Final_7_Prions

Question 1

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Answer 1

1. It can be sporadic, acquired or familial.
2. It is caused by a group of transmissible protein agents known as prions (proteinaceous infectious particles).
3. CJD belongs to a family of human and animal diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs)

Question 2

Variant CJD demonstrated the capacity of prions to infect across species.

Answer 2

It is thought that people acquired variant CJD by eating cattle infected with BSE (brain and spinal tissue tainted the meat prepared for consumption).