Which microorganism can lead to the development of slow virus diseases?

Prions are misfolded proteins that can induce other proteins to also misfold, ultimately leading to the development of slow virus diseases, also known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Unlike bacteria, fungi, and conventional viruses, prions do not contain nucleic acids; instead, they propagate by creating abnormal changes in cellular proteins. This property allows them to cause disease over an extended period, where the onset can be slow and progressive, thus the term "slow virus diseases."

Diseases caused by prions, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and kuru, can take years or even decades to develop after initial exposure. Their unique mechanism of pathogenesis sets them apart from other microorganisms, emphasizing their role in such diseases. This understanding is crucial for nursing and mortuary science professionals, as prion diseases often have specific implications for infection control and handling of infected individuals.