Cystic fibrosis in Israel: clinical and genetic aspects.

A total of 140 cases of cystic fibrosis in 110 families was 
identified in Israel during the years 1946--75, and there was reason 
to suspect inadequate ascertainment. Cystic fibrosis is frequent among the Ashkenazic 
and Arab populations with an incidence approximating that for Caucasians of 
European ancestry (1:1,800 to 1:4,000 live births). It is about half 
as frequent in the Sephardim, rare in the Iraqi or Yemenite 
Jews and perhaps absent in Iranian Jews. The clinical picture of 
cystic fibrosis in Israel in all the ethnic groups was found 
to be the same as elsewhere in the world. In- depth.interviews 
of 50 families were conducted to assess their understanding of the 
genetics of the disease and their attitude toward family planning. 