Genetic Epidemiology

Question 1

What does a segregation analysis achieve?

Answer 1

Uses presumed laws of inheritance. Can be done without known genes. Separates genetic from environmental causation.

Question 2

What does a linkage analysis achieve?

Answer 2

Looks at the locations of markers within pedigrees. Doesn’t rely on alleles so can cope with allelic but NOT locus heterogeneity.

Question 3

What does an association study achieve?

Answer 3

Can cope with locus but not allelic heterogeneity. Rely on data from GWAS

Question 4

What does a cohort study achieve?

Answer 4

Compare exposure vs control population over time. Counts events and person years.

Question 5

What does a case-control study achieve?

Answer 5

Compares cases and controls for exposure to potential causative agents.

Question 6

Describe familial aggregation

Answer 6

Is there a higher frequency of disease among relatives than in the general population?

Question 7

What is a Recurrence Risk Ratio?

Answer 7

Measures the tendency for a disease to occur more often in relatives of an individual who already has the disease