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Updated: Feb 4, 2026
Metabolic Mapping: Quantitative Enzyme Cytochemistry and Histochemistry to Determine the Activity of Dehydrogenases in Cells and Tissues
Published on: May 26, 2018
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity measured by spectrophotometry and associated genetic variants from the
Nora Kießling1, Joaquin Brintrup2, Ahmed Zeynudin3
1Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Leopoldstrasse 5, 80802, Munich, Germany.
Background:
The study aimed to gain first data on the prevalence of G6PD enzyme deficiency measured by spectrophotometry and associated genetic variants in Jimma and surroundings, Ethiopia. The area is a Plasmodium vivax endemic region, but 8-aminoquinolines such as primaquine are not recommended as G6PD testing is not available.
Methods:
Healthy volunteers were recruited at Jimma University, Ethiopia. Enzyme activity was tested by spectrophotometry at the University of Ulm, Germany. A G6PD RDT (Binax NOW® G6PD, Alere, USA) was additionally performed. The G6PD gene was analysed for polymorphisms in a sub-population. Tests for haemoglobinopathies and the presence of malaria parasites were conducted.
Results:
No severe or moderate (cut-off 60%) G6PD deficiency was found in 206 volunteers. Median male activity was 6.1 U/g Hb. Eleven participants (5.4%) showed activities between 70 and 80%. No haemoglobinopathy was detected. None of the subjects showed asymptomatic parasitaemia. One G6PD-A+ variant (A376G) and one new non-synonymous mutation (G445A) were found.
Conclusions:
As the prevalence of G6PD deficiency seems low in this area, the use of 8-aminoquinolines should be encouraged. However, reliable G6PD testing methods have to be implemented and safe cut-off levels need to be defined.
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