Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are fatal, incurable degenerative diseases of the brain transmitted by prions. Mental and physical abilities deteriorate and myriad tiny holes appear in the cortex causing it to appear like a sponge (hence 'spongiform') when brain tissue obtained at autopsy is examined under a microscope.

Known TSEs

• In humans
• CJD Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (and new variant CJD -nvCJD or vCJD)
• GSS Gerstmann Sträussler Scheinker syndrome
• FFI Fatal familial insomnia
• Kuru
• Alpers syndrome (hypothesized)
• In other vertebrate animals
• Scrapie in sheep
• BSE Bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cows
• CWD Chronic wasting disease in elk and deer
• TME Transmissible mink encephalopathy in mink
• FSE Feline spongiform encephalopathy in cats

Various zoo animals and pets have contracted TSEs, presumably through feed contaminated with tissues from infected cattle. In the laboratory, TSEs are transmissible to mice, goats and a wide range of other animals. (Collinge, 2001)

Related Topics:
Mice - Goat

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