Alpha-thalassemia among tribal populations of Eastern India

Hemoglobin. 2005;29(4):277-80. doi: 10.1080/03630260500310711.

Abstract

Five hundred and thirteen unrelated subjects belonging to various tribes of West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in Eastern India, were screened for the presence of alpha-thalassemia (thal) gene deletion(s) as a possible cause of unexplained anemia (Hb < 11 g/dL and/or MCH <28 pg, MCV < 78 fL). As reported earlier, beta-globin gene mutant alleles were found with a frequency of up to 20% in some tribes. In the present study, alpha-globin gene deletion alleles were found in 18% of subjects from West Bengal, 3.9% from Arunachal Pradesh and 3.84% from Assam tribesmen. Coexistence of alpha- and beta-globin gene abnormalities was observed in up to 18% of some tribal groups. The high inbreeding rate and lack of appropriate medical care make these populations particularly vulnerable.

MeSH terms

  • Consanguinity
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Testing
  • Globins / genetics
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • India / ethnology
  • Molecular Epidemiology*
  • Population Groups / genetics
  • alpha-Thalassemia / diagnosis
  • alpha-Thalassemia / epidemiology*
  • alpha-Thalassemia / genetics

Substances

  • Globins