Author(s): Kalpana Kulkarni

Abstract:
Sickle cell anemia is a genetically inherited disease caused by mutated version of the gene that helps make haemoglobin – a protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Sickle cell (HbSS) is a genetic disease. People who carry only one copy of the sickle cell gene do not have the disease, but may pass the gene on to their children. Sickle cell haemoglobin cells are sticky and form in to the shape of sickle, or the letter ‘c’ when they lose their oxygen. These sickle cells tend to cluster together and cannot easily move through the blood vessels. The cluster causes a blockage and stops the movement of healthy, normal oxygen-carrying blood. This blockage is what causes the painful and damaging complications of sickle cell disease. The ability of the blood cells to carry oxygen is especially important in pregnancy. The sickling and anaemia may result in lower amounts of oxygen going to the foetus and slowed foetal growth. In the present study sickle cell disease was found to be highly prevalent in the tribal population of Boudha Pardhans, Govaris and less prevalent in Banjaras, Gond, Matang etc Individuals from Wardha positive for SCA in study area belongs to ‘boudha’ caste 3.70%, and 3.34% individuals were from Nagpur.