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The Link Between Tuberculosis and Global Rates of Cystic Fibrosis
Scientists have hypothesized that carriers of cystic fibrosis possess a selective advantage better protecting them against the illnesses typhoid and tuberculosis caused by bacterial infection. The idea is that if a person is better able to survive these illnesses because of their mutated CFTR gene then they will have an increased likelihood of passing their mutated gene onto following generations. In this way, CFTR mutations responsible for CF could continue to be passed down through time.
This, however, raises the obvious question of how is it possible that a CF mutation, which is often considered harmful, is able to provide protection from typhoid and tuberculosis? The answer to this is found in how the bacteria interact with the CFTR chloride channel during infection. Click here to read more about it.
What do you think of this theory?
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