Prompt entry #3 - ACHOO syndrome- Anzori K.
In Chapter 3, page 58, Dr. Moalem talks about a disease called the ACHOO syndrome.The ACHOO syndrome is an autosomal disease the causes one to have an outburst of sneezes when in sunlight, yet they do not sneeze in darkness. This disease relates to Big Idea I, in which that this syndrome is an example of a evolution that drives both diversity and the unity of life. But what was once a benefactor, is now a disease. Originally, this syndrome helped out our cave-dwelling ancestors clear out any molds or microbes that might have lodged in their noses or upper respiratory tracts. At first, this disease helped out ancestors by removing possible threats to our immune system, but now for some, it poses as a threat to their lives.
How common is this disease in different parts of the world? How do these kinds of people go about with their daily lives? Do they were special clothing, or perhaps take any specific medication to suppress this bodily response? Also, is this gene for this syndrome located on the X or Y chromosome? What is the locus of this gene? Is this gene seen more in specific places in the world compared to other places in the world?
~Anzori Kuchaidze (akuchai3@students.d125.org)
People with ACHOO syndrome in order to alleviate the symptoms wear sunglasses or hats. However, there are no specific treatments. There have been some records that people with nasal allergies have a higher incidence of the syndrome. It can be assumed that these people take antihistamines in order to alleviate the allergies which can also perhaps play a role with the ACHOO syndrome. But no research/study has successfully showed if there is a role. Others have tried homeopathic remedies but like antihistamines, they were for allergies but with future research and studies they may have a connection to hopefully alleviating the syndrome.
ReplyDeleteThis syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease and the gene of this syndrome is not located on either X or Y chromosome because as we learned during the Unit 9 autosome means a chromosome that is not involved in determining the sex, therefore not a sex chromosome. For the ACHOO syndrome to be located on the X or Y chromosome, the gene must be located on a sex chromosome. But since the gene autosomal dominant, the gene is located in one of the first 22 autosomes (chromosomes) and a person can have the syndrome with only 1 copy of the gene hence dominant. The ACHOO syndrome’s gene location is currently unknown.
Relating this syndrome with Big Idea 1, currently the syndrome leaves those who have it at a selective disadvantage. The syndrome alone itself does not harm you, and gives you only massive sneeze attacks. However, it is the daily activities that the person does will be heavily affected and the result can be detrimental. For example, driving through a tunnel the person with ACHOO is fine however when the person leaves the tunnel and emerges out with the sun directly at them the syndrome will take on its effect. Thus the driver has a series of sneezes that can cause them to not be able to drive properly therefore get into an accident. However like mentioned by Moalem on pg 58, this syndrome in the past made people who had them at a selective advantage since they were able to “clear out molds or microbes that might have lodged in their noses”.
In relation to the relativity of this syndrome around the world, the syndrome is widespread in general populations (23-33%). It is not heavily researched on the demographics of the ACHOO however it was noted that men appeared to be more affected than women.
(Citation: https://www.aarpmedicareplans.com/galecontent/achoo-syndrome ; http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/achoo-syndrome-1#2 )
(Hervy Ong, hong3@students.d125.org )