How Soil Particles Help Spread Prion Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Johnson Christopher J, Pedersen Joel A, Chappell Rick J, McKenzie Debbie, Aiken Judd M
Primary Institution: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Hypothesis
Soil may serve as a reservoir for prion infectivity and enhance the oral transmission of prion diseases.
Conclusion
The study found that prions bound to soil particles are orally infectious and that binding to certain soils significantly increases the transmission of prion diseases.
Supporting Evidence
- Prions bound to montmorillonite were found to be orally bioavailable.
- Binding to montmorillonite increased the effective infectious titer by a factor of 680.
- Two of three tested soils enhanced oral transmission of prion disease.
Takeaway
This study shows that prions, which cause diseases like mad cow disease, can stick to soil and make it easier for animals to get sick from them.
Methodology
The researchers tested the oral infectivity of prions bound to montmorillonite and whole soils in Syrian hamsters using various dosing regimes.
Limitations
The study had limited numbers of animals in some treatment groups, which may affect the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
Syrian hamsters were used as experimental animals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.68, 5.45
Statistical Significance
p < 0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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