Contents:
- Medical Video: Why Are Some People Albino?
- How can albinism appear?
- The possibility of a child getting albinism if there is a history of albinism in the family
- Do I have an albinism gene myself?
- DNA tests to ensure the presence of albinism-causing genes
Medical Video: Why Are Some People Albino?
If there is a history of albinism in your family, of course you become anxious. If you have children later there is a possibility that your child will have albinism too?
This question is often asked by families who have a history of albinism. To understand the possibilities and opportunities of children suffering from albinism, see the full explanation below.
How can albinism appear?
Albinism is a rare genetic disease inherited from generation to generation. There are two types of albinism that a person may experience, depending on the genes they have. The first type only affects the color of the eye and the sharpness of a person's sense of sight, called the OCA. While the second type affects the eyes, hair, and skin of the sufferer. The second type is called OA and the incidence is less than OCA type albinism.
Until now, what has not been found is the cause of albinism. Albinism does occur when there are changes or genetic damage in a person's DNA. This damage can be inherited to your offspring. However, it is not known exactly what caused the damage.
The possibility of a child getting albinism if there is a history of albinism in the family
Even though it is classified as a genetic disease, you cannot be sure whether pregnant with a child must have albinism. This is because the albinism gene is a type of recessive (weak) gene. That is, this disease will only appear if a child is born to a father and mother who both have this gene. Whereas if only one parent has an albinism gene, the child will not inherit it.
If you and your partner both have albinism genes (for example seen from the history of albinism in their families), the chances of your child having albinism are 1: 4 or 25 percent. The opportunity is the same if you give birth to your first child with albinism. Your second child has a 25 percent chance of developing albinism.
Whereas if you and your partner have the same albinism, for example OCA, your child will also have OCA.
Do I have an albinism gene myself?
It's hard to determine whether you and your partner carry the albinism gene. Especially if you yourself do not show symptoms. Because, this gene can only "ride" in the body, without affecting body function at all.
For example your father has albinism while your mother has no albinism gene at all. You will act as the "host" that holds this gene. However, because your mother is free from albinism, her own disease will not arise because the genes from the father are too weak.
You then marry someone who has a history of albinism in the family. Even though your partner does not have the disease, these two genes eventually meet and become quite strong. So, your children have a 25 percent chance of developing albinism.
DNA tests to ensure the presence of albinism-causing genes
At present, special technology to detect the presence of albinism genes in a person's body and fetus in the womb has been successfully developed. By carrying out a DNA test, experts can predict the risk of what type of albinism a child might have.
This can help you and your family to make important decisions and prepare for the birth of children with albinism more mature.
