Cystic fibrosis carriers have one mutated and one normal cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulatory gene. To inherit the disease, a child must inherit one mutated gene from each parent. Genetic testing can determine carrier status, and carriers have no health risks. Caucasians are more likely to carry the trait, and babies born with cystic fibrosis require special medical care.
A cystic fibrosis carrier is a person who has the mutation that causes cystic fibrosis in their genes but does not have the disease. Each person has two cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulatory genes. If there is one normal cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator gene and the other is mutated, the person is a carrier. A person whose cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulatory genes are both mutated will have cystic fibrosis.
For a child to be born with cystic fibrosis, the child must inherit one mutated gene from each parent. This means that a child cannot be born with cystic fibrosis unless both parents are carriers. If the child inherits only one mutated cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulatory gene from the mother or father, the child will be a carrier of cystic fibrosis. Even if both parents are carriers, the child will not necessarily end up having cystic fibrosis or even be a carrier of cystic fibrosis because the child may inherit the one normal gene from both parents.
There are no health risks associated with being a carrier of cystic fibrosis. Many people go their entire lives without even knowing they are a carrier. Couples who are trying to conceive or who have recently become pregnant can undergo genetic testing using saliva or blood to determine whether one of them is a carrier. Because there are many different types of mutations, some rare ones may not be detected by carrier testing. If both parents are carriers, the fetus can be tested for the disease while still in the womb if the parents so desire.
Anyone can carry cystic fibrosis, but it is more common for Caucasians to have the mutated gene. People of Asian descent are less likely to carry the trait. Different carriers have different mutations, which can lead to different symptoms and levels of cystic fibrosis severity for a child born with the disease.
Babies born with cystic fibrosis require special medical care, which is why many parents choose to find out if they have cystic fibrosis before birth. If both parents are carriers and the child has cystic fibrosis, parents can prepare by consulting with doctors and specialists to prepare for the treatment the child will require. While there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, many people with the disease live into their 40s or 50s with proper treatment and medication.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
