Question

Is CJD caused by a virus?

Answer 1

Creutzfeldt-Jacob syndrome:

1. It is a neurocognitive disorder caused by prions and is a type of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy.
2. Prions are misfolded proteins that are capable of causing infection themselves. It also causes normal proteins to become misfolded.
3. It can be also caused if there is a mutation in the prion protein (PRNP or PrP).
4. The misfolded proteins disrupt the neuronal cell function leading to cell death.
5. Symptoms include dementia which leads to memory loss, personality changes, and hallucinations.
6. It can be transmitted by contaminated human brain products, corneal grafts, dural grafts, and human growth hormones.