Ariadna Forray

Deadly Feasts by Richard Rhodes

Deadly Feasts is an account of the discovery and history of the new type of fatal brain disease that gives rise to mad cow disease, Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease and scrapie, among others. The exact cause of these diseases still remains uncertain, although it is believed to be caused by a protein called a "prion." Much controversy remains over this issue, yet different variants of this "prion" have been found to infect humans, sheep, cattle, mink and primates. Richard Rhodes tells the "prion" story by examining scientific, anthropological, economic and public healths issues surrounding this controversial phenomenon. The book is divided into three parts: the first dealing the connections between all the diseases believed to be caused by "prions," the second deals more with the biology and scientific research undertaken to understand this thing called a "prion," the last section introduces issues of public health and economics and how they tie into the "prion" controversy.

The first two chapters are a historical and anthropological look at the Fore people of New Guinea and Kuru, a mysterious disease that became an epidemic in this culture. Rhodes explains how the cannibalistic rituals of the Fore exposed them to some unknown infectious agent. This agent, through some unknown mechanism, caused initially a loss of motor control, followed by tremors and slurred speech, and finally giving rise to complete incapacitation right before death. From this introduction Rhodes begins to piece together the research that led to the discovery of the unknown infectious agent. He first does this by presenting other diseases of unknown origin that had a similar pathology to that of Kuru. These included Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (CJD), scrapie and transmissible mink encephalopathy. All of these diseases were marked by the presence of spongiform encephalitis, a term used to describe the presence of holes in the cell bodies of nerve cells in the brain. In his account of these diseases, Rhodes gives the background of the science behind the disease and the key scientists and physicians involved.

The second part of the book narrates the scientific research that gave way to the identification of protein-like fibers found in brains with spongiform encephalitis. These fibers are what became known as "prions," the unknown infectious agent. Rhodes introduces the scientific findings piece by piece, just how the researchers studying "prions" came to discover the information. This section also introduced how it was determined "prions" were transmitted, although it is not known exactly what "prions" are. In addition, these chapters explained the resistance these "prions" have to ultraviolet light, radiation, heat, and almost all chemical disinfectants.

The final part of the book introduces the mad cow disease scandal in Europe. Here, Rhodes introduces this new disease, just as it was introduced to the world, unexpectedly and in a very alarming way. The chapters in this section described the public health disaster that occurred in England as a result of beef infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Rhodes explains the economic circumstances that caused the knowledge that BSE infected beef caused CJD in humans, go unreported. The book closes by proposing the possible devastating effects of the spread of animal products infected with "prions."

The book very thoroughly covers the "prion" controversy- the science, history and public health behind it. Rhodes is very detailed in his presentation of all the material, from the Fore people of New Guinea to the economics of the meat-and-bone meal industry in England. All the material presented was very well researched with plenty of background information. He strings along the "prion" story wonderfully, with all the pieces fitting perfectly as his narration progresses. He covers everything from the scientists and physicians researching "prions" to the history of the patients affected by CJD or Kuru. In terms of his narrative, Rhodes maintains an objective point of view, except when he mentions who he thinks should have been given credit for the discovery of "prions." Here he clearly steps out of his objectivity and states his feelings. This does not affect, however, the accuracy and value of his story.

One of the best things about the book is how it brings to light the importance of understanding culture and society in order to control, prevent and comprehend disease. The book also gives the reader a sense of how culture and society affect the sick or make certain members of society victims. This can be seen in the case of the Fore women and children, who were the most affected by Kuru. In their ceremonial feast of the dead, Fore women and children are only allowed to eat the men's left overs which usually consisted of the brain and other organs. It was for this reason that women and children contracted Kuru, they were eating infected brain matter. It was their social status and cultural beliefs that made women and children victims of Kuru. While the book does not focus on discrimination, stories such as the one of the Fore women and children illustrate how Rhodes enables the reader to understand how culture and society affect disease.

Almost everyone would benefit from this book, because of the possible danger that infected beef and other animal products could have on our lives. Even people that do not eat meat could be affected by "prions," since they are known to infect across species and may possibly affect plants fertilized with animal products. A background in biology is helpful in order to understand all the scientific terms mentioned in the book, but by no means necessary. Rhodes very clearly and methodically explains all the science he uses in the book. The book is wonderful for people that are debating becoming vegetarians, or those who are interested in how economics and public health affect disease.

Bibliography

Richard Rhodes, Deadly Feasts. New York, NY: Touchstone, 1998. Pp. 278