Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease (CJD) is a rare, fatal brain disorder which causes a rapid progressive dementia and associated neuromuscular disturbances. CJD falls within a category of related human and animal diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, all of which appear to involve the abnormal prion protein and leave their victims with the characteristic sponge-like holes in the infected brains. In addition to CJD, the suspected human prion diseases include kuru, Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker disease and fatal familial insomnia. This module will provide the learner with a background of prions, how they are formed and the infections they cause, as well as the risk of prion transmission in blood transfusion, laboratory safety and treatment options available for prion-induced disease.

At the completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

• Differentiate between the bacterial, viral and slow virus causative agents
• List the diseases known to be caused by the prion infectious agent
• Describe the features of Kuru, Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, Fatal Familial Insomnia and the animal diseases of BSE and Scrapie
• Outline the nature of prions and how they are formed
• Describe the features of Creutzfeldt Disease
• Describe the features of the four major clinical variants of CJD
• Outline the link between BSE and vCJD
• Describe the distinctive features of vCJD
• Discuss the risk of transmitting prion diseases through blood transfusion
• Describe the risk and management techniques used to manage the risk of vCJD
• Describe the aspects of laboratory safety as they relate to handling material potentially infected with prions
• Describe the options available for treating prion-induced disease

Who will be your instructor?

John Chapman, FCSMLS, FIMLS, CLSp(H)

• Basic knowledge of viruses and their classification
• Required Equipment: Computer with at least 500 MB of RAM and internet access to write the exam

Other course details:

• Work at your own pace - you set the schedule. Your studies are supported by the author/instructor, self-assessment exercise and your learning is evaluated by an invigilated quiz (you choose the place and time.
• New! Online computer exam available through E-Learning Society.
• Individuals registered in a self-paced course must complete the course within 12 months of registration. After 12 months the registration will expire. No refund will be provided for expired registrations.
• Course last reviewed/revised: May 2008

Related Categories for this course

• Interdisciplinary
• Microbiology
• MODE
• Transfusion Science
• Prionology