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Incidence of abnormal haemoglobin traits among Gambian children

C A Facer, J Brown

    Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
    |January 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study investigated hemoglobin types in 343 Gambian children, detailing the prevalence of sickle cell (Hb-S) and hemoglobin C (Hb-C) traits. A rare hemoglobin variant, Hb-A + N, was also identified in one child.

    Area of Science:

    • Hematology
    • Genetics
    • Pediatrics

    Background:

    • Hemoglobin variants are common in many populations, particularly in regions with a history of malaria.
    • Understanding the distribution of hemoglobin traits like sickle cell and hemoglobin C is crucial for public health initiatives.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the electrophoretic mobility of hemoglobin in a cohort of Gambian children.
    • To describe the incidence and distribution of sickle cell (Hb-S) and hemoglobin C (Hb-C) traits in this population.
    • To compare current findings with previous epidemiological reports on hemoglobinopathies in The Gambia.

    Main Methods:

    • Electrophoretic analysis of hemoglobin.
    • Sample collection from 343 Gambian children aged two months to ten years.

    Main Results:

    • The study characterized the electrophoretic mobility of hemoglobin in the studied children.
    • The incidence of Hb-S and Hb-C traits was documented.
    • One case of the rare Hb-A + N variant was identified.

    Conclusions:

    • The findings provide updated data on hemoglobin trait distribution in Gambian children.
    • The identification of Hb-A + N highlights the genetic diversity of hemoglobin in the region.
    • Continued surveillance of hemoglobinopathies is important for managing genetic blood disorders.

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