Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease – Top USMLE Diseases

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are diseases caused by prions. Prions differ from viruses in that they are small, infectious pathogens that do not contain nucleic acid. Recognized spongiform encephalopathies include Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD), Kuru, fatal familial insomnia (FFI), and Gerstmann-Straussler syndrome (GSS). Common characteristics of these diseases include dementia, ataxia, and myoclonus. Unfortunately, these diseases are associated with long incubation periods (20+ years) and once symptoms occur, rapidly progress to death.

Chronic wasting disease is a chronic weight loss disease that till 2016 has only been found in the deer family. It is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) of mule deer, elk (wapiti), moose or white-tailed deer. 

Microorganisms play a big role in the pathogenesis of diseases in human beings. Prophylaxis and treatment are only possible if you have an exact understanding of the structure and metabolism of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Get to know different morphological criteria, important facts concerning structure as well as reproduction and growth of the most important microorganisms. Many tips and important information will help you get a high score in your biology exams.