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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology
An up-date on the prevalence of sickle cell trait in Eastern and Western Uganda
BMC Blood Disorders, Volume 10, Article 5, Year 2010
Notification
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Description
Background: The first survey on sickle cell disease (SCD) done in Uganda in 1949, reported the district of Bundibugyo in Western Uganda to have the highest sickle cell trait (SCT) prevalence (45%). This is believed to be the highest in the whole world. According to the same survey, the prevalence of SCT in the districts of Mbale and Sironko in the East was 20-28%, whilst the districts of Mbarara and Ntungamo in the West had 1-5%. No follow-up surveys have been conducted over the past 60 years. SCA accounts for approximately 16.2% of all pediatric deaths in Uganda. The pattern of SCT inheritance, however, predicts likely changes in the prevalence and distribution of the SCT. The objective of the study therefore was to establish the current prevalence of the SCT in Uganda.Methods: This study was a cross sectional survey which was carried out in the districts of Mbale and Sironko in the Eastern, Mbarara/Ntungamo and Bundibugyo in Western Uganda. The participants were children (6 months-5 yrs). Blood was collected from each subject and analyzed for hemoglobin S using cellulose acetate Hb electrophoresis.Results: The established prevalence of the SCT (As) in Eastern Uganda was 17.5% compared to 13.4% and 3% in Bundibugyo and Mbarara/Ntungamo respectively. 1.7% of the children in Eastern Uganda tested positive for haemoglobin ss relative to 3% in Bundibugyo, giving gene frequencies of 0.105 and 0.097 for the recessive gene respectively. No ss was detected in Mbarara/Ntungamo.Conclusions: A shift in the prevalence of the SCT and ss in Uganda is notable and may be explained by several biological and social factors. This study offers some evidence for the possible outcome of intermarriages in reducing the incidence of the SCT. © 2010 Okwi et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
Authors & Co-Authors
Okwi, Andrew Livex
Uganda, Kampala
Makerere University
Byarugaba, Wilson
Uganda, Kampala
Kampala International University
Ndugwa, Christopher Magala
Uganda, Kampala
Makerere University
Parkes, Arthur
United Kingdom, Cardiff
Cardiff University
Ocaido, Michael
Uganda, Kampala
Makerere University
Tumwine, James Kashugyera
Uganda, Kampala
Makerere University
Statistics
Citations: 47
Authors: 6
Affiliations: 3
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1186/1471-2326-10-5
e-ISSN:
14712326
Research Areas
Genetics And Genomics
Maternal And Child Health
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Cohort Study
Study Approach
Quantitative
Study Locations
Uganda