Sickle Cell Ball Game..., yes picking a green ball(A) and a red ball (S) means the child has haemoglobin genotype AS (sickle cell trait). Individuals with sickle cell trait do not have the disease and do not in principle exhibit the symptoms of sickle cell disease. they only possess one of the sickle cell gene and thus can transmit it to their child. However in conditions of extreme low oxygen levels such as in unpressurized cabins of aircrafts or extreme/vigorous and strenuous exercise especially in high altitudes, their red blood cells may sickle and they become symptomatic. Sickle cell trait also confers a protective advantage for Malaria. A cohort study done in Kenya[1] showed an overall 60% reduction in malaria mortality for individuals with HbAS when compared with their counterparts with HbAA. 1. Protective Effects of the Sickle Cell Gene Against Malaria Morbidity and Mortality. Aidoo M, Terlouw DJ, Kolczak MS, McElroy PD, ter Kuile FO, Kariuki S, Nahlen BL, Lal AA, Udhayakumar V. Lancet 2002; 359:1311-1312.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 23:59:01 +0000
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