Prevalence of the GJB2 mutations and the del(GJB6-D13S1830) mutation in Brazilian patients with deafness.

Mutations in the GJB2 gene are the most common cause of sensorineural non-syndromic deafness in different populations. One specific mutation, 35delG, has accounted for the majority of the mutations detected in the GJB2 gene in many countries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of GJB2 mutations and the del(GJB6-D13S1830) mutation in non-syndromic deaf Brazilians. The 33 unrelated probands were examined by clinical evaluation to exclude syndromic forms of deafness. Mutation analysis in the GJB2 gene and the testing for the del(GJB6-D13S1830) were performed in both the patients and their family members. The 35delG mutation was found in nine of the probands or in 14 of the mutated alleles. The V37I mutation and the del(GJB6-D13S1830) mutation were also found in two patients, both are compound heterozygote with 35delG mutation. These findings strengthen the importance of genetic diagnosis, providing early treatment, and genetic counseling of deaf patients.