The syndrome is caused by a defect (mutation) in a specific gene called the WAS gene that normally codes for the protein named Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein (WASP).
It's located on the X chromosome.
Wiskott-aldrich syndrome..a rare genetic disease.
WAS was named for the two physicians who first reported the disorder. In 1937, Dr. A. Wiskott, a physician working in Munich, described two affected boys
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is an inherited disorder of the immune system that affects males but not females. It is characterized by recurrent infections, low numbers of circulating blood platelet cells (thrombocytes) and eczema (skin rash). The disorder is caused by a mutation (mistake) in the WASP (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein) gene. There is no cure for WAS. You can read more about it at the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital's website.
First recorded case: Yuan Gregory B. Culala
WAS is inherited as an X-linked genetic disorder and will therefore only affect males.
Standard treatments for individuals with WAS include antibiotics for infections and platelet transfusions to limit bleeding.
WAS is inherited as an X-linked genetic disorder and will therefore only affect males.
Examples include von Willebrand's disease, Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
The mild form, X-linked thrombocytopenia, is also caused by mutations in this same gene.
In families where there has been one child born with WAS, prenatal testing should be offered in subsequent pregnancies.