Haemoglobin genotype in a sub-urban commercial community in Nigeria.

Abstract

We examined 510 healthy people aged, 2 years to 60 years, to ascertain the predominance of sickle cell disease and trait among the sub-urban population of Nnewi and environs. The subjects were selected randomly from volunteers of two primary schools and secondary schools as well as from a market community in Nnewi. Their blood samples were collected by aseptic technique into labeled EDTA containers, and were stored in the refrigerator at 40 oC. they were analyzed within two days for the sickling test and Haemoglobin electrophoresis. The sampling was done between the months of February 1997 and July 1997. The hemoglobin electrophoretic pattern showed a distribution of 80, 4% Hb.AA; 19.2% Hb.AS; 0.4% Hb.AC; Hb.SS and Hb.SC 0%. This finding will serve as a guide in genetic counseling of would be couples in marriage. It will also help to eradicate the incidence of Hb.SS homozygotes with all its attendant social problem, as well as the double-heterozygotes Hb.SC.


Journal of Biomedical Investigation 2004;2(1): 42-45