Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) is caused by which of the following?

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) is caused by which of the following?

• A. Bacteria
• B. Viruses
• C. Fungi
• D. Prions

Answer: (D)

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) are caused by prions, which are misfolded proteins that can induce abnormal folding in normal proteins within the brain. This leads to neurodegeneration and the characteristic spongy degeneration of brain tissue. Prions are unique pathogens that differ from other infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, because they do not contain nucleic acids (DNA or RNA). Instead, they propagate by inducing conformational changes in normal proteins, which can result in severe neurological diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and mad cow disease. This distinct mechanism of action underlines the importance of understanding prion-related diseases in the context of infection control and reprocessing of medical equipment, particularly flexible endoscopes, where such transmissible agents could pose a risk.

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) are caused by prions, which are misfolded proteins that can induce abnormal folding in normal proteins within the brain. This leads to neurodegeneration and the characteristic spongy degeneration of brain tissue. Prions are unique pathogens that differ from other infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, because they do not contain nucleic acids (DNA or RNA). Instead, they propagate by inducing conformational changes in normal proteins, which can result in severe neurological diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and mad cow disease. This distinct mechanism of action underlines the importance of understanding prion-related diseases in the context of infection control and reprocessing of medical equipment, particularly flexible endoscopes, where such transmissible agents could pose a risk.