Which was first diease treated by the method of gene therapy ?

Options

A. SCID
B. AIDS
C. T.B.
D. Leukaemia

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Gene Therapy**: Gene therapy is a technique that involves the transfer of genetic material into a person's cells to treat or prevent disease. It aims to correct or replace defective genes responsible for disease development.

2. **Identifying the First Disease Treated**: The first disease that was treated using gene therapy was Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID).

3. **Historical Context**: The first successful gene therapy treatment occurred on September 14, 1990. It was administered to a 4-year-old girl suffering from SCID.

4. **Understanding SCID**: SCID is a genetic disorder characterized by the disturbed development of functional T cells and B cells caused by numerous genetic mutations. This condition severely compromises the immune system, making individuals highly susceptible to infections.

5. **Comparison with Other Diseases**: While other diseases like AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and leukemia are significant, they were not the first to be treated with gene therapy. AIDS affects the immune system, TB is a bacterial infection, and leukemia is a type of cancer, but SCID was the pioneering case in gene therapy.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the first disease treated by gene therapy was Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID).

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