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

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.

Prions

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.

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- Arboviral Encephalitis
- Zika Virus Infection
- Rabies
- Poliomyelitis
- Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies

Acellular Diseases of the Nervous System

https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

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.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Arboviral encephalitis are caused arthopod-borne viruses. These viruses are commonly transmitted through mosquitoes. They can cause different symptoms like fevers and chills but can even cause convulsions, coma and death. 

Arboviral Encephalitis

Zika Virus Infection is an arboviral disease that is particularly serious for fetuses and can result in brain damage and birth defects such as microcephaly which is an infant born with an abnormally small head. Most people infected with Zika virus typically do not have serious symptoms, such as a fever or rash. 

Zika Virus Infection

Rabies is a disease caused by the rabies virus. It is primarily transmitted through animal bites. If not treated in the early stages, it is always fatal. 

Rabies

Poliomyelitis or polio is caused by the poliovirus. This is a disease that if it spreads to the brain causes paralysis and death. 

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