Early clinical diagnosis of human spongiform encephalopathies by analysis of biological fluids (CJD MARKERS)

Objective

The introduction of biochemical parameters (proteins such as 14-3-3, NSE, S 100 and taut) has led to the improvement of the clinical 1 diagnosis of CJD. In the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders, elevated levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) support the diagnosis with sensitivity and specificity of and 93%. However, some disease phenotypes (such as variant CJD, sporadic CJD with MV-2 phenotype and genetic cases) are negative for, those parameters. The proposed study will cover the work on further biochemical parameters (surrogate markers) of the disease. A set of parameters for early diagnosis during lifetime will be established. Another aspect of the proposed study will cover the detection methodology of disease-specific infected protein in biological fluids such as CSF, serum, plasma and urine using capillary electrophoresis. A sample bank from patients with CJD, other dementia and normal controls will be established.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-9. - Neurosciences

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (9)