BANGALORE: In a move that will help detect genetic defects, the State Government is setting up Centre for DNA Research Diagnostics at Karnatak University in Dharwad.

The centre, which will conduct prenatal and postnatal testing to diagnose genetic disorders caused by mutations in genes, is being set up because of the high number of consanguineous marriages in North Karnataka, which is a cause for genetic mutations, said a senior official on the condition of anonymity. It will come up at a cost of Rs. 3 crore and will be completed within the year.

A predictive gene test can determine if the foetus or infant has gene mutations that increase their chances of developing a disease. It can also help confirm genetic disorders. The gene test is available for a host of disorders including Down's syndrome, thalassemia, haemophilia, cystic fibrosis and congenital heart diseases. Prospective parents can also undergo the tests to determine if they have any mutations that they could pass on to their children.

New concept

As predictive gene testing is a new concept that has not yet caught on, the official said doctors from the centre would go to villages and take samples from parents and newborns and analyse them for defects. Blood samples are usually used for the testing, but sometimes hair, skin or tissue samples may be used. "If an individual has a defect the doctors will inform him/her. The case will then be referred to specialists," the official added.

The fees for the tests will be nominal for individuals above the poverty line and free for those belonging to families below it. At a few private hospitals in Bangalore, where the tests are offered, the cost is around Rs. 7,000 for screening and analysis of around six genetic defects.

"Through the testing, parents can tell if the foetus is affected by any genetic disorder and how they can take care of it. No parent wants to put a child at risk," says Sreedevi Hegde, head of the Genetics Department at Manipal Hospital.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail