Question

Answer the following question.
Two children, A and B aged 4 and 5 years respectively visited a hospital with a similar genetic disorder. The girl A was provided enzyme-replacement therapy and was advised to revisit periodically for further treatment. The girl, B was, however, given a therapy that did not require revisit for further treatment.

Name the ailments the two girls were suffering from?

Answer 1

ADA (adenosine deaminase) deficiency is a form of SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency)- a type of disorder that affects the immune system. The disease is caused by a mutation in a gene on chromosome 20. The gene codes for the enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA). Without this enzyme, the body is unable to break down a toxic substance called deoxyadenosine. The toxin builds up and destroys infection-fighting immune cells called T and B lymphocytes.