What is an X-linked recessive disease?
An X-linked recessive disease is an inherited disease that typically is seen only in males. Females may “carry” the disease, but are usually not affected. An X-linked recessive disease may “skip” generations, carried by females. Approximately half of the sons of a carrier mother will be affected by the disease, and approximately half of the daughters of a carrier mother will also be carriers. All daughters of an affected male will be carriers of the disease. However, sons can never inherit an X-linked disease from their father.
