FuturePundit: Genetic Testing Changing South India Mating Practices

November 12, 2002

Genetic Testing Changing South India Mating Practices

Consanguineous mating is even more widely practiced in Arab countries. Genetic testing will change the mating practices in many socities.

"In south India many people marry their relatives," Dr Sridevi Hegde said, clinical geneticist at Bangalore's Manipal Hospital.

"It is the elders who decide and mostly women get married to their uncles.

"When this happens, most of them are at risk of bearing an abnormal child," Dr Sridevi said.

"I see an increasing trend in the number of people approaching us to check their family tree and find faulty genes."

Two years ago about 100 couples used to walk into the two genetic departments of hospitals based in Bangalore.

Now the figure is about 1,500 every year.

As the genetic tests become cheaper and more detailed expect to see millions of people per year testing themselves and seeking counseling for mate choice.

By Randall Parker at 2002 November 12 10:28 AM Biotech Society

Comments

Dr. vrinda J Bhat said at June 15, 2004 02:35 AM:

Dear Dr. Sridevi,
my husband is suffering from extensive Psoriasis. I want to know whether it will be inherited to our progency. What are the chances for the same. Can any tests confirm it?

jasmeet said at July 14, 2005 05:01 AM:

dear doctor,
my name is jasmeet singh and I 'am living in chandigarh. I'am in love with my maternal cousin who also loves me sincerely. but we are really confused to make this relationship open to our parents.mam we will be very grateful to you , if you can guide us in this regard. though this has been in practice in my family (marriage between second cousins) and every couple is happy with healthy children. infact i came to know that this has been in practice in European as well as other countries till recent. what shall we do, shall we go for any test to see that we can have healthy children or what. we are in a dilema ,so pls help us mam. I will never forget this gesture of yours all through my life.
yours sincrely
jasmeet

skylab Dey said at December 2, 2005 02:36 AM:

Dear Doctor,

I'm from Bangladesh.My elder brother is suffering from Xenthoma.He is 30yrs old,We Knew that from very childhood that he is a fool type person,some mental problem,We had checked him up by several Dr.s.But dint get his any treatment,But from last 7/8 years we saw an swelling in back side of heel,and from last 1 year saw swelling of his both leg's Tendon,Then a Dr. said he is affected by several problems in his Brain,May be lung or Kidney ,eye also may be affected,He suggested me to show a Neurologists.
I'll be very greatful if you pls check the attached file and give me a proper suggesstion.
I've sent to a Dr. In UK. Name Dr. Pulok Majumder of Liverpool. after Seeing the attached file he suggested me to check him by a Geniticist.

Pls help me ?

Shaleen said at November 17, 2006 03:35 AM:

This is Shaleen (male 30 yrs) from chhattisgarh, india. Last month, we suffered a full term loss of pregnancy.The placenta sample were tested positive for Trisomy-16+.Also, the chord was found wrapped thrice around the neck on delivery.
So, the cause of death was not determined.

Can u guide me on the step i should take next???

Preeti said at November 27, 2007 10:54 PM:

Dear Doctor,

Like one of the cases stated above in your posts, I plan to marry my maternal cousin (our mothers are sisters). What kind of tests, screening should we undergo to check if our children may suffer from any genetic disorder? What are thre chances of such complications. Please guide us.

Regards,
Preeti