Increased microerythrocyte count in homozygous alpha(+)-thalassaemia contributes to protection against severe malarial anaemia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The heritable haemoglobinopathy alpha(+)-thalassaemia is caused by the reduced synthesis of alpha-globin chains that form part of normal adult haemoglobin (Hb). Individuals homozygous for alpha(+)-thalassaemia have microcytosis and an increased erythrocyte count. Alpha(+)-thalassaemia homozygosity confers considerable protection against severe malaria, including severe malarial anaemia (SMA) (Hb concentration < 50 g/l), but does not influence parasite count. We tested the hypothesis that the erythrocyte indices associated with alpha(+)-thalassaemia homozygosity provide a haematological benefit during acute malaria.

Methods and findings

Data from children living on the north coast of Papua New Guinea who had participated in a case-control study of the protection af

SUBMITTER: Fowkes FJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2267813 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature