Atypical BSE (BASE) Transmitted from Asymptomatic Aging Cattle to a Primate
Author Information
Author(s): Comoy Emmanuel E., Casalone Cristina, Lescoutra-Etchegaray Nathalie, Zanusso Gianluigi, Freire Sophie, Marcé Dominique, Auvré Frédéric, Ruchoux Marie-Magdeleine, Ferrari Sergio, Monaco Salvatore, Salès Nicole, Caramelli Maria, Leboulch Philippe, Brown Paul, Lasmézas Corinne I., Deslys Jean-Philippe
Primary Institution: Institute of Emerging Diseases and Innovative Therapies, CEA, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
Hypothesis
Is the atypical BSE strain (BASE) more pathogenic than classical BSE in primates?
Conclusion
The study suggests that BASE may be more pathogenic than classical BSE in primates and raises concerns about its potential link to sporadic CJD in humans.
Supporting Evidence
- The BASE-inoculated monkey had a shorter survival time compared to those infected with classical BSE.
- The clinical signs in the BASE-inoculated monkey included cognitive troubles and spatial disorientation.
- Biochemical analysis showed a different prion protein pattern in the BASE-inoculated monkey compared to classical BSE.
Takeaway
Researchers gave a type of mad cow disease from old cows to a monkey and found it made the monkey sick faster than the usual type of mad cow disease.
Methodology
Cynomolgus monkeys were inoculated with brain homogenates from cattle with classical BSE and atypical BSE (BASE) to compare disease characteristics.
Limitations
The study involved only one monkey infected with BASE, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
One cynomolgus monkey (Macacca fascicularis) was used in the study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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