Open AccessTissue Handling in Suspected Creutzfeldt‐Jakob Disease (CJD) and Other Human Spongiform Encephalopathies (Prion Diseases)
Author(s) -
Budka Herbert,
Aguzzi Adriano,
Brown Paul,
Brucher JeanMarie,
Bugiani Orso,
Collinge John,
Diringer Heino,
Gullotta Filippo,
Haltia Matti,
Hauw JeanJacques,
Ironside James W.,
Kretzschmar Hans A.,
Lantos Peter L.,
Masullo Carlo,
Pocchiari Maurizio,
Schlote Wolfgang,
Tateishi Jun,
Will Robert G.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
brain pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.986
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1750-3639
pISSN - 1015-6305
DOI - 10.1111/j.1750-3639.1995.tb00609.x
Subject(s) - neuropathology , autopsy , medicine , transmission (telecommunications) , disease , brain tissue , transmissible spongiform encephalopathy , creutzfeldt jakob syndrome , virology , intensive care medicine , pathology , scrapie , prion protein , computer science , telecommunications , anatomy
Despite many sensational and intimidating reports in the mass media, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (prion disease) are not contagious in the usual sense. Successful transmission requires both specific material (an affected individual's tissue, from or adjacent to CNS) and specific modes (mainly penetrating contact with the recipient). Nevertheless, specific safety precautions are mandatory to avoid accidental transmission and to decontaminate any infectivity. Autopsy is essential for definite diagnosis of these disorders. Recommendations are given here for performance of the autopsy, for neuropathology service and appropriate decontamination; they are based on the current literature and on precautions taken in most laboratories with experience in handling tissue from transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. In particular, special care must be taken to avoid penetrating wounds, possible contamination should be kept to a minimum, and potential infectious material must be adequately decontaminated by specific means.