ALBINISM IN NEGROES

Abstract

Five new pedigrees of albinism in negroes are presented. In three pedigrees albinism is dependent upon an autosomal recessive gene as is usual in both white and dark pigmented races. In the other two pedigrees albinism appears to be dependent upon autosomal dominant and irregular dominant genes, respectively. Eleven negro albinos observed in the five pedigrees have very fair skin which freckles in regions exposed to the sun. especially in adults. Hair color varies from almost white to canary yellow to reddish. Iris color varies from blue to hazel to cinnamon-brown. Pupils are nearly always black when observed in natural light. Nystagmus is always present; strabismus, common. Each of the eleven albinos suffered with photophobia.