Question

Healthcare Students: Explain the affects of BSE on brains of animals and how humans act when affected by BSE

Answer 1

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad cow disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the brains of cattle. It is caused by the abnormal folding of proteins called prions, which accumulate in the brain and cause damage to nerve cells. This results in the formation of sponge-like holes in the brain tissue, leading to symptoms such as changes in behavior, difficulty walking, and eventually death.

When humans consume meat from cattle infected with BSE, they can develop a similar disease called variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). The prions from the infected meat can accumulate in the brain of the individual, causing similar damage to nerve cells and leading to symptoms such as memory loss, muscle stiffness, and psychiatric symptoms.

Humans affected by vCJD typically experience a rapid decline in cognitive and motor function, leading to severe disability and eventually death. There is currently no cure for BSE or vCJD, and prevention is focused on strict regulations in the meat industry to prevent the spread of the disease.

In conclusion, BSE can have devastating effects on the brains of animals and humans, leading to serious neurological symptoms and ultimately death. It is important for healthcare professionals to understand the risks associated with BSE and to educate the public on proper food safety practices to prevent the spread of the disease.