Human genetics in Burma

Contrary to earlier reports from Asia, trisomy 21 is common in Burma and other chromosome abnormalities are found. A variety of dominant, recessive and X-linked genetic disorders occur. Twins are found in 1% of births and MZ and DZ twins are equally common. Thalassaemia and meningomyelocele are relatively common while congenital dislocation of the hip and phenylketonuria are very rare. The intensity of inbreeding had been measured by survey and found to be F = 0.0005 in Rangoon and F = 0.0015 in villages around Hlegu.