Each month, our Carrier Connections program features a different X-linked condition with the goal to increase awareness and education of X-linked conditions and how they impact females.
This month, we are featuring chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). CGD is a rare genetic disease that impacts the body’s immune system. When CGD is caused by a mutation in the CYBB gene, it is inherited in an X-linked manner. CGD impacts the body’s ability to create proteins that are essential for the production of a protein complex called NADPH oxidase, which plays an integral role in the immune system. As a result, people with CGD often have poorly functioning immune systems and experience an inability to fight infections.
Female carriers of CGD have been found to experience inflammatory bowel disease, photosensitivity rashes, round sores on their face and mouth, as well as other immune and autoimmune issues. A UK study determined that out of 94 female carriers, 79% demonstrated skin-related symptoms including photosensitivity, malar-like lupus rash, and eczema. 17% reported skin abcesses, 42% experienced gastrointestinal problems, and 26% of women met the criteria for systemic lupus erythemathos, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks itself.
Today, we are bringing on Felicia Morton. Felicia is the founder and executive director of the CGD Association of America (CGDAA), is on a mission to raise awareness for CGD, by supporting patients and X-linked female carriers and advancing research. Felicia also encourages her community, especially carriers and rare caregivers, to cultivate a sense of self-care and connection via her interactive virtual workshops. To find out more, check out the CGDAA website and sign up for the newsletter at www.CGDAA.org.
Carrier Connections is sponsored by Horizon Therapeutics, Sanofi, and Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical. For more information about our organization, check out rememberthegirls.org.
