Inherited thrombophilia genes in minorities

Mutations in several genes have recently been identified which predispose to thrombosis, specifically Factor V G1691A (Factor V Leiden), Prothrombin G20210A, and Methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T. The prevalence of these genes in European populations has been studied, but there is little data on their prevalence in minorities. Samples from a predominantly African-American population were analyzed for these mutations. While the G20210A mutation in the prothrombin gene and homozygosity for the C677T mutation of the MTHFR were not found in African-Americans, it appears that the carrier rate for the MTHFR C677T among Hispanics may be higher than in other reported groups.