How are prions different from other infectious agents?

Prions are unique among infectious agents because they are composed entirely of protein and lack any nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA. This absence of genetic material means they do not follow conventional replication processes like viruses or bacteria. Instead, prions propagate by inducing conformational changes in normal proteins, leading to a chain reaction of protein misfolding. This distinctive mode of infection and replication, combined with their resistance to conventional sterilization methods, sets prions apart from other pathogens and poses unique challenges in understanding and managing prion diseases.