The prevalence and genetics of Parkinson's disease in sub-Saharan Africans.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is under-studied in Black Sub-Saharan African (SSA) populations. To date, there have been only six prevalence and no incidence studies. The crude prevalence of PD in SSA varies from 7 to 20 per 100,000, which is appreciably lower than in Caucasian populations. There are a limited number of published studies (nine) on the genetic factors associated with PD in SSA populations. Mutations have been reported in the parkin gene, and are restricted to only three patients (two Black South Africans and one Zambian). No mutations have been identified in the LRRK2, SNCA, PINK, or DJ-1 genes. Given the unique ancestry of SSA populations, their inclusion in genetic studies may provide a substantial contribution to the identification of novel genetic factors and genetic-environmental interactions underlying this disorder. More initiatives are needed to drive further research on PD in these populations and to facilitate collaborative projects across Africa.
Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa.
Janine
J
Blanckenberg
Soraya
S
Bardien
Brigitte
B
Glanzmann
Njideka U
NU
Okubadejo
Jonathan A
JA
Carr
D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000453:epidemiology; D056726:Genetic Association Studies; D006801:Humans; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics*; D015995:Prevalence; D044767:Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / Q000235:genetics*
D044767:Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases; C111567:parkin protein
Epidemiology; Etiology; Genetic studies; Parkinson's disease; Prevalence; Sub-Saharan Africa