New Variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease (vCJD) is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain. It belongs to a group of diseases known as Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs). vCJD is thought to be caused by the accumulation of abnormal prion proteins in the brain.
Unlike other forms of CJD, which often occur spontaneously or due to genetic mutations, vCJD is believed to be acquired through the consumption of contaminated beef products, particularly those derived from cattle infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as "mad cow disease." The abnormal prion proteins believed to be responsible for vCJD are highly resistant to conventional forms of sterilization and can withstand cooking at normal temperatures.
Symptoms of vCJD typically include psychiatric disturbances, such as anxiety and depression, followed by progressive neurological dysfunction. These may include memory impairment, cognitive decline, personality changes, and eventually, movement disorders such as ataxia. The disease progresses rapidly, typically leading to severe disability and death within a few months to a few years.
Diagnosis of vCJD is challenging, as it shares several clinical features with other types of CJD and may require specialized tests, such as brain tissue biopsy, to confirm the presence of abnormal prion proteins.
There is currently no cure for vCJD, and treatment is mainly focused on managing symptoms and providing supportive care. Strict regulations and measures have been implemented globally to prevent the spread of vCJD through food products, reducing the risk of future outbreaks.
