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Procedures for Identifying Infectious Prions After Passage Through the Digestive System of an Avian Species
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Prion diseases: Lessons from historical outbreaks and potential emerging ones

Aidan P Holman1,2, Dmitry Kurouski1,3

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.

Protein Science : a Publication of the Protein Society
|May 24, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Prion diseases (PrDs) are fatal neurodegenerative disorders caused by prions. This review covers PrD history, pathogenesis, and public health risks, emphasizing urgent needs for diagnostics and therapies to combat these resilient infectious agents.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodegenerative Disorders
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Prion diseases (PrDs) are fatal neurodegenerative conditions caused by misfolded prions.
  • Global monitoring of PrDs intensified after the "Mad Cow" disease outbreak.
  • Over 27,000 human cases are tracked annually, but millions are estimated globally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the history, pathogenesis, and public health implications of prion diseases.
  • To explore novel innovations in the study and treatment of PrDs.
  • To highlight the urgent need for improved diagnostics and therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of prion disease history and research.
  • Analysis of global case tracking data and prevalence estimates.
  • Exploration of prion resilience and environmental persistence.

Main Results:

  • Prions are exceptionally resilient, resisting sterilization and persisting in the environment.
  • Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in cervids raises concerns for cross-species transmission.
  • Significant gaps exist in current diagnostic capabilities and treatment options.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing prion diseases is critical for global health security.
  • Development of rapid, cost-effective diagnostics is a priority.
  • Systemic therapies are needed to neutralize prions and mitigate environmental risks.
Keywords:
CJDKuruencephalopathymad cow diseasepandemicprion

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