© Kamla-Raj 2002                                                                       Int J Hum Genet, 2(3): 161-167 (2002)

Epidemiology of Sickle Cell Disorder in the state of Maharashtra

S. L. Kate and D. P. Lingojwar

Department of Genetics, B.J. Medical College, Pune 411 001, Maharashtra, India

Key words Sickle cell anaemia; backward communities; Maharashtra.

Abstract Sickle cell disease is a major genetic disorder amongst Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and other backward communities (OBC) population groups of Maharashtra. We modified diagnosis technique and developed simple laboratory technology to identify carrier (Hb SS) and sufferer (Hb AS) suitable for field work. In order to find out prevalence for sickle cell disorder we screened major communities from the state and found high prevalence amongst SC, ST and OBC. The overall prevalence amongst SC, ST and OBC is 10%. Severe joint pains and milder type of jaundice are peculiar symptoms amongst sicklers from the state of Maharashtra.

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