DNA diagnosis of single gene disorders in patients of non-European origin: experience from Kuwait.

Objective: The aim of this study was to establish genetic DNA-diagnostic service in Kuwait.

Methods: Polymerase chain reaction, restriction fragment length polymorphisms, heteroduplex analysis and DNA sequencing were applied.

Results: Direct testing for common mutations had variable success in Kuwaiti patients with different genetic disorders, and additional mutation analysis was required in many cases. Genetic heterogeneity, mutations of Mediterranean, African and Arabic/Middle Eastern origin, and homozygosity by descent are characteristic of patients from Kuwait.

Conclusions: More efforts aimed at the identification of mutations underlying genetic disorders in Kuwait as well as in other Gulf countries are warranted. This can be achieved by focusing genetic research in the academic institutions of Gulf countries towards this goal.