Health risks of marrying your relatives
Jun 30, 2006
If indeed Namazzi and Serunkuma are clanmates, they could be taking health risks by going ahead with the marriage.
If indeed Namazzi and Serunkuma are clanmates, they could be taking health risks by going ahead with the marriage.
Clans were originally composed of related families. however, today, no published studies in Uganda have been done to prove any close blood relationship among clanmates. However, it remains a social taboo and considered incest.
The reasons behind most cultural vetoes of clan marriages may be social or political. But science has revealed there are health risks with such unions. Breeding between close relatives (inbreeding) leads to a reduction in genetic diversity, health and fitness (consanguinity depression, inbreeding depression) and birth defects.
According to Wikipedia encyclopaedia, an inbred individual is likely to possess several health defects. They include:
Reduced fertility
Higher congenital disorders
Fluctuating facial asymmetry
Lower birth rate
Higher infant mortality
Slower growth rate
Smaller adult size
Reduced immunity
At birth, hereditary information is passed from parent to child by genes located in the chromosomes found in cells.
Normal body cells have 46 chromosomes, except for the reproductive cells (the sperm and egg) which have 23 chromosomes each. Each parent contributes 23 gene-carrying chromosomes to the hereditary make-up of the child. If one parent has a faulty gene, the child has a 50% chance of inheriting it.
Other studies have revealed clanmates may share genetic characteristics because they have the same ancestor. But the couple can take DNA tests to determine how close their blood relationship is. According to Dr Paul semugoma, there is no laboratory in Uganda which can assist them. The nearest they can get one could be South Africa, he said.
Alternatively, Kiwuwa can prove paternity of Namazzi through several tests, the most dependable being a DNA test. This type can be accessed through some local fertility centres although tests may be forwarded to South Africa on their behalf.
Compiled by
Hilary Bainemigisha
Clans were originally composed of related families. however, today, no published studies in Uganda have been done to prove any close blood relationship among clanmates. However, it remains a social taboo and considered incest.
The reasons behind most cultural vetoes of clan marriages may be social or political. But science has revealed there are health risks with such unions. Breeding between close relatives (inbreeding) leads to a reduction in genetic diversity, health and fitness (consanguinity depression, inbreeding depression) and birth defects.
According to Wikipedia encyclopaedia, an inbred individual is likely to possess several health defects. They include:
Reduced fertility
Higher congenital disorders
Fluctuating facial asymmetry
Lower birth rate
Higher infant mortality
Slower growth rate
Smaller adult size
Reduced immunity
At birth, hereditary information is passed from parent to child by genes located in the chromosomes found in cells.
Normal body cells have 46 chromosomes, except for the reproductive cells (the sperm and egg) which have 23 chromosomes each. Each parent contributes 23 gene-carrying chromosomes to the hereditary make-up of the child. If one parent has a faulty gene, the child has a 50% chance of inheriting it.
Other studies have revealed clanmates may share genetic characteristics because they have the same ancestor. But the couple can take DNA tests to determine how close their blood relationship is. According to Dr Paul semugoma, there is no laboratory in Uganda which can assist them. The nearest they can get one could be South Africa, he said.
Alternatively, Kiwuwa can prove paternity of Namazzi through several tests, the most dependable being a DNA test. This type can be accessed through some local fertility centres although tests may be forwarded to South Africa on their behalf.
Compiled by
Hilary Bainemigisha