Serial propagation of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in guinea pigs.

Abstract

The transmission and serial propagation of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease from man to guinea pigs [inoculated with human brain biopsy suspension] are reported. The latency, symptomatology and morphology of the infection during the first 4 passages [inoculation of healthy guinea pigs with brain suspension from sick animals] are presented. The incubation period between the 1st and subsequent passages was halved. Take, morbidity and mortality, all 100%, were achieved in all inoculated animals. All guinea pigs developed a subacute spongiform virus encephalopathy with marked neuronal destruction in the cerebral cortex and subcortical grey structures. The neuronal loss resulted incerebral atrophy and hydrocephalus.