That suggests that the gene may confer a survival advantage , in addition to causing a deadly disease, since a gene leading to such a deadly disease would otherwise tend to dwindle in the population due to selective pressure against it.
Are there any benefits to cystic fibrosis?
The gene that causes cystic fibrosis may persist in human populations because, although two copies of it kill, having just one copy protects against tuberculosis, researchers say.
What are the disadvantages of cystic fibrosis?
- Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce sweat, mucus, and digestive enzymes. ...
- This can lead to life-threatening problems, including infections, respiratory failure, and malnutrition.
- Approximately 1,000 people are diagnosed with cystic fibrosis every year in the United States.
How is cystic fibrosis a heterozygote advantage?
Recently a heterozygote advantage was suggested to explain the high incidence (1:25 carrier individuals in Europeans) of the cystic fibrosis gene. This selective advantage was speculated to be due to a high resistance to chloride-secreting diarrhea, including cholera.
Recent experiments on mice offer an answer. They suggest that the 5 percent of all Caucasians who carry just one copy of the cystic fibrosis gene–and thus don't suffer from the disease–are protected against another deadly scourge: diarrhea . The gene for cystic fibrosis was discovered in 1989.
Has anyone been cured of cystic fibrosis?
There is no cure for cystic fibrosis , but treatment can ease symptoms, reduce complications and improve quality of life. Close monitoring and early, aggressive intervention is recommended to slow the progression of CF , which can lead to a longer life.
Is cystic fibrosis considered a disability?
If you are unable to work while living with cystic fibrosis and need financial help, you may qualify for disability benefits . The U.S. government offers disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Can you get cystic fibrosis at any age?
While cystic fibrosis is usually diagnosed in childhood , adults with no symptoms (or mild symptoms) during their youth can still be found to have the disease.
What should a person with cystic fibrosis eat?
Like everyone else, guys and girls who have CF should eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and veggies, whole grains, dairy products, and protein . In addition, people with CF have some specific nutritional needs to help them stay healthy.
At what age is cystic fibrosis diagnosed?
Most children are now screened for CF at birth through newborn screening and the majority are diagnosed by age 2 . However, some people with CF are diagnosed as adults. A doctor who sees the symptoms of CF will order a sweat test and a genetic test to confirm the diagnosis.
What is the life expectancy for cystic fibrosis?
Many young adults with CF finish college or find jobs. Lung disease eventually worsens to the point where the person is disabled. Today, the average life span for people with CF who live to adulthood is about 44 years . Death is most often caused by lung complications.
Does cystic fibrosis shorten life expectancy?
Summary: Cystic fibrosis shortens life by making the lungs prone to repeated bacterial infections and inflammation. Researchers have now shown for the first time that the lungs' bacterial population changes in the first few years of life as respiratory infections and inflammation set in.
What other diseases might a cystic fibrosis heterozygote advantage protect from?
As a result, if the CF allele could protect people from a dangerous disease like malaria, cholera, or tuberculosis , individuals who are heterozygous for the CF mutation could be protected from that other disease (a heterozygote advantage), while not exhibiting any symptoms of CF.
Do CF carriers have salty sweat?
Sweat Gland
People with CF has very salty sweat . The sweat gland secretes salt and water some of which is typically reabsorbed in the sweat duct. This reabsorption process is markedly abnormal in people with CF.
What does it mean if I am a carrier for cystic fibrosis?
A person with one non-functional copy of the gene is a carrier. Carriers for CF have no symptoms, but can pass the non-functioning gene on to their children. An individual must inherit two non-functioning CF genes – one from each parent – to have CF.
Are people with cystic fibrosis immune to cholera?
The cystic fibrosis gene may have survived through hundreds of human generations because it gives protection against cholera .
