The mutation in OCA2, which is responsible for most albinism cases in Africa, is probably the oldest mutation causing albinism and, putatively,
originated during mankind's development in Africa
. For some reason, it's retained there.
What is the history behind the disorder albinism?
Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found in your skin, hair and eyes. Albinism is caused by
a mutation in one of
these genes. Different types of albinism can occur, based mainly on which gene mutation caused the disorder.
What is albinism how it is caused?
Albinism is a
rare genetic condition caused by mutations of certain genes that affect the amount of melanin your body produces
. Melanin controls the pigmentation (color) of your skin, eyes and hair. People with albinism have extremely pale skin, eyes and hair.
What are the 4 types of albinism?
To date as many as seven forms of oculocutaneous albinism are now recognized –
OCA1, OCA2, OCA3, OCA4, OCA5, OCA6 and OCA7
. Some are further divided into subtypes. OCA1, or tyrosinase-related albinism, results from a genetic defect in an enzyme called tyrosinase.
What race is albinism most common in?
The condition affects people in many ethnic groups and geographical regions. Types 1 and 2 are the most common forms of this condition; types 3 and 4 are less common. Type 2 occurs more frequently in
African Americans
, some Native American groups, and people from sub-Saharan Africa.
Do albinos smell?
Close relatives of Caucasian albinos have described
to me their odor as sour, fishy and fetid
. A Cuna Indian mother of both albino and brown-skin children said that she could wash her albino babies with soap and immediately they smelled as though they had not been washed for two weeks.
Why are albinos killed in Africa?
At the same time, people with albinism have also been ostracised and even killed for exactly the opposite reason, because
they are presumed to be cursed and bring bad luck
. The persecutions of people with albinism take place mostly in Sub-Saharan African communities, especially among East Africans.
Can albinism be cured?
Because albinism is a genetic disorder,
it can't be cured
. Treatment focuses on getting proper eye care and monitoring skin for signs of abnormalities. Your care team may involve your primary care doctor and doctors specializing in eye care (ophthalmologist), skin care (dermatologist) and genetics.
Can you prevent albinism?
Albinism cannot be prevented
, as it is an inherited (genetic) condition rather than an illness.
Is albinism good or bad?
Those with albinism are
generally as healthy as the rest of the population
(but see related disorders below), with growth and development occurring as normal, and albinism by itself does not cause mortality, although the lack of pigment blocking ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of melanomas (skin cancers) and …
What gender is albinism most common in?
Males
are more commonly affected than females. This is because males have only one X chromosome and therefore one copy of the GPR143 gene. Females have two X chromosomes and therefore two copies of the GPR143 gene.
What is the rarest eye color?
Green
is the rarest eye color of the more common colors. Outside of a few exceptions, nearly everyone has eyes that are brown, blue, green or somewhere in between. Other colors like gray or hazel are less common.
Can albinos have GREY eyes?
In fact there are different types of albinism and the amount of pigment in the eyes varies. Although some individuals with albinism have reddish or violet eyes, most have
blue eyes
. Some have hazel or brown eyes.
Is Elsa an albino?
But the child later learned it was a female alligator and was all smiles when she learned the creature's name was Elsa, which is one of the princesses in Disney's “Frozen.” Elsa is
an albino alligator
, so her skin lacks pigmentation. Instead of a swamp-like green, her skin is white, and her eyes are red.
Why is albinism more common in Africans?
Albinism is more common in East Africa
because rural tribes have a more isolated genetic pool
, and because the society is less mobile.
What country has the most cases of albinism?
Fiji
has one of the highest rates of albinism in the world. According to the United Nations' independent expert on albinism Ikponwosa Ero, the relatively rare, non-contagious condition is genetically inherited.
