What Are Prions and How Are They Different from Other Infectious Agents?
Prions are abnormal, pathogenic agents that are transmissible and can induce abnormal folding of specific normal cellular proteins called prion proteins, primarily found in the brain. The misfolding of the prion protein leads to brain damage and the characteristic signs and symptoms of prion diseases. Unlike other infectious agents, prions do not contain nucleic acids (DNA or RNA), setting them apart from viruses and bacteria. This unique feature makes them resistant to standard decontamination procedures, posing challenges in clinical settings.
