Frequencies of sickle cell trait and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency differ in highland and nearby lowland malaria-endemic areas of Kenya.

Sickle cell genotype prevalence was 26% in a malaria-holoendemic lowland area compared with 3% in a highland area of Kenya. The prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency was 7% and 1% in holoendemic lowland and highland areas, respectively. Lack of protective polymorphisms may contribute to morbidity and mortality during outbreaks of malaria in the highlands.