Haemoglobinopathies in the Northern Darfur state, stratified by tribes and ages

Abstract

Background: Northern Darfur state in Sudan has a multiethnic population with a high frequency of anaemia, but little is known about the distribution of abnormal Hb in the population. The objective of this study is to appraise the frequency of haemoglobinopathies in Northern Darfur state, stratified by tribes. Material and Methods: 526 individuals were recruited randomly from thirteen different areas of Northern Darfur. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) was used to evaluate Hb variants. For each case family histories, age, ethnicity and clinical symptoms were recorded. Results: HbSS was found in three tribes, stratified this way: 2.9 % in the Fur tribe, 2.7% Bartey and 1.5% Zagawa , whereas HbAS was detected in eight tribes, stratified this way, 23% Keneen , 18% Rezegat , 13.4% Fur, 10.7 Zagawa , 9.5% Bartey , 8.3% Ziadya , 6.6% Tama and 5.4% Tongour . For the first time in the tribes of Northern Darfur state, the unknown Hb variant was found. Over-expression, one patients was found with HbA = 43.1%, HbS = 48.8%, HbA₂ = 2.9% and HbF = 5%. This result may represent a HbS with a mild Beta plus thalassaemia. Conclusion: Health education and screening are suggested as ways of avoiding the risk of Hb abnormality in the future. A new Hb variant is apparent in Northern Darfur, in addition to the known abnormal Hb. Therefore further investigations including DNA sequencing are required.