STUDY OF GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE
DEHYDROGENEASE
(G-6-PD) IN ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT: FREQUECNY AND VARIANTS
Eissa M 1 and EL-Shafei S 2
1 Pediatric Department, Alexandria
University, Alexandria, Egypt
2 Human Genetic Department, Alexandria
University, Alexandria, Egypt
Objective: To detect the frequency
of different genetic variants of G-6-PD enzyme in a sample of children from
Alexandria, EGYPT.
Methods: One thousand and fifteen males were
randomly selected. Screening of G-6-PD deficiency using Sigma Diagnostic
qualitative kit. Electrophoresis was done to detect G-6-PD variants. The
normal enzyme is designated G-6-PD-B. A faster but normal variant is
G-6-PD-A and two abnormal variants B- and A-.
Results: The frequency of Glucose-6-Phosphate
Dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficient variants was 6.2%. Two normal variants
were detected in 952 cases
(93.8%); B-variant was present in 918 cases (90.4%) and the
A-variant was present in 34 cases (3.4%). Abnormal variants were found in
63 cases (6.2%). Of them 13 cases (20.6%) had B- variant. 22
cases (35.0%) had the absent variant, 22 cases (35.0%) had A-
variant, four cases (6.3%) had ß-thalassemia A- ariant and two
cases (3.1%) had a rare type of variant (the presence of 2 G-6-PD band on
electrophoresis).
Conclusion: G-6-PD deficiency is
very heterogeneous in Egypt. Egypt has been a crossroad of trade
and war for centuries. Nearly all the detected variants have been
previously found in areas with which Egypt has long contact. This indicates
a genetic kinship between Egyptians and the inhabitants of these regions,
which possibly extends to the Indian subcontinent.