Abstract

PENALOZA-ESPINOSA, Rosenda I et al. Hemoglobin S frequency in five Mexican populations and its importance in public health. Salud pública Méx [online]. 2008, vol.50, n.4, pp.325-329. ISSN 0036-3634.

OBJECTIVE: To provide information regarding the heterozygote frequency for hemoglobin S (HbS) in five Mexican populations, the Haplotype in five S chromosomes, and underscore its importance for public health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 162 samples from three Nahua populations (Atocpan and Tlacotenco, DF, and Ixhuatlancillo, Veracruz) and 131 from mestizo populations (Coyolillo and Poza Rica, Veracruz) were studied after obtaining informed consent. The hemoglobin type was determined by electrophoresis, and DNA in leucocytes was obtained from five HbS samples. The haplotype was determined by PCR and cut with restrictases, according to literature. RESULTS:We found one heterozygote for hemoglobin S (0.6%) among Nahua and 18 among Mestizo groups (13.7%). Four haplotypes were Bantu and one was Benin. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are important to public health for populations with a high frequency of HbS, to inform and provide genetic counseling for carriers and medical attention to patients.

Keywords : sickle cell anemia; falciform anemia; hemoglobin S disease; Mexico.