This paper examines the etiology and epidemiology of the microorganism 'slow' or 'unconventional' virus. The hypothesis outlined suggests that four previously unrelated disease processes (Kuru-New Guinea; Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease-Europe; Alzheimer's-North America and a 'New Entity'-Japan) may be manifestations of the same organism spreading globally, or, that the virus involved in each case is of the same familial group. It is further hypothesized that the primary differences between these diseases are dose/inoculation related. The consequences of this incurable virus infection are discussed, and suggestions are made with respect to prevention of the infection.
