acquired Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Also known as: aCJD

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Last updated

July 20, 2026

Quick Summary

Acquired Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (aCJD) is a rare, fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by prions, abnormal proteins that accumulate in the brain and destroy nerve cells. It accounts for about 1% of all CJD cases and can be transmitted through medical procedures, such as corneal transplants or the use of contaminated surgical instruments. A variant form (vCJD) has been linked to consuming beef products contaminated with the prion that causes bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease. There is no cure for CJD, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms.12

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Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Types
acquired (aCJD). Both sCJD and aCJD may be further divided into subtypes. The most common sCJD subtype is sCJDMM1. Subtypes of aCJD include iatrogenic (iCJD) and variant (vCJD) forms of the disease (kuru is sometimes considered a third subtype of aCJD).
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acquired (aCJD). Both sCJD and aCJD may be further divided into subtypes. The most common sCJD subtype is sCJDMM1. Subtypes of aCJD include iatrogenic (iCJD) and variant (vCJD) forms of the disease (kuru is sometimes considered a third subtype of aCJD).
Read More