Prion-induced neuro-psychiatric syndromes.

ABSTRACT

Although further research is needed, the most recent thinking is that prions are tiny protein particles without DNA or RNA which have the ability to infect humans or animals. Prions cause slow infections which are fatal, experimentally transmissible, evoke no immune resistance from the infected host and are more resistant to disinfectants and chemical or physical agents than the other micro-organisms that proliferate in the infected host. Update no evidence of possible passage by mouth from cows to men with consequent illness.