Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, progressive, and frequently fatal genetic disease of the body's mucus glands. CF primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems in children and young adults. Sweat glands and the reproductive system also are usually involved. On average, individuals with CF have a lifespan of about 30 years.
CF is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene. Heterozygous carriers are asymptomatic. Two altered genes must be present for CF to appear. This means that if both parents were…
