Flash Notes Miscellaneous - Chronic Wasting Disease Flashcards
what animals are affected by chronic wasting disease?
white tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose - all older than 16 months of age
what is the classic case presentation of chronic wasting disease?
weight loss, aspiration pneumonia from esophageal dysfunction, neuro signs, & behavioral changes
what tests are used to diagnose chronic wasting disease?
ELISA for screen & immunohistochemistry/western blot to confirm
need to detect prion protein
what needs to be submitted for chronic wasting disease in white tailed deer & mule deer?
CNS (obex) & lymphoid tissue - always submit a retropharyngeal lymph node
what needs to be submitted for chronic wasting disease in elk?
brainstem - the obex area & lymphoid tissues
what is the treatment used for CWD? what is the prognosis?
no treatment - grave prognosis
how is chronic wasting disease prevented?
quarantine - test & cull, control programs in many states
incineration, approved disinfectants only - prions are very resistant to destruction
T/F: cooking does not destroy prion proteins
true
what is the pathophysiology of chronic wasting disease?
transmissible spongiform encephalopathy caused by an abnormal prion
horizontal transmission occurs - direct contact between animal & their environment
T/F: prions from CWD are seen in lymph tissue before CNS in most deer
true
what area of the brain is most often positive for CWD?
the obex
