Prions differ from viruses in several fundamental ways. Unlike viruses, which are composed of nucleic acids (either DNA or RNA) encased in a protein coat, prions consist solely of abnormal proteins without any genetic material. Viruses replicate by hijacking the host cell’s machinery to produce new viral particles, while prions propagate by inducing conformational changes in normal proteins, leading to the accumulation of abnormal prion proteins. Additionally, prions are highly resistant to conventional disinfection and sterilization methods that are effective against viruses, making them particularly challenging to control.
