Red cell genetic abnormalities and environmental interactions: a study in Tehamat Aseer.

In a study conducted in the lowland areas of Tehamat Aseer and low mountainous areas of Al-Hepatah in the South Western Province of Saudi Arabia, different villages were screened for parasite infestation, anaemia prevalence and frequency of sickle cell (HbS) gene. The prevalence of alpha- and beta-thalassaemias and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency were also investigated. The prevalence of anaemia was found to range between 3.5% and 9.1% in the different villages, while parasite infestation ranged from 0 to 36.4%. Sickle cell gene frequency was similar in the different villages, ranging between 0.06% and 0.11%. G-6-PD deficiency ranged from 8% to 14%, alpha-thalassaemia from 20% to 30% and beta-thalassaemia from 10% to 15%. Parasite infestation was found to be a major cause of anaemia in these populations.