Final answer:
Prions are resistant to inactivation by heat, radiation, and chemicals, making them difficult to destroy using conventional sterilization techniques. They cause incurable diseases without any available treatments, and handling prion-contaminated materials requires careful, extensively trained procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prions are extraordinarily resistant to inactivation by heat, radiation, and chemicals. These pathogenic entities challenge conventional decontamination methods typically effective against other infectious agents.
Prions are unique infectious agents composed of misfolded proteins, causing fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals. Unlike bacteria and viruses, prions contain no nucleic acids, rendering typical microbial destruction methods ineffective. Instead, prions resist degradation, persisting even after exposure to extreme temperatures and a range of chemical disinfectants such as phenol and formalin.
To reduce prion infectivity, stringent protocols are in place for handling and disposing of infected materials. However, due to their robust nature, complete inactivation remains challenging. This persistent resistance emphasizes the need for rigorous safety measures in medical and research settings to prevent prion transmission and safeguard public health.