Virology: Prions

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Questions and Answers

What does the term prion mean?

Infectious protein or rogue protein

What is a hallmark pathological feature of all prion diseases?

White matter atrophy
Spongiform degeneration of gray matter (correct)
Demyelination
Neuronal hyperplasia

What is the causative agent in prion diseases?

Virus
Bacteria
Infectious protein (PrPsc) (correct)
Autoimmune antibodies

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding PrPsc and PrPc

PrPsc is conformationally altered but has the same amino acid sequence as PrPc (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is effective in deactivating prions?

Sodium hydroxide (B), Sodium hypochlorite (C) Signup and view all the answers

Prion diseases do NOT typically cause which of the following?

Immune response (A) Signup and view all the answers

There is no classification system for prions yet

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Prions don’t induce an immune response and _______ in hosts

Inflammation Signup and view all the answers

Prions are unable to reach high titers

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Describe the replication of prions (it’s short)

the transmitted PrPsc catalyzes the conversion of PrPc into PrPsc Signup and view all the answers

Which animals are most susceptible to Scrapie?

Suffolk and Hampshire sheep breeds (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical sign is commonly associated with Scrapie?

Pruritus and hair loss due to scratching (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the transmission route for scrapie?

Natural route hasn’t been proven, but oral route is likely Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical incubation period for Scrapie?

2–5 years (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key microscopic feature of neuronal damage in Scrapie?

Neuronal vacuolation and degeneration (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which glial cell response is commonly seen in the brains of animals with Scrapie?

Astrocytic hypertrophy or hyperplasia (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of Scrapie pathogenesis?

Inflammatory reaction (A) Signup and view all the answers

How is Scrapie diagnosed?

Brain histopathology and clinical signs (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the common name for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy?

Mad cow disease Signup and view all the answers

How is BSE typically transmitted?

Via meat and bone-meal derived from ruminant meat (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common behavioral symptom of BSE?

Hyperesthesia and kicking during milking (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are other clinical signs/behavioral symptoms of BSE besides hyperesthesia and kicking during milking?

Progressive apprehensive behavior and hind limb ataxia Signup and view all the answers

Recent studies have shown that BSE can be transmitted vertically or horizontally

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key microscopic feature of neuronal damage in BSE?

Neuronal vacuolation and degeneration (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which glial cell response is commonly seen in the brains of animals with BSE?

Astrocytic hypertrophy and hyperplasia (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic method is used to confirm BSE?

Immunohistochemistry for PrPsc (C) Signup and view all the answers

Chronic wasting disease is a _______ prion disease affecting :

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal prion disease affecting deer, elk, moose, and reindeer Signup and view all the answers

The causative agent of chronic wasting disease is:

Prions Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Chronic wasting diseases environmental persistence ?

The prions resist inactivation, accumulating in environments to infect susceptible cervids Signup and view all the answers

How do prions typically enter the body in Chronic Wasting Disease?

Ingestion and uptake by GI lymphoid tissues (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is involved in the retrograde transport of prions to the brain in CWD?

Vagus nerve Signup and view all the answers

How long does it typically take for brain lesions to develop and clinical signs to appear after infection of CWD?

1.5-3 years (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tissues can harbor detectable prions in infected CWD animals?

Brain (A), Lymphoid tissues (B), Saliva (C), Urine (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which genetic factor influences the spread and incubation period of CWD?

PrP polymorphisms (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the prevalence of CWD in heavily contaminated captive herds?

Up to 100% (C) Signup and view all the answers

What nickname has CWD earned due to its symptoms and presentation?

Zombie Deer Disease (C) Signup and view all the answers

What kind of brain lesions are found in animals with CWD?

Symmetrical spongiform lesions in gray matter (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is used for definitive detection of PrPSc in tissues?

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which tissues are most important for diagnostic testing in deer suspected of having CWD?

Retropharyngeal lymph nodes and brain (obex region) (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which emerging test uses recombinant prion protein and fluorescence to detect prions in CSF?

Real-time quaking-induced conversion (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a prion?

Infectious protein or rogue protein.

Hallmark of prion diseases?

Spongiform degeneration of gray matter.