Award details

Further work on infectivity in tissues from vCJD patients

Reference	BBS/E/I/00000870
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Moira Bruce
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	The Pirbright Institute
Department	The Pirbright Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	11,300
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/2001
End date	31/03/2004
Duration	36 months

Abstract

We have shown previously that vCJD can be transmitted to mice from brain, spleen and tonsil tissue. In the case of brain and spleen, titrations in mice have been carried out to show relative levels of infectivity in the tissues and to derive dose-incubation period response curves. Immunocytochemical and Western blot analysis performed elsewhere have indicated the accumulation of disease associated forms of the prion protein (PrP) in other lymphoid tissues. These observations have raised serious concerns about the possibility of iatrogenic spread of vCJD, for example via contaminated surgical instruments. Assessment of these risks depends on knowing the levels of infectivity in a range of tissues. In this project we aim to estimate infectivity levels, by bioassay in mice, in a series of high priority tissues/fluids (specified by DH), from three vCJD patients and one control patient. We also plan to exploit archival experimental data, that are relevant to current risk assessments.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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