NR ASFN
AU anonym
AK WHO - World Health Organization
TI Press Release, 17 May 1996 - Scientific consultation on human and animal spongiform encephalopathies
QU Internet
IA http://www.who.ch/press/1996/pr96-38.html
PT Presseerklärung
VT
Scientific consultation on human and animal spongiform encephalopathies
A scientific consultation of 18 animal and human neurologists, neuropathologists and scientists from 14 countries, all expert in the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), met at the headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO), in Geneva, from 14-16 May 1996. The consultation examined in detail the clinical, neurological and neuropathological findings associated with the newly recognized variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), compared these findings with data on other human TSEs, and further examined their relationship to the animal TSEs including bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). In addition, the consultation evaluated the need for worldwide surveillance of CJD, and reviewed TSE research to date, including research on diagnostic tests, in order to identify areas where further research is required.
The consultation was convened just six weeks after a WHO consultation which provided conclusions on public health issues related to TSEs including the newly recognized CJD variant and BSE, and recommendations on best practices for ensuring protection of the consumer. This week's consultation concluded that the newly recognized variant of CJD, which has been so far reported from the United Kingdom (UK) and France, has some features similar to CJD, but that it has others which are unique. The consultation therefore concluded that it represents a newly identified form of CJD.
After a thorough review of the characteristics of other naturally occurring and experimental TSEs, the consultation further concluded that the clinical and neuropathological features of the newly recognized CJD variant do not provide information which could be used to prove the possible link between this disease and BSE in cattle. The experts agreed that such a link can only be proven by continued research to fully characterize the agent causing the disease in humans so that it can be compared to other TSEs including BSE, and by further epidemiological research to establish the risk factors for human infection. The experts emphasized that because naturally occurring TSEs have long incubation periods, epidemiological studies would be longer than those for many other diseases.
Worldwide surveillance and diagnostic tests urgently needed
In addition to recommending continued research the consultation recommended that WHO coordinate a worldwide system for the surveillance of CJD, including the newly recognized variant, to determine the true incidence, prevalence and geographic distribution of each of the two forms. The experts felt that this was particularly important because of the scarcity of information on CJD in both developed and developing countries, and because of the uncertainty of the geographic distribution of the newly recognized variant of CJD. The experts developed guidelines for such surveillance which include criteria for diagnosis of CJD, for the newly recognized variant of CJD, and for the other human TSEs. The group further proposed that a case control methodology be built into the CJD surveillance system to help identify risk factors for infection if possible, and to attempt to clarify the relationship between human and animal TSEs. It also recommended that WHO ensure worldwide surveillance of TSE in animals.
Finally the consultation recommended that research be stepped up on diagnostic tests for the TSEs, and in particular for CJD, the newly recognized CJD variant, and BSE, so that confirmation can be done in the absence of brain tissue. Results of studies on a newly developed test which can be used on the fluid which surrounds the spinal cord were reviewed by the consultation. This test is thought to be highly sensitive, and detects a protein in the spinal fluid which is released by the TSE-infected brain. The availability of such a test, which could be used without having to do a brain biopsy, would be a great step forward and useful in research, patient diagnosis and animal husbandry.
Based on the above recommendations of the consultation, WHO will coordinate an intensified worldwide system for CJD surveillance and ensure training in clinical and neuropathological diagnosis on CJD and the other human TSEs at selected collaborating centres throughout the world. In collaboration with the International Office of Epizooties (OIE), WHO will likewise ensure worldwide surveillance for the animal TSEs. Underlying these activities, WHO will continue to provide a scientific forum for exchange on research issues related to the TSEs as well as stimulate and facilitate research.
For more information please contact Philippe Stroot, Media Relations, Health Communications and Public Relations, WHO, Geneva. Telephone (41 22) 791 2535. Fax (41 22) 791 4858.
All WHO Press Releases, Fact Sheets and Features can be obtained on Internet on the WHO home page http: //www.who.ch/
PO Internet
SP englisch