Question: How many people are affected by Chediak-Higashi syndrome ?
Answer: Chediak-Higashi syndrome is a rare disorder. About 200 cases of the condition have been reported worldwide.
Source: GHR

Question: What are the genetic changes related to Chediak-Higashi syndrome ?
Answer: Chediak-Higashi syndrome is caused by mutations in the LYST gene. This gene provides instructions for making a protein known as the lysosomal trafficking regulator. Researchers believe that this protein plays a role in the transport (trafficking) of materials into structures called lysosomes and similar cell structures. Lysosomes act as recycling centers within cells. They use digestive enzymes to break down toxic substances, digest bacteria that invade the cell, and recycle worn-out cell components. Mutations in the LYST gene impair the normal function of the lysosomal trafficking regulator protein, which disrupts the size, structure, and function of lysosomes and related structures in cells throughout the body. In many cells, the lysosomes are abnormally large and interfere with normal cell functions. For example, enlarged lysosomes in certain immune system cells prevent these cells from responding appropriately to bacteria and other foreign invaders. As a result, the malfunctioning immune system cannot protect the body from infections. In pigment cells called melanocytes, cellular structures called melanosomes (which are related to lysosomes) are abnormally large. Melanosomes produce and distribute a pigment called melanin, which is the substance that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. People with Chediak-Higashi syndrome have oculocutaneous albinism because melanin is trapped within the giant melanosomes and is unable to contribute to skin, hair, and eye pigmentation. Researchers believe that abnormal lysosome-like structures inside blood cells called platelets underlie the abnormal bruising and bleeding seen in people with Chediak-Higashi syndrome. Similarly, abnormal lysosomes in nerve cells probably cause the neurological problems associated with this disease.
Source: GHR

Question: Is Chediak-Higashi syndrome inherited ?
Answer: This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition.
Source: GHR

Question: What are the treatments for Chediak-Higashi syndrome ?
Answer: These resources address the diagnosis or management of Chediak-Higashi syndrome: - Gene Review: Gene Review: Chediak-Higashi Syndrome - Genetic Testing Registry: Chdiak-Higashi syndrome - Immune Deficiency Foundation: Stem Cell and Gene Therapy - International Patient Organisation for Primary Immunodeficiencies (IPOPI): Treatments for Primary Immunodeficiencies: A Guide for Patients and Their Families - MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: Chediak-Higashi syndrome These resources from MedlinePlus offer information about the diagnosis and management of various health conditions: - Diagnostic Tests - Drug Therapy - Surgery and Rehabilitation - Genetic Counseling - Palliative Care
Source: GHR