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Prion Safety Laboratory Swipe Test
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Iatrogenic prion diseases in humans: an update
1Quiron Bilbao, Assisted Reproduction Center, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Ribera Botica Vieja 23, 48014 Bilbao, Spain. gbarrenetxea.bil@quiron.es
European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
|September 7, 2012
Summary
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) transmission is a global concern, especially the variant linked to medical treatments. The precautionary principle is advised for urinary gonadotrophins due to potential prion presence.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) transmission concerns heightened with the 1996 variant discovery.
- Iatrogenic transmission of CJD variant is evidenced through blood, tissues, and growth hormone.
- Four cases of CJD iatrogenically transmitted via pituitary-derived gonadotrophins highlight fertility treatment risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential risk of prion transmission through human urinary gonadotrophin preparations.
- To discuss the infectivity of prion proteins in urine-based fertility treatments.
- To emphasize the importance of the precautionary principle in this context.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on CJD transmission routes.
- Analysis of prion detection methods and their sensitivity.
- Consideration of factors influencing transmission risk (infectivity, exposure, route).
Main Results:
- No human prion diseases linked to urinary gonadotrophins have been identified to date.
- Prions have been detected in experimental animal urine and some urine-based preparations.
- Sensitivity of bioassay methods is crucial for assessing tissue infectivity.
Conclusions:
- The potential presence of prions in urinary gonadotrophins warrants caution.
- The precautionary principle should be applied to urinary preparations due to detection in animal urine and young recipients.
- Further research and sensitive detection methods are important for assessing prion infectivity in these preparations.
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