Mannosidosis

Mannosidosis is a lysosomal storage disease that is categorized as a rare disease. It is caused by the deficiency of the enzyme alpha-mannosidase, which results in the accumulation of mannose-rich oligosaccharides in the cells. This accumulation leads to a variety of symptoms, including intellectual disability, hearing loss, and skeletal abnormalities.

Classification[edit | edit source]

Mannosidosis is classified into two types: Alpha-mannosidosis and Beta-mannosidosis. Alpha-mannosidosis is further divided into three types based on the age of onset and severity of symptoms: Type I (mild), Type II (moderate), and Type III (severe).

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of mannosidosis vary widely and can include developmental delay, mental retardation, hearing impairment, muscular weakness, hydrocephalus, hepatomegaly, and skeletal deformities. Some individuals may also have immune deficiency, leading to recurrent infections.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of mannosidosis is based on the clinical symptoms, biochemical analysis of urine and blood, and genetic testing. The definitive diagnosis is made by measuring the activity of the alpha-mannosidase enzyme in the blood or skin cells.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

There is currently no cure for mannosidosis. Treatment is supportive and aims to manage the symptoms. This may include physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy for developmental delays, and hearing aids for hearing loss. In some cases, enzyme replacement therapy may be used.

See also[edit | edit source]

Mannosidosis Resources
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