Early symptoms of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) include changes in mood, temperament and behaviour followed by impairments in memory and concentration, and confused thinking. The infectious agent in vCJD is thought to be which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prions are abnormal, infectious proteins that cause neurodegenerative diseases like variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD). These proteins induce the misfolding of normal cellular proteins in the brain, leading to brain damage and the characteristic symptoms of vCJD, such as mood changes, memory loss, and cognitive decline. Prion diseases are incurable and ultimately fatal, making early detection and prevention critical.