The diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) involves analyzing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and monitoring brain activity. In CJD patients, the CSF typically lacks signs of inflammation but contains an abnormally high concentration of the 14-3-3 protein. An electroencephalogram (EEG) will reveal abnormal brain function similar to Alzheimer's or Huntington's diseases, but CJD is distinguished by a uniquely rapid cognitive decline. A definitive confirmation of the disease requires a post-mortem brain autopsy.

Diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

While approximately $${}85\%$$ of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) cases are sporadic and have no identifiable cause, the disease can also be acquired or inherited. Transmission can occur through exposure to infected brain or nervous-system tissue, such as by consuming contaminated meat, using tainted surgical equipment, or receiving transplants from infected donors. Additionally, rare instances of CJD result from specific, hereditary genetic mutations.

Transmission and Causes of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is an extremely rare and universally fatal transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) caused by prions. Diagnosed in only about $${}300$$ patients in the United States each year, the disease induces rapid cognitive decline. There is currently no approved treatment, and roughly $${}90\%$$ of affected individuals succumb to the disease within $${}1$$ year of diagnosis.

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Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies is a disease caused by prions. There are multiple transmissible spongiform encephalopathies that cause neurological infections. 

Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

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Prions are acellular proteins that do not contain DNA or any other genetic material, and they are not viruses. Because they are acellular and do not fit neatly into any particular category of microbe, they are excluded from the tree of life. They are exceptionally small, measuring approximately $${}1/10$$ the size of a typical virus. While normal prions are found in healthy brain tissues, they cause diseases when their folded state is changed into an abnormal protein.

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