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27/03/2006
vCJD poses threat to 'thousands'
Many thousands more people may be at risk of variant Creutzfeld Jakob Disease (vCJD) than was previously thought, but the latest research suggests that it is linked to genetic factors.
According to researchers from Edinburgh, the long incubation time, the ease by which the disease may be passed from blood and surgical instruments, vCJD poses a "significant public health issue."
The researchers noted that due to the long incubation time there could be a significant level of vCJD in the population. The report in the Lancet Neurology also warned that secondary transmission via blood and surgical equipment could occur with "relative efficiency".
Due to these factors the report said that all individuals could be at risk from secondary transmission and that vCJD was a "significant" issue for public health.
However, the report noted that the genetic make-up of individuals was important in determining the progression of the disease in individuals.
Almost all the individuals who have developed vCJD have had one particular form of a protein producing gene linked to the "prion" protein found in the disease.
The research also indicated that there was a significant species 'barrier" for the disease offering an explanation why few people who may have been exposed have gone on to develop the disease.
The research also showed that there was the possibility of asymptomatic carriers, as some of the genetically modified mice used were found to be symptom-free, but this is only around 10% of the general population.
(SP/KMcA)
According to researchers from Edinburgh, the long incubation time, the ease by which the disease may be passed from blood and surgical instruments, vCJD poses a "significant public health issue."
The researchers noted that due to the long incubation time there could be a significant level of vCJD in the population. The report in the Lancet Neurology also warned that secondary transmission via blood and surgical equipment could occur with "relative efficiency".
Due to these factors the report said that all individuals could be at risk from secondary transmission and that vCJD was a "significant" issue for public health.
However, the report noted that the genetic make-up of individuals was important in determining the progression of the disease in individuals.
Almost all the individuals who have developed vCJD have had one particular form of a protein producing gene linked to the "prion" protein found in the disease.
The research also indicated that there was a significant species 'barrier" for the disease offering an explanation why few people who may have been exposed have gone on to develop the disease.
The research also showed that there was the possibility of asymptomatic carriers, as some of the genetically modified mice used were found to be symptom-free, but this is only around 10% of the general population.
(SP/KMcA)
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Contradicting conventional wisdom, the largest-ever worldwide collaborative study of heart disease has found that women are slightly more likely to die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) than men and that heart attacks and strokes kill twice as many women as all cancers combined, the World Health Agency said today. Out of the total 16.
More women die of heart disease than men: WHO report
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21 May 2004
Research report increases fears of vCJD incidence
More people could have been exposed to vCJD than was previously thought, according to the latest research.
Research report increases fears of vCJD incidence
More people could have been exposed to vCJD than was previously thought, according to the latest research.
29 August 2005
Blood test provides potential breakthrough in CJD testing
Scientists have developed a blood test, which could help to detect the human form of mad cow disease. In a study published in ‘Nature’, the team from the University of Texas identified infectious, or rogue, prion proteins, believed to cause the fatal brain disease in hamsters.
Blood test provides potential breakthrough in CJD testing
Scientists have developed a blood test, which could help to detect the human form of mad cow disease. In a study published in ‘Nature’, the team from the University of Texas identified infectious, or rogue, prion proteins, believed to cause the fatal brain disease in hamsters.
08 December 2006
Transfusion risk for vCJD 'substantial'
People given blood transfusions contaminated with the agent that causes variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) are now considered to be at substantial risk.
Transfusion risk for vCJD 'substantial'
People given blood transfusions contaminated with the agent that causes variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) are now considered to be at substantial risk.
19 August 2009
Coroners 'Refuse' To Test For vCJD
Coroners are refusing to carry out post-mortem tests for an infection which causes vCJD, despite government pleas that it could help monitor the spread of the disease, it has been reported. Tests carried out during post-mortem examinations could give an indication of how many people in the country have the infection.
Coroners 'Refuse' To Test For vCJD
Coroners are refusing to carry out post-mortem tests for an infection which causes vCJD, despite government pleas that it could help monitor the spread of the disease, it has been reported. Tests carried out during post-mortem examinations could give an indication of how many people in the country have the infection.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
