Infectious Proteins
Infectious proteins, also known as prions, are misfolded proteins that can induce other normal proteins to also misfold. This process leads to a chain reaction, resulting in the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain and other tissues. Prions are responsible for several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and mad cow disease.
Unlike bacteria or viruses, prions do not contain genetic material, making them unique among infectious agents. They are highly resistant to conventional methods of sterilization and can remain infectious even after exposure to extreme conditions, such as heat or radiation. This resilience poses significant challenges for public health and safety.