Hemoglobin S Trait: Healthy Carrier?

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SUMMARY

Individuals with Hemoglobin AS, carriers of sickle cell disease, are generally considered healthy and not affected by hemoglobinopathy in typical environments. Research indicates that these carriers possess a relative health advantage in malaria-endemic regions due to their genetic makeup. However, their health status may vary in non-malarial environments, suggesting that the definition of 'healthy' can be context-dependent.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of hemoglobin variants, specifically Hemoglobin A and S.
  • Knowledge of sickle cell disease and its genetic implications.
  • Familiarity with the relationship between genetics and environmental factors, particularly malaria.
  • Basic concepts of hemoglobinopathy and its effects on health.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the genetic mechanisms of sickle cell disease and Hemoglobin AS.
  • Explore the impact of environmental factors on genetic health advantages.
  • Study the epidemiology of malaria and its interaction with hemoglobin variants.
  • Investigate the broader implications of hemoglobinopathies on public health.
USEFUL FOR

Geneticists, healthcare professionals, public health researchers, and anyone interested in the implications of genetic traits on health and disease resistance.

Soaring Crane
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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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