What is spongiform change?
Spongiform change is a hallmark of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in prion diseases. They are defined as small round or oval empty spaces in the neuropil. When confluent, they merge to form “morula-like” structures.
What is spongiform degeneration?
Abstract. Spongiform degeneration is characterized by vacuolation in nervous tissue accompanied by neuronal death and gliosis.
Why are spongiform encephalopathies called?
group of diseases classified as spongiform encephalopathies, so named because the resultant deterioration of neurons causes a spongelike pattern to develop in the brain tissue. The agent responsible for those diseases is an abnormal prion, a deviant form of a benign protein normally found in the brain.
What are TSEs?
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases are a family of rare progressive neurodegenerative brain disorders that affect both humans and animals. They have long incubation periods, progress rapidly once symptoms develop and are always fatal.
What was the first TSE described?
Kuru. Kuru is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE), which reached epidemic proportions in the 1950s in Papua New Guinea among the Fore tribe. When it was first described in 1957, the disease was evident in about 1% of a population of more than 35 000 people.
What does spongiform encephalopathy do to the brain?
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), also known as prion diseases, are a group of rare degenerative brain disorders characterized by tiny holes that give the brain a “spongy” appearance. These holes can be seen when brain tissue is viewed under a microscope.
How does mad cow disease affect cows?
Mad cow disease is a fatal disease that slowly destroys the brain and spinal cord ( central nervous system ) in cattle. It also is known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE. People cannot get mad cow disease.
What is the difference between TSE and BSE?
Pharmaceutical products having raw materials derived from the animal source have a risk of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (Full Form of TSE). This disease can transmit in human through pharmaceutical dosage forms from the cattle infected with the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Full Form of BSE).
How are TSEs transmitted?
Transmission of TSEs from infected individuals is relatively rare. TSEs cannot be transmitted through the air or through touching or most other forms of casual contact. However, they may be transmitted through contact with infected tissue, body fluids, or contaminated medical instruments.
What is brain Spongiosis?
Accumulations of the abnormal form are deposited as long filamentous aggregates of amyloid within the brain that gradually damage neuronal tissue. The diseases associated with this infection are Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Gerstmann-Straussler disease, and kuru.
Is prion a virus or bacteria?
Prions are virus-like organisms made up of a prion protein. These elongated fibrils (green) are believed to be aggregations of the protein that makes up the infectious prion. Prions attack nerve cells producing neurodegenerative brain disease. “Mad cow” symptoms include glazed eyes and uncontrollable body tremor.
Which entries include the term spongiform?
The following 3 entries include the term spongiform . : a fatal prion disease of cattle that affects the nervous system, resembles or is identical to scrapie of sheep and goats, and is probably transmitted by infected tissue in food —abbreviation BSE
What is spongiform encephalopathy?
Definition of spongiform encephalopathy : any of various degenerative diseases of the brain characterized by the development of porous spongelike lesions in brain tissue and by deterioration in neurological functioning specifically : prion disease
What are the treatment options for spongiform nodules in sponges?
Follow-up with ultrasonography seems to be an efficacious method even for spongiform nodules larger than 2 cm. Determination of soft appearance according to colour map on ultrasound elastography and low strain ratio values of dominantly solid areas may be useful to avoid unnecessary biopsies.
Can we assess malignancy risk in spongiform nodules with fine needle aspiration?
Objective: Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy for evaluation of spongiform nodules ≥20 mm or observation without FNA was recommended by American Thyroid Association. However, this was a weak recommendation supported by moderate quality evidence. We aimed to assess malignancy risk in spongiform nodules.