Cystic Fibrosis Risk: Understanding Genetic Inheritance & Family History

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder, meaning that both copies of the CFTR gene must be mutated in order for a person to have the condition. As such, those at risk of having cystic fibrosis are individuals who carry two mutated copies of the CFTR gene. This includes:

- Individuals with a family history of cystic fibrosis: If you have a sibling, parent, or other close relative with cystic fibrosis, you have an increased risk of being a carrier of the CFTR gene mutation.

- Individuals of certain ethnic backgrounds: Cystic fibrosis is more common in certain populations, including Caucasians of European descent, Ashkenazi Jews, and Hispanic Americans.

- Individuals who have a positive newborn screening test: In the United States, all newborns are screened for cystic fibrosis. If your newborn's screening test is positive, it means that they may have cystic fibrosis and will need further testing to confirm the diagnosis.