Prions in Milk from Ewes with Scrapie
Author Information
Author(s): Lacroux Caroline, Simon Stéphanie, Benestad Sylvie L., Maillet Séverine, Mathey Jacinthe, Lugan Séverine, Corbière Fabien, Cassard Hervé, Costes Pierrette, Bergonier Dominique, Weisbecker Jean-Louis, Moldal Torffin, Simmons Hugh, Lantier Frederic, Feraudet-Tarisse Cécile, Morel Nathalie, Schelcher François, Grassi Jacques, Andréoletti Olivier
Primary Institution: UMR INRA ENVT 1225, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, France
Hypothesis
Can prions be detected in the milk of ewes incubating natural scrapie?
Conclusion
The study found prion infectivity in colostrum and milk from ewes with scrapie, raising concerns about the risk of TSE transmission through milk products.
Supporting Evidence
- Prion infectivity was detected in colostrum and milk from ewes several months before clinical signs of scrapie appeared.
- PrPSc accumulation was found in mammary glands of ewes with ectopic lymphoid follicles.
- Milk from ewes with healthy mammary glands also contained prion infectivity.
- Bioassays showed that milk and colostrum from scrapie-affected ewes could transmit the disease to mice.
Takeaway
This study shows that milk from sheep with a disease called scrapie can carry harmful prions, which could make both animals and humans sick.
Methodology
The study involved collecting milk and colostrum from ewes, testing for prion presence using immunohistochemistry and bioassays in transgenic mice.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the study being conducted in a specific flock with limited exposure to different TSE agents.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a single flock, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations.
Participant Demographics
Ewes from the Langlade flock, primarily of Romanov breed, with various PRP genotypes.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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