<unk> s are misfolded proteinaceous particles
Replicate exponentially by causing properly folded proteins to misfold
Rapidly leads to neurodegeneration
Universally fatal
Transmissible forms:
Variant CJD acquired by consuming diseased tissues of cows (e.g. human form of mad cow disease) or other humans (kuru)
Iatrogenic (handling diseased corneas/brain or improperly disinfected equipment)
Hereditary<unk> :
Familial CJD: mutation in PRNP, which encodes<unk>  protein
Fatal familial insomnia
Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome
Sporadic CJD: accounts for ~85% of cases, cause is unknown
Replicate exponentially by causing properly folded proteins to misfold
Rapidly leads to neurodegeneration
Variant CJD acquired by consuming diseased tissues of cows (e.g. human form of mad cow disease) or other humans (kuru)
Iatrogenic (handling diseased corneas/brain or improperly disinfected equipment)
Familial CJD: mutation in PRNP, which encodes<unk>  protein
Fatal familial insomnia
Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome
Prion disease
Degenerative
Dementia with Lewy bodies
Alzheimer's disease
Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis
Huntington's disease
Normal pressure hydrocephalus
Parkinson's disease