Question

2. Read the following case study and answer the questions about CJD that follow. Some microbes encountered in the environment cannot be destroyed by conven- tional means. An example is the microbe that causes Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which can be transmitted on neurosurgical instruments. Another disease that is caused not by microbes but by reprocessing methods is TASS (toxic anterior segment syndrome) which may result in blindness. a. What are prions? b. What causes CJD? c. Why is CJD a concern with regard to sterilization methods? d. What is TASS? What are the AAMI guidelines to prevent TASS?

Answer 1

a.Prion are a form of protein which are generally misfolded .This misfolded protein can be transmitted to the healthy protein and cause its alteration .This leads to neurological changes in a patient and can be fatal .

b.The cause of Creutzfled -Jakob disease in this scenario is be ause of the transmission from the neurosurgical instrument.

An infected tissue can transmit the disease from one person to another

Heriditary

Lack of proper cleaning of the neurosurgical instruments after use used and sterilization

Consumption of infected meat.

c.The concern with regards to the sterilization is these prions are highly resistant to the regular conventional or physical sterlization .They can remain in the instruments and cause infection other patient when those articles are used on them.

This can be destroyed by usi g Flash sterilization techniques .

d.TASS (Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome) This can happen after a procedure or surgery ,which is a non infectious disease affecting the tissues of the eyes and causing inflammation. This leads to blurring of vision ,pain and redness, opacity of the lens.

Tye AAMI guidelines to prevent this are by

• Encouraging to clean the equipment properly not allowing the liquid to dry in the instruments after the procedure
• It should be cleansed in the designated area
• There should be adequate supply of the medical instruments after proper sterlization
• Reduce cross contamination by sterilizing the equipment separately
• Pre cleansing of the equipment is highly recommended
• Proper maintenance of the equipment after sterilization
• If a ultrasonic cleaner is used 0toper ckaemasinf and drying should be done
• Strictly follow the manufacturer's guidelines to clean the equipment
• Use high temperature generally to disinfect
• The materials used to clean should also be sterilized after use.