About the TSE Research Group

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) and related TSE disorders continue to pose a significant threat to public health due to their exceptional stability, diverse routes of transmission and long incubating periods. The potential for secondary transmission, possible existence of subclinical carrier state(s) and an unknown prevalence in the UK population and elsewhere provide cause for concern.

Our aim is to address these areas of public health concern, relative to CJD and other healthcare-associated infection risks, working with front-line healthcare staff and experts in the field to:

• Provide practical solutions to some of the problems posed
• Carry out underpinning research to inform on levels of risk
• Provide TSE models for public sector and commercial bodies

Specifically project are focused on:

Practical solutions

• Evaluation of ozone for the inactivation of prions
• Understanding and supporting the implementation of novel methods for TSE decontamination in healthcare facilities
• Detection of (v)CJD in blood and tissues 
• Novel application of the tAK ultrasensitive assay method; oral diagnosis of hepatitis C (HCV)
• A new approach to monitoring cleaning of endoscopes

Underpinning research

• Examination of the potential for transmission of vCJD in Dentistry
• vCJD Tissue Infectivity Studies

Models, services and commercial opportunities

• Secure storage for instruments used in CJD surgery
• Development of novel models and reagents
• Partnership and licensing opportunities

Publications

• Publications list

For more information please contact: tse-research@hpa.org.uk

Last reviewed: 11 April 2011