[Hemoglobin C in a hospital milieu in Bamako (Mali)]

An hospital survey, performed in Bamako (Mali, West Africa) showed 7.5% haemoglobin AC, 0.4% haemoglobin CC, 1.6% haemoglobin SC and 0.2% haemoglobin CA (haemoglobin C-beta+thalassaemia). Haemoglobin C was mostly prevalent among Bobo, Mossi, Senoufo, Minianka and Dogon coming from the Southern border of Mali. Haemoglobin SC and to a lesser extent haemoglobins CC and CA often induce haemolysis and vasoocclusion. Microcytosis is common, even in the absence of anaemia.