Medical genetics in Latin America

Latin America is a region of medium-to-low income countries characterized by socioeconomic inequalities and extreme disparities in the distribution of wealth. A rise in chronic diseases typical of the processes of industrialization and urbanization coexists with the persistence of nutritional and infectious diseases characteristic of poverty and underdevelopment. Over the last two decades, birth defects and genetic disorders have increased their share of morbidity and mortality, and tertiary care-based genetic services have developed in urban areas. Public institutions continue to be the main providers of genetic services to the bulk of the population. The development of clinical genetics in the region is concentrated in tertiary care centers in large cities; however a recent trend began extending genetic services to the community. This special issue of Community Genetics reviews some of the most important developments in medical genetics in Latin America, including the setup of centers of excellence in clinical genetics, cytogenetics and prenatal diagnosis. It will be of special interest to experts in medical genetics, genetic professionals in community and public health, clinical and laboratory geneticists, as well as medical students and nurses.