Beta Thalassemia is an autosomal, reccesive disorder. This means that in order for one to aquire the disease, both of their parents must have been carriers (heterozygous in their beta-globin polypeptide chains). Even when both parents are indeed carriers, there is only a one in four chance to actually infect the baby. It is more probable (50% chance) that the baby will be a carrier like the parents. This diease is more commonly found in people of Mediterranean deceant, or those from Southeat Asia. |
