Haemoglobinopathies and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in a malaria endemic region of Manipur, northeast India

Abstract

This study deals with the screening of haemoglobinopathies and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency among three population groups of Manipur, namely 302 Pangan (Manipuri Muslim), 300 Bamon (Manipuri Brahmin), and 111 Kabui (tribal) individuals. Blood samples were collected by finger prick method and were screened for abnormal haemoglobins by using the Naked Eye Single Tube Red Cell Osmotic Fragility Test. The male samples of Pangan (136), Bamon (127), and Kabui (51) were also screened for G6PD deficiency by the Fluorescent Spot Test. The alarmingly high frequencies of these two genetic disorders demand an immediate attention towards the general awareness for their prevention and management in Manipur and other neighbouring states. © 2010 The Anthropological Society of Nippon.