Prevalence of the sickle cell trait among students in a physical education college in Côte-d'Ivoire

The prevalence of sickle cell trait (SCT), was studied in 263 students enrolled in a physical education college in Côte-d'Ivoire. Most of the students were athletes of average training level, but some competed at an international level. The prevalence of SCT (hemoglobin AS), observed in the student population (13.7%) was not significantly different from that of the general population (12%) of Côte-d'Ivoire and did not differ between sexes. The percentage of international level athletes was similar in SCT (25%) and control (hemoglobin AA) groups (25.7%). Particular activities practised by SCT international level athletes were individual track events (sprint race, 400 m race and long and high jump) as well as team sports (football and handball), indicating the excellent aptitude for aerobic and anaerobic metabolic activities. As none of the international athletes engaged in endurance activities, no conclusions can be drawn regarding either the aptitude of SCT subjects for intense and prolonged exertion or a possible limitation of oxygen transport produced by their hemoglobinopathy.