Prions

Question 1

Which infectious agents lack both DNA and RNA?

Answer 1

Prions (made of proteins only)

Question 2

What are symptoms of prion diseases?

Answer 2

Rapidly progressing dementia, psychiatric disturbances, and cerebellar symptoms (ataxia, myoclonis). All prion diseases are fatal.

Question 3

Name four prion diseases:

Answer 3

1. Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (rapidly progressive dementia)
2. Mad cow disease
3. Kuru
4. Fatal familial insomnia

Question 4

What type of histopathologic change is seen in these diseases?

Answer 4

Spongiform encephalopathy

Question 5

Which infectious agents lack both DNA and RNA?

Answer 5

Prions (made of proteins only)