Prevalence of classic erythrocyte polymorphisms among 749 children in southern highland Rwanda.
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.
Butare University Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Rwanda, P. O. Box 264, Butare, Rwanda.
Jean-Bosco
JB
Gahutu
André
A
Musemakweri
Gundel
G
Harms
Frank P
FP
Mockenhaupt
D000531:Altitude; D000740:Anemia / Q000235:genetics; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004912:Erythrocytes; D005260:Female; D005955:Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008288:Malaria / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D015995:Prevalence; D012432:Rwanda / Q000453:epidemiology; D012805:Sickle Cell Trait / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D017085:alpha-Thalassemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*