What condition is caused by prions in contaminated meat?

Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is caused by prions, which are misfolded proteins that can induce abnormal folding of normal cellular proteins in the brain. This condition is primarily associated with the consumption of beef infected with the prions responsible for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as "mad cow disease." When humans consume contaminated meat, these prions can lead to severe neurological degeneration, which is characteristic of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

The disease manifests through symptoms such as memory loss, personality changes, and impaired motor function, ultimately leading to serious neurological impairment and, often, death. This distinguishes it from other foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria or toxins, which typically manifest with gastrointestinal symptoms or are caused by traditional pathogens rather than protein misfolding.