Prion Characteristics — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: D — A host-derived misfolded protein templates further prion-protein conversion, lacks agent-specific nucleic acid and is not reliably eliminated by routine autoclave cycles
Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · D = shown as C · A = shown as D
A is correct. Human prion diseases are associated with an abnormal conformation of host-encoded prion protein that templates conversion of normal PrP into the disease-associated form. The infectious agent has no agent-specific DNA or RNA. UK ACDP guidance also identifies TSE agents as unusually resistant to conventional physical and chemical decontamination: standard steam cycles can reduce infectivity but cannot be relied upon to eliminate it. RNA viruses, bacteria and protozoa contain nucleic acid and reproduce by conventional genomic mechanisms. A bacterial protein toxin may lack nucleic acid, but it does not propagate by templating host prion-protein conversion and does not share the characteristic prion resistance profile.
Reference: Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens TSE Risk Management Subgroup. Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Agents: Safe Working and the Prevention of Infection, Part 1 section 1.3(a) and Annex C sections C3 and C13–C15; guidance last updated 2021. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-from-the-acdp-tse-risk-management-subgroup-formerly-tse-working-group