Which prion disease requires special handling precautions?

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a type of prion disease that necessitates special handling precautions due to its infectious nature. Prions are misfolded proteins that can induce abnormal folding of normal cellular proteins, leading to progressive neurological degeneration. CJD is known to be transmitted via certain medical procedures, contaminated instruments, or through consumption of infected tissue.

Because prions are resistant to standard sterilization methods and can remain infectious even after routine cleaning, healthcare workers and facilities must adhere to specific protocols when dealing with this disease. These protocols may include the use of dedicated surgical instruments and enhanced disinfection procedures to prevent any potential exposure to prion-contaminated materials. Understanding the unique characteristics of prion diseases, like CJD, highlights the importance of rigorous infection control practices in healthcare settings to protect both patients and staff from transmission.

In contrast, conditions such as Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer’s diseases do not have infectious aspects that require such specialized precautions. These diseases are neurodegenerative and are not caused by infectious agents, which makes their handling in clinical settings less stringent regarding infection control.