[rmmcdaniell]

The type of prion is determined by looking at pathology in animal hosts who develop disease through experimental infection. The pathology shows that BSE and vCJD are caused by the same mis-folded prion.

Yes but we all have the normal folded protein. Is it possible that the vCJD prions assumed its characteristic conformation independent of interaction with BSE prions?

[torstars]

Is it possible that the vCJD prions assumed its characteristic conformation independent of interaction with BSE prions?

The disease in experimental animals is the same for BSE and vCJD.