Which of the following is a condition associated with chronic lung infections and obstruction, primarily due to the CFTR gene mutation?

Cystic Fibrosis is indeed a condition associated with chronic lung infections and obstruction, primarily caused by mutations in the CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator) gene. This gene encodes a protein that is critical for regulating the movement of salt and water across epithelial membranes. When the CFTR gene is mutated, it disrupts the balance of salt and water in various tissues, leading to the production of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and other organs.

The thick mucus in the lungs creates an environment conducive to persistent bacterial infections, resulting in chronic respiratory issues. This also leads to airway obstruction, difficulty breathing, and can ultimately cause significant lung damage over time, making respiratory complications a hallmark of the disease. Other complications may also arise from its effects on the pancreas and digestive system, but the primary association with lung health is a defining characteristic of Cystic Fibrosis.

The other conditions listed, such as Beta Thalassemia, Alpha Thalassemia, and Sickle Cell Trait, are primarily associated with disorders of hemoglobin and red blood cells and do not have the same impact on lung function or relate to CFTR gene mutations.