TSE's and Epidemiology Flashcards
What does TSE stand for?
Transmissable spongiform Encephalopathies
What are the three TSE’s of veterinary importance? What species do they affect?
Scrapie (Sheep and goats), BSE (cows), Chronic wasting disease (deer).
What is Scrapie? How old are they usually when they are affected?
TSE of sheep. Usually 2-5 years old, death in 6-7 months. Found in UK, but not in NZ.
What is BSE?
Bovine SE affects cows. Mad cow disease. It affects cows around 4-5 years old. Vacuolation in CNS.
What species do not have any TSEs?
Dogs, pigs and rabbits.
What is the Prion theory? What is the normal protein? How doe this change?
Prion theory is that it is an infectious protein. PrPc is normal cellular protein, which changes to PrPsc which causes signs.
How do PrPc and PrPsc differ?
PrPc is normal host protein, protease sensitive and has high A-helix content. PrPsc associated with disease, forms plaques which are neurotoxic, protease resistant.
How was BSE transmission thought to happen when it was extremely controversial?
Before 1980, meat and bone meal was prepared differently to after 1980. Meat and bone meal fed after this time contained infectious protein.
Why does TSE infection need an active immune system?
It replicates in follicular dendritic cells.
What is a western blot? How can it be used to detect PrPsc?
Detects proteins using gel electrophoresis. PrPsc is protease resistant, so remains when protease is added.
What is Epidemiology?
The study of how diseases occur in groups of animals and why.
What is a Notifiable disease?
A disease that is required by law to be reported to government authorities.
What is Foot and Mouth disease?
RNA virus with 7 serotypes. FMD affects all cloven animals. Transmitted by close contact, aerosol and fomites.
