Turkish Journal of Biology

Abstract: The spongiform encephalopathies comprise a group of three infectious diseases of humans and least four of animals. All these nonconventional agents share similar clinical courses and histopathologies. The pathogenic agents themselves have been termed prions. Unlike other human pathogens, the infectivity of these agents is highly resistant to physical and chemical treatments. In this article the molecular structure, general properties and possible mode of replication of prions are discussed.

Key Words: Prions, Spongiform encephalopathies