Next-generation community genetics for low- and middle-income countries.

ABSTRACT: A recent report by the World Health Organization calls for implementation of community genetics programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Their focus is prevention of congenital disorders and genetic diseases at the population level, in addition to providing genetics services, including diagnosis and counseling. The proposed strategies include both newborn screening and population screening for carrier detection, in addition to lowering the incidence of congenital disorders and genetic diseases through the removal of environmental factors. In this article, we consider the potential impact of such testing on global health and highlight the near-term relevance of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatic approaches to their implementation. Key attributes of NGS for commu

SUBMITTER: Kingsmore SF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3446275 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature