Frequency of sickle cell gene in Arabia.

Abstract

This study was conducted on the Saudi population from different regions of Saudi Arabia to determine the frequency of sickle cell gene (Hb S). The results revealed that Hb S was present in most of the regions though at significantly variable frequencies. The highest frequency (0.149) was found in Al-Qateef, an eastern province of Saudi Arabia, and the lowest (0.001) were found in the central region. In some areas a close correlation was evident between malaria endemicity and Hb S gene frequency although a low frequency was encountered in some malaria endemic regions.