Genetic susceptibility

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Genetic Susceptibility is a genetic predisposition that increases the likelihood of developing a particular disease based on a person's genetic makeup. Genetic susceptibility results from specific genetic variations that are often inherited from a parent. These variations, known as polymorphisms, make one person more susceptible to a disease than another.

Genetic Variations and Disease Susceptibility[edit | edit source]

Genetic variations can affect disease susceptibility in several ways. Some genes control how the body's immune system responds to infections. A variation in one of these genes can influence a person's susceptibility to a particular disease. Other genes may control how the body metabolizes certain substances, such as medications or toxins. Variations in these genes could influence the body's response to these substances, potentially increasing the risk of disease.

Genetic Testing for Disease Susceptibility[edit | edit source]

Genetic testing can identify genetic variations that may indicate a higher risk of developing certain diseases. However, these tests are not 100% accurate and a positive result does not necessarily mean a person will develop the disease. Similarly, a negative result does not guarantee that a person will not develop the disease.

Ethical Considerations[edit | edit source]

There are ethical considerations associated with genetic testing for disease susceptibility. These include issues of privacy, discrimination, and informed consent. It is important that individuals understand the potential implications of genetic testing before deciding to proceed.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Genetic susceptibility Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD