What Is Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder most common among Caucasians, affecting 1 in 2,000 to 3,000 newborns. It is caused by a defective recessive gene leading to thick mucus in the lungs and pancreas. Symptoms vary and can start in childhood. While there is no cure, treatments are improving, and gene therapy shows promise. The disorder is inherited when both parents carry the gene, with a 25% chance of the child having cystic fibrosis, 50% chance of being a carrier, and 25% chance of being unaffected. Testing is available to identify carriers.

Which population is most affected by cystic fibrosis?

• African

• Caucasian

• Hispanic

• Asian

What is the main cause of cystic fibrosis?

• A bacterial infection

• A viral infection

• A defective gene

• An autoimmune disorder

What is the current median age of cystic fibrosis patients?

• 20 years

• 60 years

• 33 years

• 45 years

What does the defective gene in cystic fibrosis cause in the body?

• Excessive sweating

• Thick, sticky mucus

• High blood pressure

• Rapid weight gain

If both parents are carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene, what is the probability that their child will have the disease?

• 0%

• 75%

• 25%

• 50%