Incidence of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) Deficiency in Apparently Healthy Individuals in Some Parts of North Central Nigeria

Abstract

A community based study of the incidence of G-6-PD deficiency in apparently healthy individuals in Jos South (Plateau State) and Jaba (Kaduna State) Local Government Areas (LGAs) of North Central Nigeria was carried-out. The screening of G-6-PD deficiency was performed on 270 subjects which comprised 120 individuals resident in Jaba and 150 in Jos South LGAs. The results were analysed according to G-6-PD activity, sex, genotype, marital status and age group. The results showed that 56 (20.7%) were G-6-PD deficient with females having higher incidence of 35 (12.0%) than 21(7.8%) in males. The incidence of the deficiency was higher in Jos South with 34(22.7%) than Jaba with 22(18.3%). Twenty six (9.6%) of the total population sampled had reduced G-6-PD activity while 30(11.1%) subjects were totally deficient in the enzyme activity. Within the deficient females, the heterozygotes were twice the number of homozygotes. With respect to marital status, unmarried had a higher incidence of G-6-PD deficiency occurring in 45(16.67%) than the married with 11(4.1%) subjects. The age group of 16-22 years old recorded highest number of deficient subjects of 23. The result therefore suggests a need for periodic screening of populations before marriage to avoid the transfer of this genetic trait.

Keywords: Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase, haemolysis, jaundice.

Journal of Medical Laboratory Sciences Vol. 14 (2) 2005: pp. 29-34