Carrier detection in X-linked diseases

Some forty years ago J. B. S. Haldane proposed some estimates concerning the incidence and new occurrence of mutations producing X-linked lethal disorders. As is described in this article, recent results indicate that Haldane's estimates may have been incorrect, that there may be a possible heterozygote advantage in some X-linked diseases, and that certain X-linked diseases may be controllable through improved carrier detection programmes.