New genetic test to detect inherited diseases launched

Image for representational purpose only

New Delhi: A new genetic test for inherited diseases has been launched by MedGenome, a company into genomics-based research and diagnostics, on Friday.

This new test could give couples a better understanding of risks in passing on genetic disorders to their children.

IC Verma, Director of the Institute of Genetics and Genomics at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said in a statement, "MedGenome has introduced cheap carrier screening tests for couples for 100, 500 and 4500 genes of relevance in our country. It will help reduce the burden of genetic disorders in India".

The unique 'Claria Carrier screening test', developed in collaboration with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, is based on the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology.

The test provides vital information of "carrier" status to couples and their risks of passing down serious genetic disorders to their child and provide them reproductive options that help to prevent the birth of such babies. Based on superior NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) technology, the Claria Carrier Screening test can detect over 1,300 recessive diseases and disease-causing variations.

Over a million babies are born each year in India with genetic disorders, and 20-30 per cent of infant mortality is due to these disorders.

Some of the most common genetic disorders in India are beta-thalassemia, G6PD deficiency, cystic fibrosis, amino acid disorders, sickle cell anaemia, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, spinal muscular atrophy, growth hormone deficiency, haemophilia A mucopolysacchridosis, muscular dystrophy, and non-syndromic hearing loss etc.

Sam Santhosh, Chairman, MedGenome said, "India has a heavy burden of genetic disorders, owing to our ancient population history, inbreeding, high birth rates, consanguinity and lack of awareness among people. We believe our screening test will help in creating a large impact in India and benefit a significant part of the population".

The test has been validated by clinicians and will be available across India in about 500+ of MedGenome's partner network hospitals, the statement said.

(With IANS inputs)

Restlessness can be mistaken with depression: Experts

Kolkata: The present restlessness in the society is often mistaken with depression which in true sense is obsessiveness, according to prominent sociologists and psycho-analysts.

"I am afraid that we are mixing up restlessness with obsession," Presidency University Sociology Professor Upal Chakraborty said during a discussion at the campus on 'Depression and Bipolar Disorder'.

He said that the situation is on the rise in our society and needs to be addressed.

"Goal directed restlessness cannot be mixed up with obsessive disorder, which is a different symptom and this has been on the rise," Chakraborty said.

"Once the goal is realised, the restlessness fizzles out," he said, adding that "loss of a headphone can be equated with such restlessness, which is not depression."

Renowned psycho-analyst Jhuma Basak said, "There can be restlessness among people to be competitive and this cannot be identified as depression."

Basak, who is also a member of International Psycho-Analysts body said, "Depression is a more complex issue triggered by professional pressures among peo