[Consanguinity and public health. Algerian study].

The frequency of consanguinity in Algeria and its impact on the national health were computed through several studies: demographic inquiries (national census) and inquiries in local hospitals, either in maternity services, where congenital malformations were recorded, or in pediatric services, consisting of hospitalized children or children seen in general or specialized consultation. The results demonstrated that consanguinity is very frequent (22 to 25%) predominantly "first cousin marriages". It has adverse consequences on infant mortality, with unexpected polymalformations or neural tube malformations, hematologic diseases, juvenile diabetes and recessively inherited diseases (neurological diseases were not studied here). The social causes of such a high incidence of consanguinity in Algeria are discussed. Measures to put into action in order to rapidly change the customs of the country are suggested.