Why is Genetic Heterogeneity Important in Epidemiology?
Genetic heterogeneity is significant in epidemiology for several reasons:
Complexity in Disease Etiology: It helps explain why individuals with the same clinical diagnosis might have different underlying genetic causes. Variable Disease Expression: Genetic heterogeneity can lead to variable disease expression, which is essential for understanding phenotypic variation among patients. Implications for Public Health: Recognizing genetic heterogeneity can guide public health interventions and screening programs to be more effective.