Egypt screens 75K babies for genetic diseases in 7 months

CAIRO – 13 February 2022: The Ministry of Health and Population announced Sunday screening 75,000 babies for genetic diseases since the launching of the presidential initiative on July 13.

The first phase consisted of screening babies born at public hospitals, while the second one expanded the scope of the service to encompass babies born at university hospitals, private hospitals, and healthcare units.

Spokesperson of the ministry Khaled Megahed noted in October that when the screening was launched, it began with two tests. But now, it comprises 19.  

The diseases babies are screened for are: congenital hypothyroidism; hemolytic anemia; congenital adrenal hyperplasia; cystic fibrosis; hereditary hyperlipidemia; neil ketonuria; tetrahydropytrine deficiency; elevation of isovaleric acid in the blood; elevation of propionic acid/methylmalone in the blood; maple urine disease; elevated blood tyrosine - type 1; high galactose in the blood; high homocysteine ​​in urine; high arginine in the blood; increased citrulline in the blood; deficiency of the carbamoyl ornithine transporter; oxidation of fatty acids; and, biotinidase deficiency.