What are prions?

Prions are indeed abnormal forms of protein that can induce the misfolding of other normal proteins within the body. Unlike bacteria, viruses, or fungi, which contain nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) and can replicate independently, prions do not contain any genetic material. They are responsible for several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease). These diseases result from the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the brain, which leads to tissue damage and neurological decline. Understanding prions is essential in the field of sterile processing, as they are resistant to conventional sterilization methods and can pose a significant infection control risk if not properly managed.