What does it mean to be a carrier of CF?

When someone has one altered copy of the CFTR gene and one working copy they are said to be a carrier. Approximately 1 in 25 Caucasians and 1 in 90 Asians have an inherited alteration in one of their CFTR genes and are carriers. Carriers for CF are healthy and do not develop CF because one working copy of CFTR gene is sufficient. People only know of their carrier status if they had been tested or have had a child with CF.

If you are found to be a carrier of cystic fibrosis it is important to note that:

• Carriers of cystic fibrosis are HEALTHY and do not have any of the symptoms associated with CF
• Cystic fibrosis is inherited
• Carriers have inherited the altered CFTR gene from one of their parents and therefore other family members are likely to be carriers and may wish to have testing for this.
• Carriers of cystic fibrosis can pass the altered copy of their CFTR gene on to their children (See How is Cystic Fibrosis Inherited?).
• Cystic Fibrosis is NOT infectious, you cannot catch cystic fibrosis from carriers OR people affected by CF.