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Updated: Mar 20, 2026
Real-time Quaking-induced Conversion Assay for Detection of CWD Prions in Fecal Material
Published on: September 29, 2017
Enhanced prion detection in biological samples by magnetic particle extraction and real-time quaking-induced
Nathaniel D Denkers1, Davin M Henderson1, Candace K Mathiason1
1Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
Abstract:
Prions have been demonstrated in body fluids and excreta using bioassay, but at levels too low for detection by conventional direct-detection assays. More rapid and sensitive detection of prions in these clinically accessible specimens would be valuable for diagnosis and investigations of transmission, environmental impact, and interventions. In addition to very low concentrations of prions, in vitro amplification assays are challenged by the presence of inhibitors in these complex sources. Here, we leverage the prion attribute of avid metal binding with the versatile power of real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) to enhance and simplify detection of chronic wasting-disease prions in biological samples. Iron oxide particle binding and magnetic extraction combined with RT-QuIC permitted rapid analysis of the low concentrations of prions in saliva, urine, faeces, and cerebrospinal fluid. These methods are pertinent to ante-mortem detection, monitoring, and surveillance, and could conceivably be applicable to other protein-misfolding disorders.
Insights
This study developed a rapid, sensitive method to detect chronic wasting disease prions in bodily fluids. The new technique uses magnetic iron oxide particles and real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) for improved prion detection.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Prions are detectable in body fluids and excreta via bioassay, but at concentrations too low for conventional assays.
- Sensitive detection of prions in accessible specimens is crucial for diagnosis, transmission studies, and intervention strategies.
- In vitro prion amplification assays face challenges from low concentrations and inhibitors present in complex biological samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a faster and more sensitive method for detecting chronic wasting disease (CWD) prions.
- To leverage prion metal-binding properties and real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) for enhanced detection.
- To simplify prion detection in challenging biological specimens like saliva, urine, feces, and cerebrospinal fluid.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the inherent metal-binding ability of prions.
- Employed iron oxide particle binding and magnetic extraction.
- Combined magnetic extraction with real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) for prion detection.
Main Results:
- Achieved rapid analysis of low prion concentrations in various biological samples.
- Successfully detected chronic wasting disease prions in saliva, urine, feces, and cerebrospinal fluid.
- Demonstrated enhanced and simplified prion detection using the novel method.
Conclusions:
- The developed method enables rapid and sensitive detection of CWD prions in accessible biological samples.
- This technique is valuable for ante-mortem diagnosis, monitoring, and surveillance of prion diseases.
- The approach may be adaptable for detecting other protein-misfolding disorders.
