Melbourne Researchers Close in on Mad Cow Disease

Medical researchers at the University of Melbourne have made a discovery that could lead to a simple blood test for Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) and Mad Cow disease.

Using genetic sequencing, the scientists found that cells infected with prions, the infectious agent responsible for these diseases, release particles that contain easily recognised ‘signature genes’.

Associate Professor Andrew Hill said these particles travel in the blood stream, making a diagnostic blood test a possibility.

“This might provide a way to screen people who currently face restrictions on their ability to donate blood,” Professor Hill said.

“With a simple blood test nurses could deem a prospective donor’s blood as healthy, with the potential to significantly boost critical blood stocks.”

Lead author of the CJD research Dr Shayne Bellingham said the breakthrough might also help detect other neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

“This is an exciting new field where we can test for conditions in the brain and throughout the body, without being invasive,” Dr Bellingham said.

The research was undertaken at the University of Melbourne, with assistance from the Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria, the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Australian Research Council.