent in TSEs is a specific protein called prion protein. Misshaped prion proteins carry the disease between individuals and cause deterioration of the brain. TSEs are unique diseases in that their aetiology may be genetic, sporadic or infectious via ingestion of infected foodstuffs and via iatrogenic means (e.g. blood transfusion) (reviewed in Prusiner, 1991; Collinge, 2001).
Pathophysiology
- Most TSEs are sporadic and occur in an animal with no prion protein mutation.
- Inherited TSE occurs in animals carrying a rare mutant prion allele, which expresses prion proteins that contort by themselves into the disease-causing conformation.
- Transmission occurs when healthy animals consume tainted tissues from others with the disease. In recent times a type of TSE called bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) spread in cattle in an epidemic fashion. This occurred because cattle were fed the processed remains of other cattle, a practice now banned in many countries. The epidemic could have begun with just one cow with sporadic disease.
- Prions cannot be transmitted through the air or through touching or most other forms of casual contact. However, they may be transmitted through contact with infected tissue, body fluids, or contaminated medical instruments.
- Normal sterilization procedures such as boiling or irradiating materials fail to render prions non-infective.