Hemoglobin S Trait: Healthy Carrier?

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Carriers of sickle cell disease, identified as having hemoglobin AS, are generally considered healthy and not affected by hemoglobinopathy in the same way individuals with sickle cell disease are. These carriers may actually have a health advantage in malaria-endemic regions due to their genetic makeup, which offers some protection against malaria. However, their health status can be relative to environmental factors and other genetic backgrounds, and there may be slight disadvantages in non-malarial environments. Overall, while carriers are typically healthy, their health can be context-dependent.
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If a person is a carrier for sickle cell disease or has hemoglobin AS, then does this mean that the carrier is not affected by hemoglobinopathy? (He/she is normal/healthy?)

Thank you.
 
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Soaring Crane said:
If a person is a carrier for sickle cell disease or has hemoglobin AS, then does this mean that the carrier is not affected by hemoglobinopathy? (He/she is normal/healthy?)

Thank you.

Yes, or healthy enough. And surely you have or will come across the story of why they are HEALTHIER than people with only A in certain environments, explaining why S became as common as it did?
 
Thanks, epenguin. Yes, they are protected from malaria?
 
Soaring Crane said:
Thanks, epenguin. Yes, they are protected from malaria?

That's right. Suggesting that 'healthy' is often only relative to an environment. (And sometimes to other genetic background).
I can't say whether they may not have some slight disadvantage away from the malarial environments.
 

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