NP4G

Question 1

Infectious disease were there is no inflammation and the infection is not caused by microorganisms but rather by a protein a:

Answer 1

Prion

Question 2

At post-mortem, neurons are seen to develop large vacuoles as part of the degenerative process, and this gives rise to the term:

Answer 2

spongiform encephalopathy

Question 3

We use the term “encephalopathy” because this is a _______________ degenerative process

Answer 3

non-inflammatory

Question 4

The _______________ is derived from a normal cellular membrane protein (PrPC) that is abundantly expressed on the surface of neurons and lymphocytes

Answer 4

prion protein (PrPSc)

Question 5

Prions are shed in :

Answer 5

milk, feces and urine

Question 6

Histologically: Degenerate neurons develop large cytoplasmic vacuoles and ultimately die. The change is most dramatic in the brainstem and spinal cord because these are the areas directly involved in the innervation of peripheral lymphoid tissue.

Answer 6

Prion Disease, although confirmatory tests must be performed by the National Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories in Ames Iowa (i.e., immunohistochemical staining for PrPSc)

Question 7

_____________ do not distinguish between PrPC to PrPSc so the approach relies on the differential susceptibility to proteolysis

Answer 7

Antibodies

Question 8

the breakdown of proteins or peptides into amino acids by the action of enzymes

Answer 8

proteolysis

Question 9

Was there a significant probability that the infection had been transmitted to people through the food chain prior to this animal having been culled from the herd?

Answer 9

no- the low somatic cell count milk products and the barriers to cross-species transmission is such that there was no need for concern regarding human infection

Question 10

What could be used in the antemortem diagnosis of prion disease?

Answer 10

detection of proteins in biopsies of lymphoid tissue (e.g. tonsils)