Resistance of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Prions to Inactivation
2008

Resistance of BSE Prions to Inactivation

Sample size: 24 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Giles Kurt, Glidden David V., Beckwith Robyn, Seoanes Rose, Peretz David, DeArmond Stephen J., Prusiner Stanley B.

Primary Institution: University of California San Francisco

Hypothesis

How resistant are BSE prions to inactivation compared to other prion strains?

Conclusion

BSE prions are significantly more resistant to inactivation than mouse-passaged 301V prions and other prion strains.

Supporting Evidence

  • BSE prions were found to be up to 1,000-fold more resistant to inactivation than 301V prions.
  • BSE prions were 10- and 1,000,000-fold more resistant to inactivation than human sCJD and hamster Sc237 prions, respectively.
  • Prion inactivation procedures must be validated by bioassay against the specific prion strain intended for use.

Takeaway

BSE prions are really tough to get rid of, much tougher than prions from mice or humans.

Methodology

The study used bioassays in transgenic mice to measure the infectivity of BSE and 301V prions after various inactivation treatments.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in using rodent-passaged prion strains as models for naturally occurring prions.

Limitations

The study primarily used rodent models, which may not fully represent the inactivation characteristics of prions in their natural hosts.

Participant Demographics

Transgenic mice expressing bovine and mouse prion proteins were used.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% confidence intervals reported for various treatments.

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.ppat.1000206

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