Albinism is a hereditary condition in humans in which the pigment producing cells “Melanocystes” do not produce the pigment “Melanin” in the eyes and the body. Though the condition usually effects the whole body, sometimes it only is expressed in eyes only (resulting in the difficulty for the people effected to open the eyes in the sun). Though there are many genes controlling the pigment production in humans and thus protecting the skin (which is the largest organ in human body) from sun damage. The melanin absorbs the free radicals generated by UVA or UVB rays of the sun. The condition is usually Tyrosinase related or non Tyrosinase related. Tyrosinase is the major enzyme in the human body controlling the pigment creation. In Tyrosinase positive Albinism tyrosinase is not produced and tyrosinase negative Albinisnm is due to faulty tyrosinase producing genes. Tyrosinase itself is of two types TYR-1 and Tyr-2.

If both the parents carry the faulty gene the the chances for offsprings to born with the condition is higher. However the albinism may happen if only mother has the faulty gene which is passed on to the siblings. A common fallacy is that human albinism is a viral or bacterial disease. This is to be made clear that nobody can get the disease by touching, intercourse or getting the blood of the effected person.

With advancement in genetic sciences the cure is in sight. In theory it is possible to correct the faulty genes by introduction of healthier genes through influenza virus or any other vector. However the possibility of any such treatment at the moment is theoretical at best. There is no medicine for the condition.

Albinism