SRMs are tissues most likely to contain which agent related to bovine spongiform encephalopathy?

SRMs are tissues most likely to contain which agent related to bovine spongiform encephalopathy?

• A. Viruses
• B. Parasites
• C. Prions
• D. Bacteria

Answer: (C)

Prions are the infectious agent in bovine spongiform encephalopathy. They are misfolded proteins that accumulate most in nervous system tissues, so tissues like brain and spinal cord carry the highest prion burden. SRMs are designated to include these high-risk tissues to prevent transmission to humans, since viruses, bacteria, and parasites are not the causative agents of BSE and prions have unique properties (no nucleic acids and strong resistance to standard decontamination) that require special handling.

Prions are the infectious agent in bovine spongiform encephalopathy. They are misfolded proteins that accumulate most in nervous system tissues, so tissues like brain and spinal cord carry the highest prion burden. SRMs are designated to include these high-risk tissues to prevent transmission to humans, since viruses, bacteria, and parasites are not the causative agents of BSE and prions have unique properties (no nucleic acids and strong resistance to standard decontamination) that require special handling.