Screening for Jewish genetic diseases

Population geneticist Dr. Doron Behar, presented "Maternal Diversity in the Diaspora" to the Jewish Family Research Association Israel genealogy society.

By SCHELLY TALALAY DARDASHTI
Population geneticist Dr. Doron Behar of Haifa's Rambam Medical Center presented "Maternal Diversity in the Diaspora" to the Jewish Family Research Association Israel genealogy society in Ra'anana in February. Twenty Family Tree DNA kits for genetic genealogy testing were available and were snatched up by attendees in just a few minutes, while others had to be satisfied with brochures on how to order the kits. Behar received excellent feedback from the audience when he provided information on a new company, DNATraits, which offers genetic disease disorder testing. A panel of tests for 26 Jewish genetic diseases will be available at a fraction of the cost of testing elsewhere. Some genetic consultant companies in the US charge $1,000 for only a handful of tests, while DNATraits will test for all 26 disorders for $450. Genetic counseling pre- and post-testing is included. In the 1970s, Tay Sachs cases in the Jewish community numbered some 40 annually. Today, there are only four or five cases each year. This represents a 90 percent reduction in the incidence of the disease and, according to geneticists, is due to extensive publicity about and community acceptance of available testing for this disorder. DNATraits believes that the genetic genealogy audience, which already utilizes DNA testing, understands the value of screening for these often fatal diseases. The company is appealing to genealogists to learn about testing their children and grandchildren to see if they are carriers of any Jewish genetic diseases. In much the same way that Tay Sachs has been almost eradicated, it is hoped that the occurrence of the other diseases will also be reduced. More information is available at http://www.dnatraits.com/ashkenazi.