Genetics of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF)

Introduction It has been stated in former papers¹,²that Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a genetic disorder practically restricted to people from the wider Mediterranean area. This being of basic importance in the understanding of the disease and in research as to its nature, it is pertinent to report the results of a country-wide investigation which establishes the genetic behavior and the ethnic distribution of FMF within the popution of Israel. The conditions in Israel are particularly favorable for a project of this sort. The present population is composed of ethnic groups who for centuries were separated from one another and married each within the group. Genetic peculiarities, therefore, should manifest themselves distinctly. In addition, reliable population statistics are available from which the countries of origin can be calculated,³and the small total population makes a general survey a feasible undertaking. Methods and Material Our case material has