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Gilford Progeria Case Study

Decent Essays

1) The first group informed the class regarding the sexually transmitted infection (STI), Human Papillomavirus (HPV). According to the presenters, HPV is the most common STI, and there are over 100 strains of the virus. There is a high and low risk strain—the high risk strain accounts for 70% of cervical cancer cases, and the low risk strain is less severe as it generally leads to genital warts, and not cervical cancer. These warts tend to accumulate in the genital area, thigh, and in rare cases, the thumb. There are different types of warts, but they typically resemble the shape of a cauliflower.
Those who are immunocompromised are at a higher risk of contracting HPV. Certain risky sexual behaviors such as having multiple sexual partners or …show more content…

Gardasil and Cervarix) that individuals can take to protect against cervical cancer and genital warts. Another way to protect oneself from contracting HPV is by using condoms during sexual activities. Although condoms may not guarantee a complete immunity from acquiring the virus, it will significantly lower the risk.

2) The third group instructed the class about progeria (Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, or HGPS). Progeria is a rare fatal genetic syndrome characterized by accelerated aging in children. All children with this disease have similar symptoms that go together, therefore, it is considered a syndrome. Children with progeria have remarkably similar appearances, regardless of race. HGPS is caused by a mutation in the gene LMNA; there is spelling mistake in the DNA sequence of the LMNA and this mutation leads to the production of progerin, which is an abnormal lamin A protein. However, this mutation is a point mutation and cannot be detected prior to the child’s birth. Children with progeria resemble the appearance of a healthy child at birth. It is only at month 18 or 20 that children begin to exhibit symptoms of abnormal development. Some of these symptoms may be growth failure, loss of body fat and hair, aged skin, stiffness of joints, and the presence of cardiovascular

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