ABSTRACT
The Human Genome Project has enhanced dramatically our potential in genetic information (Watson, 1990). Of the estimated 100,000 human genes, more than 9,000 have been discovered, and more than 5,000 have been mapped to specific chromosomes (Guyer & Collins, 1995). Genetic testing for about 500 genes is now available in clinical practice. Gene variants have been identified that affect the risks of diseases of major public health importance, ranging from adult chronic diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, to infectious and immunologic disorders, to diseases affecting the health of infants and children (Khoury, 1997).
