Consanguinous marriages increase the risk of which of the following diseases?
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the association between consanguinity, or the practice of marrying within one's family, and the risk of specific genetic disorders. This concept is rooted in the principles of Mendelian genetics and the increased likelihood of inheriting recessive mutations when both parents are carriers.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Consanguineous marriages increase the risk of genetic disorders due to the increased likelihood of homozygosity for recessive alleles. When two individuals who are related share a common ancestor, they are more likely to inherit the same mutated allele from that ancestor, leading to a higher risk of expressing recessive genetic disorders. This is particularly true for disorders caused by autosomal recessive mutations, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs disease.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** While mental health disorders have a complex etiology, there is no direct link between consanguinity and an increased risk of mental health disorders.
**Option B:** Hypertension is a multifactorial disorder influenced by genetic and environmental factors, but consanguinity is not a significant risk factor.
**Option C:** While certain infectious diseases may be more prevalent in populations with consanguinity, this is not a direct result of the consanguineous marriage itself, but rather a consequence of the decreased genetic diversity within the population.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The risk of genetic disorders due to consanguinity is not limited to autosomal recessive disorders; it also includes X-linked recessive disorders, where the increased likelihood of inheriting the mutated allele from an affected father can lead to a higher risk of disease in offspring.
**Correct Answer: D. Autosomal recessive disorders.