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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
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Real-time Quaking-induced Conversion Assay for Detection of CWD Prions in Fecal Material
Published on: September 29, 2017
Rapid end-point quantitation of prion seeding activity with sensitivity comparable to bioassays
Jason M Wilham1, Christina D Orrú, Richard A Bessen
1Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America.
Plos Pathogens
|December 15, 2010
Summary
A new assay, real-time quaking induced conversion (RT-QuIC), rapidly and quantitatively detects prions. This sensitive method offers a faster alternative to animal bioassays for diagnosing prion diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
Background:
- Prion diseases lack rapid, high-throughput diagnostic assays, necessitating lengthy animal bioassays.
- Current prion detection methods are sensitive but often non-quantitative.
- Prions induce conversion of soluble prion protein to resistant forms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid, quantitative assay for measuring prion levels.
- To establish a high-throughput method for prion disease diagnosis and management.
- To introduce the real-time quaking induced conversion assay (RT-QuIC).
Main Methods:
- Developed RT-QuIC, blending Quaking-Induced Conversion (QuIC) and Amyloid Seeding Assay (ASA) principles.
- Utilized prion-seeded conversion of recombinant PrP(C) to amyloid fibrils.
- Employed end-point dilution and statistical estimation (SD50) for quantification.
Main Results:
- RT-QuIC demonstrated sensitivity comparable to animal bioassays, completing in 2 days or less.
- Quantified prion seeding dose (SD50) in hamster brain, nasal lavage, and cerebrospinal fluid.
- Successfully differentiated prion-affected samples (scrapie, CWD) from controls.
Conclusions:
- RT-QuIC provides a sensitive, rapid, quantitative, and high-throughput assay for prion seeding activity.
- This assay significantly advances prion disease diagnosis and management.
- The end-point dilution quantification principle is applicable to various seeding assays.
