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PubMed · 15644563

Working with transmissible spongiform encephalopathy agents.

Paul Brown·Christian R Abee
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Abstract

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.

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AnimalsContainment of BiohazardsHazardous SubstancesHumansPrion DiseasesPrionsSocial Control, FormalJournal ArticleReview

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Paul Brown, Christian R Abee. 2005. Working with transmissible spongiform encephalopathy agents.. https://doi.org/10.1093/ilar.46.1.44

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