Papova virus-like particles in a nigral type of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Abstract

In this case of Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease cortical biopsy demonstrated a large number of papova virus-like particles in the axons, dendrites, astroyctic processes and blood-vessel walls, while necropsy findings disclosed a striking status spongiosus and neuronal degeneration in the substantia nigra. The patient also suffered from a testicular feminization syndrome and was treated with immunosuppressive drugs for pemphigus vulgaris. The ready demonstration of viral particles, the rapid course of the disease and the unusual necropsy findings are discussed and related to the pre-existing diseases of the patient.