TSE Infectivity in Urine
Author Information
Author(s): Gregori Luisa, Kovacs Gabor G., Alexeeva Irina, Budka Herbert, Rohwer Robert G.
Primary Institution: Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Hypothesis
Is urine a potential source of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) exposure?
Conclusion
The study found that TSE infectivity is excreted in urine, indicating a possible route for horizontal transmission of TSEs.
Supporting Evidence
- TSE infectivity was found in pooled urine from hamsters showing clinical signs of disease.
- Histologic examination showed no signs of inflammation in the kidneys or bladders of infected hamsters.
- Urine from infected hamsters contained a concentration of 3.8 infectious doses/mL.
Takeaway
The researchers discovered that sick hamsters can pass a harmful agent in their pee, which might spread diseases to other animals or even humans.
Methodology
Urine was collected from infected and control hamsters, and TSE infectivity was measured using limiting dilution titration.
Potential Biases
Potential contamination during urine collection could affect results.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be directly applicable to all TSE infections in other species.
Participant Demographics
22 Syrian hamsters infected with 263K scrapie and 8 age-matched control hamsters.
Statistical Information
P-Value
3.8 ± 0.9 ID/mL
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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