title: The sickle cell gene is widespread in India.
abstract: The sickle cell gene was first described in India in a tribal population in the south, leading to the belief that it was confined to tribal groups. The present study confirms that it is widespread in the state of Orissa and spreads throughout Hindu society, being more common in upper and scheduled castes than in tribal groups.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000235:genetics*; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D012923:Social Class