Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, Biology

Assignment Help:

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy

The bovine transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), known as 'mad cow disease'-first noticed in Great Britain in 1986, is similar to scrapie in sheep and Creustfeld Jacob syndrome (CJD) in man, chronic wasting disease of captive mule deer and rocky mountain elk and transmissible encephalopathies in mink. It has been reported from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Oman, Switzerland, France, Germany and a few other European countries. There is no report of BSE in India so far although doubtful cases of CJD in human beings have been reported. The causative agent is structurally different from a virus in that it contains protein (PrP) which is a transformed naturally occurring protein constituent of neurons that is encoded by a single chromosomal gene and devoid of nucleic acid. This agent measures 30-50 nm and is extremely resistant to inactivation by heating, UV-irradiation and many chemicals. BSE is classified as Prion disease.


Epidemiology: The disease in cattle occurred as a result of feeding them with ruminant protein supplements in meat and bone-meal derived from scrapie-affected sheep.


Symptoms:
It is difficult to diagnose the disease on the basis of clinical signs since such signs are not quite spectacular. Histopathological and histochemical studies, electron microscopy and biochemical analysis for detection of prion protein are presently available for laboratory confirmation of the disease.Prevention, control and treatment: Identification and slaughtering of positive and suspected cases are the only means of control measures available at present


Related Discussions:- Bovine spongiform encephalopathy

Brain region responsible for the equilibrium of the body, Q. Which is the b...

Q. Which is the brain region responsible for the coordination and equilibrium of the body? In the central nervous system the cerebellum is the main controller of the motor equi

Criteria for diagnosis of respiratory failure, Criteria for Diagnosis of Re...

Criteria for Diagnosis of Respiratory Failure PaO 2 , PaCO 2 , > 50 mm Hg.  Vital Capacity Respiration > 30/min or below 8/min.

Explain alterations occurring in milk and milk products, Alterations occurr...

Alterations occurring in milk and milk products In the dairy industry, milk is commonly given heat treatment for a wide variety of purposes. Depending on the heating temperatur

Safety, S a f e ty, ethical and welfare considerations Development ...

S a f e ty, ethical and welfare considerations Development of transgenic organisms is proceeding in an environment of intense public debate about safety, environmental impa

How can we determine the status of brain function, How can we determine the...

How can we determine the status of brain function Neuropsychological assessment is the clinical practise of using tests and other behavioural evaluation instruments to determin

Advantages and disadvantages of mechanical valves, Advantages Durab...

Advantages Durability of these vales are long lasting.  Disadvantages Need for anticoagulant therapy is life long.  Risk of thrombo-embolism is hi

What is the type of meiosis that occurs in pteridophytes, How are gametes f...

How are gametes formed in the pteridophyte life cycle, by mitosis or meiosis? What is the type of meiosis that occurs in pteridophytes? In pteridophytes gametes are made by mit

Human eye, Who first discovered eye anatomy?

Who first discovered eye anatomy?

Evolution , What benefits led to natural selection of a two-circuit pump f...

What benefits led to natural selection of a two-circuit pump function of the heart a) One circuit to go from the heart to the body and one from the heart to the lungs b) One cir

Explain low birth weight infants (lbw), Explain Low birth weight infants (L...

Explain Low birth weight infants (LBW)? One-third of the babies born in US are of low birth weight, less than 2.5 kg. A LBW infant has an inadequate mineralized skeleton, poorl

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd