Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - CJD Incidence.

John Gormley

Question:

597 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain genetic groups are more susceptible to new variant CJD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24675/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

I understand that there is a genetic predisposition to new variant CJD, VCJD. Codon 129 has a gene which gives rise to three genetic possibilities – homozygous for valine, heterozygous for methionine valine and homozygous for methionine. To date, only people who have been homozygous for methionine have contracted VCJD.

Within the last two weeks I have approved funding for the purchase and installation of specialised equipment at the Irish national CJD surveillance centre at Beaumont Hospital. This equipment will assist in determining the prevalence of the three genetic types in question within the Irish population.