SCRAPIE AGENT Meaning and
Definition
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The term "Scrapie Agent" refers to a specific type of infectious particle known as a "prion" that is responsible for causing the disease known as scrapie. Scrapie is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) affecting sheep and goats, characterized by neurological degeneration leading to various symptoms, including itching, weight loss, behavioral changes, and ultimately death.
The Scrapie Agent is an abnormal isoform of a protein called prion protein (PrP). Prions are unique in that they do not contain genetic material like viruses or bacteria, but instead consist solely of misfolded proteins. In the case of scrapie, the normal cellular form of PrP undergoes a structural alteration, transforming into the Scrapie Agent. This misfolded prion protein is highly stable and has the ability to induce a conformational change in other normal PrP molecules, causing them to also become misfolded.
The Scrapie Agent is known to accumulate in specific tissues of infected animals, particularly the brain and nervous system. It is believed that the presence of misfolded prion proteins disrupts the normal functions of neurons, leading to the observed neurological symptoms. Additionally, the Scrapie Agent is highly resistant to traditional disinfection methods and can persist in the environment for extended periods, posing challenges for eradication and disease control efforts.
Understanding the properties and mechanisms of the Scrapie Agent is crucial in preventing the spread of scrapie to susceptible animals and developing strategies for its diagnosis and control.
Common Misspellings for SCRAPIE AGENT
- acrapie agent
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- dcrapie agent
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- sxrapie agent
- svrapie agent
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- sdrapie agent
- sceapie agent
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- scrzpie agent
- scrspie agent
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Etymology of SCRAPIE AGENT
The word "scrapie" was first used in the 18th century to describe a transmissible disease affecting sheep. Its etymology is uncertain, but it is believed to come from the Middle English word "scraper" or "scrape", which referred to the intense itching and scraping behavior exhibited by affected animals. The term "agent" in the context of scrapie refers to the infectious agent or pathogen responsible for causing the disease. The exact nature of the scrapie agent remained unknown for a long time, but today it is known to be a prion protein.
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