BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of cystic fibrosis (CF) is poorly known in North 
African populations, in particular in Morocco and the CF carrier frequency in 
the general Moroccan population has never been evaluated.
METHODS: To estimate the prevalence of CF mutations in Morocco, blood samples 
from 150 healthy Moroccans were tested for frequent CFTR mutations and the 
intron 8 polyT variant.
RESULTS: Two subjects were heterozygous for F508del and eight others for the 
(T)5 variant.
CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the Moroccan population is at risk for 
CF and CFTR-related disorders. CF prevalence could be in the range of that found 
in European populations. Wider studies are necessary to identify the clinical 
pattern and accurately determine the prevalence and molecular basis of CF in 
Morocco.