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Is Phenylketonuria contagious?

Is Phenylketonuria transmitted from person to person? Is Phenylketonuria contagious? What are the routes of contagion? People with experience in Phenylketonuria help solve this question.

Is Phenylketonuria contagious?

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is not contagious. It is an inherited metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. PKU is passed down through families and is not spread through contact or exposure to affected individuals. It is important to note that PKU is a genetic condition and not a contagious disease.



Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to break down an amino acid called phenylalanine. It is caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for producing an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase, which is needed to convert phenylalanine into another amino acid called tyrosine.



PKU is an inherited condition, meaning it is passed down from parents to their children through their genes. It is an autosomal recessive disorder, which means that both parents must carry a copy of the mutated gene for their child to develop PKU. If both parents are carriers, there is a 25% chance with each pregnancy that their child will have PKU.



However, it is important to note that PKU is not contagious. It cannot be transmitted from person to person through any form of contact, including physical contact, respiratory droplets, or sharing personal items. PKU is solely a result of genetic inheritance and is not caused by exposure to an infected individual or any infectious agent.



Individuals with PKU have to follow a strict diet that limits their intake of phenylalanine. This is because their bodies cannot properly process and eliminate the amino acid, leading to a buildup of phenylalanine in the blood. If left untreated, this can result in intellectual disability, developmental delays, and other neurological problems.



Early diagnosis through newborn screening and lifelong management of PKU with a low-phenylalanine diet can help individuals with PKU lead healthy lives. Regular monitoring of blood phenylalanine levels and working closely with healthcare professionals, such as dietitians and genetic counselors, are crucial for managing the condition.


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3 answers
No! PKU is not contagious. It is genetic. That means that genes are the only way that you can pass it on or acquire it.

Posted Sep 18, 2017 by Georgina 1300
No you cannot get PKU from anyone else. It is a metabolic disorder that cannot be transferred at all except for through childbirth

Posted Sep 22, 2017 by Nickelle 2000

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Hello to everyone that reads! im currently 19 with a PKU toddler! he was born march 7th 2014. got a call on the 12th and then took a nice long ride a ccouple hundred miles away on the 14th to my son's pku clinic. they explained everything to me and h...
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I was a month old went the doctors  told my parents that I have pku. I'm 42 years old. I got married in 2005. To a really nice guy but in 2009 my husband passed away on February 13, 2009. At that time I went off diet for 5 years.  And it really mes...
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Hi! I'm Andreia. I'm 28 years old. I'm from Portugal living in irland Since 2014. I was diagnosed when I was 12 days old. Still following my diet. My family did everything they could to give me all I needed. I'm a nurse now, have a job, starting my o...
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It's actually my children that have PKU. Both diagnosed within ten days of birth and doing very well. My daughter is now nearly ten and currently on 7.5 exc. per day. My son is 5 and on 7 exc. per day.  Both are treated at Bristol Childrens Hospit...

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