Implications of conflicting associations of the prion protein (PrP) gene with scrapie susceptibility and fitness on the persistence of scrapie.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Existing mathematical models for scrapie dynamics in sheep populations assume that the PrP gene is only associated with scrapie susceptibility and with no other fitness related traits. This assumption contrasts recent findings of PrP gene associations with post-natal lamb survival in scrapie free Scottish Blackface populations. Lambs with scrapie resistant genotypes were found to have significantly lower survival rates than those with susceptible genotypes. The present study aimed to investigate how these conflicting PrP gene associations may affect the dynamic patterns of PrP haplotype frequencies and disease prevalence.

Methodology/principal findings

A deterministic mathematical model was developed to explore how the associations between PrP genotype and both sc

SUBMITTER: Doeschl-Wilson A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2776355 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature