title: Random inbreeding, isonymy, and population isolates in Argentina.
abstract: Population isolates are an important tool in identifying and mapping genes of Mendelian diseases and complex traits. The geographical identification of isolates represents a priority from a genetic and health care standpoint. The purpose of this study is to analyze the spatial distribution of consanguinity by random isonymy (F ST) in Argentina and its relationship with the isolates previously identified in the country. F ST was estimated from the surname distribution of 22.6 million electors registered for the year 2001 in the 24 provinces, 5 geographical regions, and 510 departments of the country. Statistically significant spatial clustering of F ST was determined using the SaTScan V5.1 software. F ST exhibited a marked regional and departamental variation, showing the highest values towards the North and West of Argentina. The clusters of high consanguinity by random isonymy followed the same distribution. Recognized Argentinean genetic isolates are mainly localized at the north of the country, in clusters of high inbreeding. Given the availability of listings of surnames in high-capacity storage devices for different countries, estimating F ST from them can provide information on inbreeding for all levels of administrative subdivisions, to be used as a demographic variable for the identification of isolates within the country for public health purposes.
authors: Instituto de Biología de la Altura, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Avda. Bolivia 1661, 4600, San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina, dipierri@inbial.unju.edu.ar.
authors: José
authors: J
authors: Dipierri
authors: Alvaro
authors: A
authors: Rodríguez-Larralde
authors: Italo
authors: I
authors: Barrai
authors: Jorge López
authors: JL
authors: Camelo
authors: Esperanza Gutiérrez
authors: EG
authors: Redomero
authors: Concepción Alonso
authors: CA
authors: Rodríguez
authors: Virginia
authors: V
authors: Ramallo
authors: Rubén
authors: R
authors: Bronberg
authors: Emma
authors: E
authors: Alfaro