Prion - Lab diagnosis, Transmission, Treatment, Reservoir, Prevention

Lab diagnosis of Prion

EM (electron microscopy) cannot work for laboratory diagnosis of prions.

No serological tests are available as prions are inert agents and do not elicit any immune response in the host. Antigen detection does not work.

Molecular methods such as DNA probes and PCR cannot be used as they lack genetic material.

It is clinically diagnosed/confirmed by histopathology of brain tissue showing characteristic histological changes.

Detection of protein 14-3-3 in CSF by western blot is a sensitive and specific method in cases of CJD and vCJD. Specific reduction in uric acid level in CSF has shown vCJD but not in SCJD, thus differentiating them.

Neurological exams including medical history, neurological function, blood tests such as thyroid, folic acid level,s and liver, and kidney function tests can be done.

ECG pattern and MRI can be done but they do not make a definitive diagnosis.

Reservoir, Source, Transmission

The Reservoir, Source, and Transmission of Prion are as follows:

TSE caused by prions may be infectious, hereditary, and sporadic.

CJD, GSS< FFT are inheritable.

In CJD, the highest concentration of prions occurs CNS.

In cCJD, the highest concentration of prions occurs in lymphoid tissues.

Treatment

No specific treatment is available for Prion.

Prevention, Control

The prevention and control of Prion is achieved by:

Contaminated materials should be handled with care as they are extremely resistant to heat, radiation, and disinfectants.

Special products such as treatment with 0.1M NaOH and 5% hypochlorite solution, and autoclaving at 15 lbs for 1 hour (instead of 20 mins) can be followed as recommended by WHO.

Proper blood screening procedures must be followed (PCR cannot detect prions in the blood).