[Malaria hypothesis--the significance of the hereditary red cell traits Hb S and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in malaria (author's transl)].

The high frequencies of the Hb S and G6PD-deficiency genes in the tropics are explained by their relative resistance against malarial infection. They may confer advantage through lower infection rates or through lower parasitaemia. There is evidence that heterozygote carriers of these genes are partially protected. The mechanism of resistance is known for Hb S but not completely understood for the G6PD-deficiency gene. Other red cell factors are discussed with respect to innate resistance against malaria.