[Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Algeria]

The normal level of G6PD activity of the red cells is 6.6 +/- 1.6 i.u/g Hb in men and 6.9 +/- 1.6 i.u./g Hb in women. The histogram of the distribution in the population is not symmetrical. G6PD deficiency is present in Algeria at the national level of 3% (+/- 0.5). The level is less high in the mountainous areas of arab culture, higher in the berber culture and in the Shara. Numerous new variants have been detected in Algeria. The G6PD deficiency predominating in Algeria is of Kabyle type, followed by Laghouat and El-Qued types. Types A-, A+ and Ibaden Austin of negro origin exist in the Sahara population. The Mediterranean type is not found in the Algerian population. The clinical manifestations are rare.