Prusiner said there are similarities between the prion diseases and other degenerative diseases. He said prion diseases and the other degenerative illnesses differ in that prion diseases can be transmitted from one person to another or from animals to animals or from animals to man. Transmission of CJD through transplantation of human tissues and through pituitary hormone administration has been reported. However, Prusiner said that while disease such as Alzheimer's has aspects similar to prion disease, he wouldn't say the diseases are linked. It is okay to say we don't know.
Prion diseases occur worldwide.
Prusiner said 50 people have died of CJD - 48 in the United Kingdom, one in Ireland and one in France. All rights reserved.