Genetic conditions consist of any of the diseases and disorders that are caused by mutations in one or more genes.

With the increasing ability to control infectious in the so-called developed countries, there has come the realization that genetic diseases are a major cause of disability, death, and human tragedy. Rare, indeed, is the family that is entirely free of genetic disorder. Almost 3,500 autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and sex-linked disorders have been cataloged. Epidemiological surveys suggest that approximately 1 percent of all newborns have a single gene defect and that 0.5 percent have gross chromosomal anomalies severe enough to produce serious physical defects and mental retardation. The hopeful aspect of these grim figures is that medical genetics can do much to prevent these conditions or to ameliorate them by early diagnosis and treatment.