What is sickel cell anemia - I heard only Black People get this?!


Question:

What is sickel cell anemia - I heard only Black People get this?

Me


Answers:

Sickle cell anemia is caused by an inherited disorder of hemoglobin synthesis where a single amino acid, valine, is substituted for the normal glutamic acid. When de-oxygenated, this abnormal hemoglobin (Hb S) becomes elongated and distorts the red blood cells to a shape of a sickle. These red cells have a shortened life span causing anemia and clots in small blood vessels.

The gene causing this disorder is most prevalent in those whose origins are from sub-Saharan Africa, but is also found in persons whose family origins are around the Mediterranean basin such as Italy, Greece, Middle East, etc. Also, since there has been much intermarriage since slavery times, the gene is found in apparently white populations.

So your impression is incorrect. Although sickle cell anemia is more common in persons of African origin, it can also affect people of other ethnic origins.




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