Leprosy Susceptibility Test.

Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae and affects about 700,000 individuals each year. It has long been thought that leprosy has a strong genetic component. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the common regulatory region between the PARK2 and PACRG genes have been closely linked with Leprosy susceptibility in Vietnamese and Brazilian populations. Subsequent studies in Indian populations did not definitively confirm these results, suggesting other possible risk factors. Sequencing of the suspected risk factor regions will reveal if an individual has a suspected susceptible genotype.

If you plan to travel to a region where Leprosy is still a problem, such as Brazil, Mozambique, Nepal, Tanzania or India, you might want to know if you have a suspected susceptible genotype. Leprosy is treatable with antibiotics in any case.


Order a Leprosy Susceptibility Test$199

You will receive 1 mouth swab and collection tube per test ordered, in a return package, along with specific instructions on how to collect the samples. This is for informational purposes only and is not a medical diagnosis. Consult with your doctor.

References:

- Marcelo T. Mira et al ... (2004) Susceptibility to leprosy is associated with PARK2 and PACRG, Nature 427, 636-640

- Malhotra D, Darvishi K, Lohra M, Kumar H, Grover C, Sood S, et al. Association study of major risk single nucleotide polymorphisms in the common regulatory region of PARK2 and PACRG genes with leprosy in an Indian population. European Journal of Human Genetics 2006;14:438-42.

Genesis Biolabs also currently offers the following genetic tests:
Hereditary Hemochromatosis Test - variations in the HFE gene affect iron in the blood.
Bonding Gene Test - the AVPR1a promoter region impacts ones tendency to be ruthless or altruistic.


Contact Genesis Biolabs