Cytogenetics And Its Relevance to the Practice of Modern Medicine

Abstract

Infectious diseases and malnutrition-related disorders have hitherto been known to constitute the major causes of ill health and mortality in the world population. However, recent advances in the treatment of such disorders and increased understanding of the molecular basis of heredity have led to genetically-transmitted diseases assuming marked prominence as a major cause of morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. Yet little or nothing is being done to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and increase the volume of information on this important discipline. As there is no agreed upon definitive cure with acceptable risk, these cytogenetic disorders are a significant burden on the health care delivery system. This review outlines the importance of cytogenetics in modern medicine, the need to develop the application to the level of a full discipline in Nigeria to prevent and control these disorders and reawaken the interest of scientists and postgraduate students in this all-important discipline.

Keywords: Human cytogenetics, chromosomal disorders, Nigeria.

Journal of Medical Laboratory Sciences Vol. 14 (2) 2005: pp. 1-12