Krabbe disease (also known as globoid cell leukodystrophy or galactosylceramide lipidosis) is a rare, often fatal degenerative disorder that affects the nervous system. This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Worldwide, Krabbe disease occurs in about 1 in 100,000–200,000 births. A higher incidence (6 cases per 1,000 live births) has been reported in a few isolated communities in Israel.

Krabbe disease is caused by mutations in the GALC gene, which causes a deficiency of an enzyme called galactosylceramidase. The buildup of undigested fats affects the growth of the nerve’s protective myelin sheath (the covering that insulates many nerves) and causes severe degeneration of mental and motor skills. As part of a group of disorders known as leukodystrophies, Krabbe disease results from the imperfect growth and development of myelin.

Infants with Krabbe disease are normal at birth. Symptoms begin between the ages of 3 and 6 months with irritability, inexplicable crying, fevers, limb stiffness, seizures, feeding difficulties, vomiting, and slowing of mental and motor development. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, spasticity, deafness, optic atrophy and blindness, paralysis, and difficulty when swallowing. Prolonged weight loss may also occur. There are also juvenile- and adult-onset cases of Krabbe disease, which have similar symptoms but slower progression.