it is an inherited disease and that it is caused due to the deficiency of an enzyme B-glucocerebrosidase a lysosomal enzyme .Normally this enzyme hydrolyze the glucocerebroside into ceramide and glucose. Int he absence of this enzyme glucocerebrosidase cant be degraded in the body as a result it starts accumulating in the body as 'kerasin' in cells i.e liver, spleen , bone marrow and also brain.
characterstically there is elevation in serum acid phosphate level.
both adults and infants are effected
Infants: loss of weight, fails to grow mentalretardation
Adults: splenomegaly bone pain anaemialeucopenia and thrombocytopenia.