Information for X-linked CGD carrier females
This section of our website is for women who have been diagnosed as carriers of X-linked CGD (XL-CGD).
In summary:
» CGD is an inherited genetic disorder
» Being a carrier of CGD isn’t down to anything that you did – it is not your fault or that of anyone else. Genetic conditions just happen; there is nothing you could have done to stop it
» Being told you are a CGD carrier may have come as a complete shock and you may well still be getting your head round it. A new diagnosis – especially one which you are concerned may affect any children you’ve got or ones you might have in the future – can be daunting and worrying. But we are here to provide you with information, help and support. You don’t have to feel like you’re facing this alone.
What is CGD?
CGD is a disorder that prevents the immune system fighting off certain infections. People with CGD carry a faulty bone marrow gene which means that white blood cells, called phagocytes, don’t work properly. As a result, people affected by CGD tend to get frequent bacterial and fungal infections, and need to take daily medication to stay healthy.
Even if they take this medication, problems can still arise, leading to serious illnesses and prolonged periods in hospital. The condition affects around four to six people in a million.
Why does CGD happen?
CGD is an inherited disorder which means that it is passed from parents to their children. One type of CGD is 'X-linked' (sex-linked) and the other three are 'autosomal recessive'.
X-linked CGD is when the affected gene is carried on one of the X chromosomes of the mother. For each pregnancy there is a 50% chance that a son will be affected by CGD and a 50% chance that a daughter will be an X-linked carrier of CGD.
Carriers of the X-linked form of CGD appear to be prone to mouth ulcers and may develop symptoms similar to those associated with the condition lupus. They can also be slightly predisposed to infection.
Autosomal recessive CGD develops because two copies of an abnormal gene have been inherited, one from each parent.
To date there has been no evidence of health complications arising in carriers of the autorecessive form of CGD.
Where do I go for more information?
As someone who has just been diagnosed as a carrier of CGD, you will probably have lots of questions you want answered. You’ve come to the right place. This website has useful information to help you, whatever your needs. A good first place for you to start is the X-linked CGD carrier females section where you will find information on all aspects of being a carrier mother, including inheritance, implications and research.
The CGD Society
We offer support to people who are affected by CGD and their families and information about the condition. We also support research into CGD in the UK and around the world.
We're glad you’ve taken this first step to visit the site and hope you will visit regularly as a way of finding out more about the condition. Please do use the site to connect with experts who can help you, and others living with CGD.
What next?
Take a look at our X-linked CGD carrier females section. It will hopefully help with a lot of the information you need.
It’s only natural that you’ll have more questions and will probably want to speak to someone about it. Contact us at the CGD Society using the form at the bottom of the page. We are here to help.