Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease in sheep caused by prions.

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Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are rare, fatal degenerative disorders of the brain and nervous system caused by prions. The accumulation of abnormal rogue prion proteins destroys brain cells, creating sponge-like holes in the brain tissue. This results in severe brain damage, rapid cognitive decline, loss of motor control, and ultimately death within months or years, for which there is no cure.

Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

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Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is an extremely rare and universally fatal transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) caused by prions. Diagnosed in only about $${}300$$ patients in the United States each year, the disease induces rapid cognitive decline. There is currently no approved treatment, and roughly $${}90\%$$ of affected individuals succumb to the disease within $${}1$$ year of diagnosis.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)

Scrapie

Prions are acellular, infectious protein particles that do not contain DNA or RNA, cause transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, and are excluded from the tree of life. They are exceptionally small, measuring approximately $${}1/10$$ the size of a typical virus, and are extremely resistant to heat, chemicals, and radiation. Currently, there is no treatment or cure for prion infections.

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