Phenotype and Genotype of Two Taiwanese Cystic Fibrosis Siblings and a Survey of Delta F508 in East Asians

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is considered to be a rare disease in Asians. We report two cases of CF in a 5-year-old girl and her newborn brother. They are of mixed parentage: a Taiwanese mother and an Australian father.

Methods

A comprehensive mutational analysis of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene was completed. Literature was reviewed for delta F508 in East Asians.

Results

Two mutation sites were identified in the siblings. The carrier status of their parents and elder brother were also confirmed: heterozygous delta F508 mutation from the father; 13 TG repeats in the IVS8-5T from the mother. An update of delta F508 mutation reported in East Asian patients from various ethnicities is included; most of them were of mixed parentage.

Conclusion

These two cases are the first report of cystic fibrosis associated with a delta F508 mutation in a Taiwanese patient attributable to a mutation most commonly seen in Caucasians. We found that the delta F508 mutation is of western origin. Asian patients are seldom found with this mutation unless they are of mixed parentage. Our findings provide further evidence that different ethnicities have their own set of CFTR mutations.

Key Words:  cystic fibrosis , cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR gene) , delta F508 , Taiwanese

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