Arab populations have their "own" genetic disorders, both universal and particular. Genetic diversity within these source populations, along with the fact that the rates of inbreeding are often high and family sizes are often large, constitute conditions that facilitate the emergence and detection of phenotypes explained notably by autosomal recessive inheritance; in which case, the use of homozygosity gene mapping can facilitate the discovery of the corresponding genes. The present book includes 5 parts dealing with various aspects that relate to the genetic structure of Arabs and minorities within the Arab world as well as genetic disorders prevalent in this part of the world. It includes updated reviews of the genetic disorders in various Arab countries and geographic regions. The focus is primarily, but not exclusively, on the group of single-gene disorders with particular emphasis on autosomal recessive conditions. It further includes epidemiological and clinical data as well as inheritance patterns, mutation and polymorphism data, and available haplotype analysis data. The ethnic and genetic diversity of the Arab populations is discussed as well as aspects of genetic counseling practice in this region together with a proposal for an ethical framework for genetic research and prevention of genetic disorders. The target audience of this book includes human and medical geneticists, genetic counselors, researchers, medical specialists dealing with Arab patients or practicing in Arab countries, medical and genetic counseling students, and nurses.

Introduction: Genetic Diversity Among Arabs

Demography, Economy, and Genetic Services in Arab Countries
Arab Demography and Health Provision
Influences of Systems' Resources and Health Risk Factors on Genetic Services
Endogamy and Consanguineous Marriage in Arab Populations
Selected Disease Entities Prevalent Among the Arabs
Familial Mediterranean Fever and Other Autoinflammatory Disorders
Muscular Dystrophies and Myopathies in Arab Populations
New Syndromes First Reported Among Arabs
Genetic disorders in Arab Countries & Geographic Regions
Genetic Disorders in Egypt
Genetic Disorders in Ancient Egypt
Genetic Diseases in Iraq
Genetic Disorders in Jordan
Genetic Disorders in Kuwait
Genetic Disorders in Lebanon
Genetic Disorders in Libya
Genetic Disorders in Morocco
Genetic Disorders in Oman
Genetic Disorders Among the Palestinians
Genetic Disorders in Qatar
Genetic Disorders in Saudi Arabia
Genetic Disorders in Sudan
Genetic Disorders in Tunisia
Genetic Disorders in the United Arab Emirates
Genetic Disorders Among Jews from Arab Countries
Cultural and Religious Attitudes Towards Genetic Issues
Prevention and Care of Genetic Disorders: An Islamic Perspective
Genetic Counseling in the Middle East.