Answer
The historical Count Dracula may have suffered from (a) Porphyria. Certain enzymes needed to form the heme of hemoglobin of blood are lacking. Without the enzymes, metabolic intermediates of the heme pathway called porphyrins build up, spill into the circulation, and eventually cause lesions throughout the body, especially when exposed to sunlight. The fingers, toes, and nose are disfigured, gums degenerate and teeth become prominent.
Work Step by Step
The historical Count Dracula may have suffered from (a) Porphyria. Certain enzymes needed to form the heme of hemoglobin of blood are lacking. Without the enzymes, metabolic intermediates of the heme pathway called porphyrins build up, spill into the circulation, and eventually cause lesions throughout the body, especially when exposed to sunlight. The fingers, toes, and nose are disfigured, gums degenerate and teeth become prominent.
