Definition of Prion

1. Bad Bugs and Their Bites Slideshow
2. Heartburn: Foods to Eat and Avoid Slideshow
3. Understanding Multiple Sclerosis Slideshow

Prion: A small proteinaceous infectious disease-causing agent that is believed to be the smallest infectious particle. A prion is neither bacterial nor fungal nor viral and contains no genetic material. Prions have been held responsible for a number of degenerative brain diseases, including mad cow disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, fatal familial insomnia, kuru, and an unusual form of hereditary dementia known as Gertsmann-Straeussler-Scheinker disease.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.