NR AROD
AU Brown,P.; Abee,C.R.
TI Working with transmissible spongiform encephalopathy agents
QU ILAR Journal / National Research Council, Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources 2005; 46(1): 44-52
PT journal article; review; review, tutorial
AB The family of illnesses called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), or "prion" diseases, is composed of a small number of human and animal neurodegenerative diseases caused by unique pathogenic agents that are still not fully defined. They are best considered as "protein-misfolding diseases" (together with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and a few other rare examples) resulting from the conversion of a normal body protein into a misfolded amyloid multimer. The pathogenic agents display a unique resistance to conventional disinfection methods and an extraordinary environmental durability, which has led the US Department of Agriculture to designate the causative agent of bovine spongiform encephalopathy as a bioterrorism security threat. In this review, precautions and regulations concerning the handling of TSE agents are discussed in relation to personnel and environmental biosafety.
ZR 14
MH Animals; Containment of Biohazards/*methods; *Hazardous Substances; Humans; Prion Diseases/*etiology/prevention & control/transmission; *Prions; Social Control, Formal
AD Paul Brown (paulwbrown@comcast.net), 7815 Exeter Road, Bethesda, MA 20814, USA (PB)
SP englisch
PO USA