Albinism: Medical and Public Health Story

Arindam BasuUniversity of Canterbury

arin.basu@gmail.com

Albinism• Genetic Disorder (Autosomsal Recessive or X linked Recessive)

• Lack of Melanin Synthesis and Transport

• Eyes

• Hair, Skin

• Normal Growth Patterns and Life Span

• Excessive Sensitivity to UV Rays -> consequences

• Prevalence Varies 1 in 20, 000 to 1 in 4000 (Depends on Ethnicity)

Classification• Older: Ocular Albinism and Oculocutaneous Albinism

• OCA1A

• OCA1B

• OCA2

• OCA3

• OCA4

• OCA5…7??

Other Conditions

• Chediak Higashi Syndrome

• Griscelli’s Syndrome

• Hermansky Pudlak Syndrome

• Puerto Ricans

• Lung Problems, Bleeding

Chromosomes