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Procedures for Identifying Infectious Prions After Passage Through the Digestive System of an Avian Species
Published on: November 6, 2013
The transmissible spongiform encephalopathies: emerging and declining epidemics.
J C Manson1, E Cancellotti, P Hart
1Institute for Animal Health, Neuropathogenesis Unit, Ogston Building, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JF, Scotland, UK. jean.manson@bbsrc.ac.uk
Biochemical Society Transactions
|November 1, 2006
Summary
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are fatal neurodegenerative diseases affecting mammals. This review covers TSE strain emergence, transmission, and strategies for disease surveillance and control.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Prion Diseases
- Neurodegenerative Disorders
Background:
- Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases affecting various mammalian species.
- Notable examples include Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans, scrapie in sheep, and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emergence and transmission dynamics of different TSE strains.
- To discuss current disease surveillance and control measures for TSEs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications on TSEs.
- Analysis of data on TSE strain diversity and interspecies transmission.
- Examination of surveillance and control strategies implemented globally.
Main Results:
- TSEs exhibit significant strain diversity, influencing disease characteristics and host range.
- Transmission pathways vary across species, with potential for zoonotic and animal-to-animal spread.
- Effective surveillance and control programs are crucial for managing TSE outbreaks.
Conclusions:
- Understanding TSE strain variation is key to predicting disease spread and impact.
- Integrated surveillance and robust control strategies are essential for mitigating TSE risks in animal populations and protecting public health.
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