Degradation and detection of prions in the environment

TL;DRAbstract

Prions in the environment are of concern due to their unique characteristics distinguishing them from conventional pathogens and the nature of prion diseases as incurable and ultimately fatal, and the longevity of prion persistence in the environment. Knowledge of environmental degradation and inactivation and quantification of prion abundance and infectivity is of significance for the management of prion disease transmission. To date, most studies of the environmental degradation and inactivation of prions are conducted under conditions that are not environmentally-relevant or occur on unbound prions. In the environment, prions are likely to be associated with soils, as they have been shown to bind strongly to soils. Although very limited studies have reported prion detection in environmental samples, no studies have quantified the recovery of prions from environmental samples. In this dissertation study, simulated natural processes including repeated cycles of drying and wetting and

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