Definition of Kuru
Kuru is a disease of the nervous system.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Kuru is an extremely rare disease. It is caused by an infectious protein (prion) found in contaminated human brain tissue.
Symptoms
Symptoms of kuru include:
Signs and tests
A neurological exam may show changes in coordination and walking ability.
Treatment
There is no known treatment for kuru.
Expectations (prognosis)
Death usually occurs within 1 year after the first sign of symptoms.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 12/3/2008
