What does TSE mean in UNCLASSIFIED

TSEs are a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases that affect both humans and animals. They are characterized by the accumulation of abnormal proteins called prions in the brain, which leads to the formation of spongy holes and the death of brain cells.

TSEs are caused by the misfolding of a normal brain protein called the prion protein (PrP). The misfolded form of the protein, known as PrP^Sc, is infectious and can spread to other individuals through contact with infected tissues or fluids.

TSEs can be transmitted through:

• Contact with infected brain or nervous system tissue
• Ingestion of infected meat or animal products
• Transplantation of infected organs or tissues
• Blood transfusions or blood products
• Contact with contaminated medical instruments

There are several different types of TSEs, including:

• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD): The most common type of TSE in humans
• Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD): A variant of CJD that is linked to the consumption of beef from cattle infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
• Fatal familial insomnia (FFI): A rare, inherited form of TSE
• Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS): Another rare, inherited form of TSE
• Kuru: A TSE that was once prevalent among the Fore people of Papua New Guinea due to the practice of ritual cannibalism

The symptoms of TSEs vary depending on the type, but they can include:

• Rapidly progressive dementia
• Memory loss
• Personality changes
• Behavioral problems
• Movement disorders
• Speech difficulties
• Visual disturbances
• Seizures
• Muscle weakness
• Coma

TSEs can be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, neurological examination, and brain imaging tests. In some cases, a biopsy of brain tissue may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

There is currently no cure for TSEs. Treatment is focused on managing the symptoms and providing supportive care.

There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the risk of TSEs, including:

• Avoiding exposure to infected brain or nervous system tissue
• Not consuming meat or animal products from animals that may be infected with a TSE
• Being cautious about receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants
• Using sterile medical instruments
• Practicing safe injection practices