Biodiesel Production from Prion-Contaminated Meat-and-Bone Meal
Author Information
Author(s): Cathrin E. Bruederle, Robert M. Hnasko, Thomas Kraemer, Rafael A. Garcia, Michael J. Haas, William N. Marmer, John Mark Carter
Primary Institution: USDA-ARS WRRC, Albany, California, USA
Hypothesis
Can biodiesel production eliminate prion infectivity from contaminated meat-and-bone meal?
Conclusion
The biodiesel production process does not effectively eliminate prion infectivity from the solid residue of meat-and-bone meal.
Supporting Evidence
- The solid MBM residue retained infectivity when tested in an animal bioassay.
- Biochemical analysis alone is insufficient for detection of prion infectivity after biodiesel production.
- Inoculation of hamsters with the solid MBM residue led to clinical symptoms of scrapie.
Takeaway
The study found that making biodiesel from contaminated animal feed doesn't get rid of the harmful prions, which can still make animals sick.
Methodology
The study involved producing biodiesel from meat-and-bone meal spiked with prion-infected brain tissue and analyzing the resulting phases for prion infectivity.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific method of biodiesel production and may not represent all methods or conditions.
Participant Demographics
Syrian hamsters were used for the bioassays.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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