Scientists in Canada say they have identified a defective gene which may be responsible for miscarriage in a large number of women.

One of the researchers Peter Wells told the BBC the problem was caused by difficiency of an enzyme G-6-P-D -- a protein compound in genes, which made pregnant women more likely to miscarry or lose babies soon after birth.

The research team says this type of genetic defect is mostly found in women in Africa, Asia and the Mediterranean region. About four hundred million people -- seven per cent of the world's population -- have the defective gene. The scientists said the research may lead to cure, in the long term, to the problem.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service