Fig 3. Desiccation of CWD positive fecal samples does not affect seeding activity.

CWD positive elk fecal samples’ rate of amyloid formation (y-axis) were analyzed to ascertain the seeding activity after drying (A-C). (A) Fecal homogenates prepared as a 3.3% homogenate based on dry weight (approximating a 10% homogenate based on wet weight) retained seeding activity after desiccation. (B) When fecal samples were prepared as 10% homogenates based on dry weight, inhibition of positive seeding was observed. (C) If fecal samples were extracted a second time as a 10% homogenate, there was reduced inhibition of seeding activity. (D) Fecal samples from CWD positive elk were not affected by desiccation or homogenization at a dilute concentration (3.3% homogenate dry weight or approximating a 10% homogenate wet weight). Data shown is the amyloid formation rate of 8 replicates with mean ± SEM; * p<0.05, ** p<0.01, *** p<0.001, **** p<0.0001.