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.

 
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