Beta-globin haplotypes analysis in Afro-Brazilians from the Amazon region: evidence for a significant gene flow from Atlantic West Africa

Beta-globin gene cluster haplotypes were analysed in betaA-, betaS- and betaC-globin gene-bearing chromosomes in black people from Curiau, Pacoval and Trombetas, three communities made up of descendants of African slaves, located in the Northern region of Brazil. The betaA haplotype distribution is consistent with the African origin of the populations, with some degree of local differentiation and admixture with people of Caucasian ancestry and/or Amerindians. In addition, the betaS haplotype distribution (60% Bantu; 30% Senegal and 10% Benin) suggests that although African slaves brought to Northern region have been predominantly from regions where the Bantu haplotype predominates, there is also evidence of the presence of slaves from West Africa, particularly from the Atlantic West.