A method for the diagnosis or detection of conformational diseases, assaying conformational diseases marker, diagnostic kit and device for carrying out this method

摘要

It is described a method for the diagnosis or detection of conformational diseases by assaying for a marker (the pathogenic conformer) of such diseases in a sample is described, which method comprises a cyclic amplification system to increase the levels of the pathogenic conformer which causes such diseases. In particular, such transmissible conformational diseases may be prion encephalopathies. Assays, diagnostic kits and apparatus based on such methods are also disclosed.