Albinism Causes
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Prognosis
- Living With
- Complications
- User Questions
Take Action
- Screening
- Medications
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Alternative Treatment
- Care Guide
- Questions for Your Doctor
- When to Contact a Doctor
- Find a Doctor
- Resource Guide
Causes of Albinism
Albinism occurs as a result of altered genes. In most cases these genes are inherited from parents. It may be autosomal recessive or X-linked.
Autosomal recessive inheritance accounts for the vast majority of cases. This means that both parents carry one copy of an abnormal gene but do not have symptoms or signs of albinism. Children become affected only if they inherit one affected gene from each parent. In this form of inheritance, each child has a one-in-four chance of inheriting the condition. The abnormal gene reduces (or completely eliminates) the body's ability to make a pigment called melanin. There are several dozen different genetic subtypes of albinism. Individuals can have full or partial absence of this pigment which will affect the color of eyes, hair, and skin.
The chance of inheriting an X-linked altered gene will vary by the sex of the baby. Females have two X chromosomes while males have one X and one Y. If only one parent is affected the daughter will have one affected X chromosome and one normal X chromosome. The daughter will be a carrier but not have signs or symptoms herself. The son however only has on X chromosome. If the X chromosone that the son inherits is affected than the child will have albinism.
