Which autosomal recessive disease has the highest prevalence among European-Americans?

Cystic Fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disorder that is notably prevalent among individuals of European descent, particularly those of Northern European ancestry. This condition is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which can lead to the production of thick, sticky mucus that affects the lungs and digestive system. The carrier frequency for Cystic Fibrosis in European-Americans is about 1 in 25, making it one of the most common genetic disorders in this population.

In contrast, while sickle-cell disease is more prevalent in individuals of African descent and thalassemia is more common in Mediterranean and Southeast Asian populations, these conditions do not share the same high prevalence among European-Americans. Hemophilia, primarily a bleeding disorder linked to mutations on the X chromosome, is also not classified as an autosomal recessive disease. Therefore, the significant carrier frequency and the specific genetic background of European-Americans highlight why Cystic Fibrosis is the autosomal recessive disease with the highest prevalence in this population group.