Beta-globin gene haplotypes and selected Malaria-associated variants among black Southern African populations. (27th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pule, G. D.; Chimusa, E. R.; Mnika, K.; Mhandire, K.; Kampira, E.; Dandara, C.; Wonkam, A.
• Is Part Of: Global health, epidemiology and genomics. Volume 2(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-11-27
• Subjects: β-globin haplotypes, -- malaria resistance, -- sickle cell disease, -- Southern Africa; World health -- Periodicals; Genomics -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Global Health; Epidemiology; Genomics; Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1017/gheg.2017.14
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2054-4200

Abstract

Abstract : Partial carrier-resistance to Plasmodium falciparum malaria conferred by the sickle cell ( HbS ) mutation has resulted in the local amplification and positive selection of sickle cell disease (SCD) in malaria-endemic regions and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The present study investigated the β -globin gene haplotypes, and selected malaria-associated variants among three cohorts of Bantu-speaking individuals from Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa compared with reports with data from others SSA populations. The data suggest a south-ward frequency decrease of malaria-associated variants in SSA linked to the evolutionary dynamics of various African populations' genomes through selective pressure of malaria. These selected genomics differences, positive selection of SCD in malaria-endemic regions among 'Bantus' from various part of Africa emphasise the evidence of the dissociation between genetics, anthropology and culture. The present study also showed a relatively prevalent Benin haplotype, which is mostly found in West Africa, among Southern African Blacks and very low Bantu haplotype, which could suggest a major migration route, of Southern Africa Bantu, along the African west coast, post-occurrence of the Sickle cell mutation, which date remain to be fully elucidated.