Prevalence of classic erythrocyte polymorphisms among 749 children in southern highland Rwanda.

Abstract

Classic erythrocyte polymorphisms were assessed by PCR-based methods among 749 children in southern highland Rwanda. Sickle cell trait, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, and α(+)-thalassaemia were observed in 2.8%, 9.6%, and 15.1%, respectively. Malariologic parameters did not correlate with these traits. Haemoglobin concentrations were significantly reduced in α(+)-thalassaemia but only homozygosity (0.8%) was a rare cause of anaemia in this population. The frequencies of malaria-protective polymorphisms reflect the high altitude (1700-1800 metres) of the study area. α(+)-thalassaemia and G6PD deficiency have previously been underestimated in Rwanda which may be of importance in the diagnosis and treatment of common childhood diseases.

• Authors: Jean-Bosco Gahutu, André Musemakweri, Gundel Harms, Frank P Mockenhaupt
• Journal: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg) Vol. 106 Issue 1 Pg. 63-5 (Jan 2012) ISSN: 1878-3503 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 22018599 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Altitude
• Anemia (genetics)
• Child, Preschool
• Erythrocytes
• Female
• Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (epidemiology, genetics)
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Malaria (epidemiology, genetics)
• Male
• Polymorphism, Genetic
• Prevalence
• Rwanda (epidemiology)
• Sickle Cell Trait (epidemiology, genetics)
• alpha-Thalassemia (epidemiology, genetics)