Simple method for screening of alpha-thalassaemia 1 carriers.
Alpha-thalassaemia 1 genetic disorder occurs when there is a deletion of two linked alpha-globin genes. The interaction between these abnormal genes leads to the most severe type of thalassaemia disease, haemoglobin (Hb) Bart's hydrops fetalis. The identification of alpha-thalassaemia 1 carriers and genetic counselling are essential for the prevention and control of severe thalassaemia diseases. In this study, we have developed a rapid screening method for identifying alpha-thalassaemia 1. A sandwich-type immunochromatographic (IC) strip test was developed, using the generated monoclonal anti-Hb Bart's antibody, to trace the Hb Bart's in haemolysates. When assayed by our IC strip test, all alpha-thalassaemia 1, HbH disease, HbH-Constant Spring (H-CS) disease, HbH-CS and heterozygous HbE (CSEA) Bart's disease, and homozygous alpha-thalassaemia 2 showed positive results. No false negative results were observed in these blood samples. In alpha-thalassaemia 2 heterozygotes, 83% of them showed positive reactivity. Among HbE (both homozygotes and heterozygotes), beta-thalassaemia (heterozygotes, homozygotes and beta-thalassaemia/HbE) and normal subjects, the IC strip test revealed negative reactivity of 100, 85 and 97%, respectively. These results indicate that this novel immunodiagnostic kit, in combination with red blood cell indices, is suitable for screening and ruling out mass populations for the presence of alpha-thalassaemia 1.
Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Biomedical Technology Research Center, National Sciences and Technology Development Agency, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Chatchai
C
Tayapiwatana
Surakit
S
Kuntaruk
Thanusak
T
Tatu
Sawitree
S
Chiampanichayakul
Thongperm
T
Munkongdee
Pranee
P
Winichagoon
Suthat
S
Fuchareon
Watchara
W
Kasinrerk
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D002845:Chromatography; D006455:Hemoglobins, Abnormal / Q000276:immunology; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D008722:Methods; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D017085:alpha-Thalassemia / Q000175:diagnosis*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D006455:Hemoglobins, Abnormal; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; C030448:hemoglobin Bart's